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WalesDesign and Technology

Unit 3 Technical Principles

10 dot points across 10 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do composites and technical textiles combine materials to outperform a single material?

Composite materials (GRP, CFRP, concrete, plywood) that combine a matrix and reinforcement, and technical and performance textiles (Gore-Tex, Kevlar, microfibres, conductive textiles) engineered for specific functions.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 composite materials and technical textiles, covering how composites combine a matrix and reinforcement (GRP, carbon fibre reinforced polymer, concrete, plywood) and how technical or performance textiles such as Gore-Tex, Kevlar and conductive fabrics are engineered for specific functions.
12 min answer →

How does the planned scale of production shape the way a product is designed and made?

Scales of production (one-off, batch, mass and continuous), design for manufacture and assembly, tolerances, quality control and the use of jigs, templates and standard components.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 design for manufacture and scales of production, covering one-off, batch, mass and continuous production, design for manufacture and assembly, tolerances and quality control, and aids such as jigs, templates and standard components.
12 min answer →

How have designers, companies and design movements shaped products and design practice?

The influence of past and present designers, design companies and design movements (Bauhaus, Art Deco, Memphis, Modernism) on the styling, function and values of products.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 design influences, covering how past and present designers, design companies and design movements (such as Bauhaus, Art Deco, Memphis and Modernism) have shaped the styling, function and values of products, and how to analyse a product's design influences.
12 min answer →

How do designers generate, develop and communicate ideas effectively?

Design strategies (user-centred, iterative and collaborative design) and methods of communicating design ideas - freehand and formal drawing, modelling, CAD and CAM - and their roles in development.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 design thinking and communication, covering design strategies (user-centred, iterative and collaborative design) and the methods designers use to generate, develop and communicate ideas, including freehand sketching, formal drawing systems, modelling, CAD and CAM.
12 min answer →

How is an electronic product built from input, process and output sub-systems, and where do programmable components fit?

Electronic systems as input-process-output sub-systems, common sensors and components, and programmable components (microcontrollers) that make products smarter, more functional and reprogrammable.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 electronic systems and programmable components, covering the input-process-output systems model, common input sensors and output devices, and how programmable microcontrollers make products more functional, flexible and reprogrammable.
12 min answer →

How is a product's full environmental impact assessed, and how can design reduce it at every stage?

Life cycle assessment (raw materials, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal) and design strategies that lower impact across the life cycle, including design for disassembly, repair and recycling.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 life cycle assessment, covering the five stages of a product's life (raw materials, manufacture, distribution, use, disposal) and how design for disassembly, repair and recycling lowers environmental impact across the whole life cycle.
12 min answer →

How do mechanisms change the type, direction and magnitude of movement and force?

Types of motion (linear, rotary, reciprocating, oscillating) and mechanical devices - levers, linkages, gears, pulleys, cams and followers, cranks - that change motion and provide mechanical advantage.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 mechanical devices and movement, covering the four types of motion (linear, rotary, reciprocating, oscillating) and mechanisms such as levers, linkages, gears, pulleys, cams and cranks that change the type, direction and magnitude of motion and force, including mechanical advantage and velocity ratio.
13 min answer →

What are smart and modern materials, and how do their responsive properties enable new products?

Smart materials that respond to a change in their environment (shape memory alloys, thermochromic and photochromic pigments, quantum tunnelling composite, electroluminescent and piezoelectric materials) and modern materials developed through new processes.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 smart and modern materials, covering materials that respond to their environment (shape memory alloys, thermochromic and photochromic pigments, quantum tunnelling composite, piezoelectric and electroluminescent materials) and modern materials such as precious metal clay and polymorph.
12 min answer →

How do forces act on a structure, and how is a structure designed to resist them?

Types of force (tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion) and stress in structures, and techniques for reinforcing and strengthening structures (triangulation, webbing, beams, folding and laminating).
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 structures, forces and stresses, covering the types of force (tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion), how stress acts on a structure, and techniques for strengthening and reinforcing structures such as triangulation, beams, webbing, folding and laminating.
12 min answer →

What are the wider social, moral, ethical and commercial responsibilities of a designer?

The wider impact of design - social, moral and ethical issues, inclusive design, standards and legislation, the consequences of consumerism, and the role of enterprise and the designer's responsibilities.
A focused answer to WJEC A-Level Design and Technology Unit 3 on the wider impact of design, covering social, moral and ethical issues, inclusive and ergonomic design, standards and legislation, planned obsolescence and consumerism, fair trade and the role of enterprise and the designer's responsibilities.
12 min answer →