← Design and Technology syllabus

EnglandDesign and Technology

6. The iterative design challenge (NEA)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What does the create stage of the NEA involve, from generating ideas to making the final prototype?

Creating in the NEA: generating and developing ideas, modelling and testing them, planning the manufacture of the final prototype (a production plan with stages, tools and quality checks), and making it safely and accurately.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on the create stage of the NEA: generating and developing ideas, modelling, planning the manufacture of the final prototype, and making it safely and accurately.
9 min answer →

What does the explore stage of the NEA involve, and how do you investigate a context well?

Exploring in the NEA: investigating the contextual challenge, the user and wider stakeholders and existing products, gathering primary and secondary research, and writing a design brief and a measurable specification.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on the explore stage of the NEA: investigating the context, user and existing products, gathering research, and writing a brief and specification.
9 min answer →

What does the evaluate stage of the NEA involve, and how do you judge whether a prototype is fit for purpose?

Evaluating in the NEA: testing ideas and the prototype against the specification and with the user throughout, using feedback to drive iteration, and writing a final evaluation that judges fitness for purpose and suggests improvements.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on the evaluate stage of the NEA: testing against the specification and with the user, using feedback to iterate, and writing a final evaluation judging fitness for purpose.
9 min answer →

How is the J310 non-exam assessment structured, and what does each stage of the explore, create, evaluate cycle demand?

The structure of the J310 Iterative Design Challenge: the explore, create and evaluate cycle, the contextual challenge, the chronological portfolio and final prototype, and how the work is assessed against the OCR criteria.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310 on the structure of the Iterative Design Challenge: the explore, create and evaluate cycle, the contextual challenge, the portfolio and prototype, and the assessment criteria.
9 min answer →