← Design and Technology syllabus

EnglandDesign and Technology

2. Design thinking and communication

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

How do designers get ideas out of their heads and onto paper quickly and clearly?

Communicating design ideas through freehand sketching and annotation: using quick 2D and 3D sketches, notes and labels to generate, develop and explain ideas during the design process.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on communicating design ideas through freehand sketching and annotation, using quick 2D and 3D sketches, notes and labels to generate, develop and explain ideas.
8 min answer →

How does computer-aided design help designers develop, test and present ideas?

Computer-aided design (CAD): using software to model, refine, test and present designs, the advantages and disadvantages of CAD, and how it links to computer-aided manufacture (CAM).
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on computer-aided design: using software to model, refine, test and present designs, the advantages and drawbacks of CAD, and how it links to CAM.
8 min answer →

What is iterative design, and why does OCR build its whole course around the explore, create, evaluate loop?

Iterative design as a repeating cycle of explore, create and evaluate: how it differs from linear design, why testing and feedback drive refinement, and how it underpins the J310 design challenge.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on iterative design: the repeating explore, create and evaluate cycle, how it differs from linear design, and why testing and feedback drive refinement.
9 min answer →

Why do designers build models and prototypes, and what can each kind tell you?

Modelling and prototyping: using sketch models, physical prototypes and mathematical modelling to test, develop and communicate ideas, and the role of prototypes in the iterative process.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on modelling and prototyping: sketch models, physical prototypes and mathematical modelling, and their role in testing, developing and communicating ideas.
9 min answer →

How do designers produce clear 3D and accurate technical drawings, and how does scale work?

Formal drawing techniques: isometric and perspective pictorial drawing, exploded and assembly diagrams, and working (orthographic) drawings with dimensions and scale, used to communicate a design accurately for manufacture.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on formal drawing: isometric and perspective pictorial views, exploded diagrams, and working (orthographic) drawings with dimensions and scale ratios.
10 min answer →