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EnglandDesign and Technology

5. Sustainability and society

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are composite materials and technical textiles, and why do they combine properties traditional materials cannot?

Composite materials and technical textiles: how composites combine two or more materials for properties not possible alone (GRP, CFRP, MDF, concrete), and technical textiles engineered for performance (conductive, fire-resistant, microfibres, Kevlar), with their properties and uses.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on composite materials and technical textiles: GRP and CFRP, how composites combine materials, and technical textiles such as conductive, fire-resistant, microfibres and Kevlar.
9 min answer →

What is the ecological and social footprint of materials and products, and how can designers reduce it?

Ecological and social footprint: the environmental impact of materials and products (resource depletion, pollution, carbon footprint, waste), the social impact (working conditions, communities, fair trade), and how design choices reduce both.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on the ecological and social footprint of materials and products: resource depletion, pollution, carbon footprint and waste, working conditions and fair trade, and how design reduces both.
9 min answer →

What is a product life cycle, and how do the 6 Rs and design for disassembly reduce environmental impact?

Product life cycle and sustainability: the stages of a product's life cycle and life-cycle assessment, the 6 Rs (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle), design for disassembly, maintenance and repair, and the finite nature of resources.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on the product life cycle and the 6 Rs: the life-cycle stages and assessment, the 6 Rs, design for disassembly and repair, and the finite nature of resources.
9 min answer →

What are smart and modern materials, and how do their special properties create new product possibilities?

Smart and modern materials: smart materials that respond to their environment (shape memory alloys, thermochromic and photochromic pigments) and modern materials developed by science (graphene, titanium, metal foams, nanomaterials), their properties and uses.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on smart and modern materials: shape memory alloys, thermochromic and photochromic pigments, graphene, titanium, metal foams and nanomaterials, their properties and uses.
9 min answer →

How do social, cultural, ethical and inclusive issues shape the products designers make?

Social, cultural, ethical and inclusive issues in design: how products reflect and are influenced by cultural and social factors, the role of inclusive and accessible design, ethical issues such as planned obsolescence, and the influence of design movements and designers.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on social, cultural, ethical and inclusive issues in design: cultural influence, inclusive and accessible design, planned obsolescence, and the influence of design movements.
9 min answer →