← Design and Technology syllabus

WalesDesign and Technology

Unit 1: Designing principles

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

How do designers communicate ideas through drawing, modelling and CAD/CAM?

Methods of communicating design ideas, including freehand sketching, isometric and orthographic drawing, working drawings, modelling, and computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM).
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on communicating design ideas, covering freehand sketching, isometric and orthographic drawing, working drawings, modelling and prototyping, and computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM).
9 min answer →

How do designers investigate a problem and turn it into a brief and specification?

Identifying needs and wants, the design context and target market, writing a design brief, and producing a design specification with measurable, justified criteria.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on investigation, covering identifying user needs and wants, the design context and target market, writing a design brief, and producing a measurable, justified design specification.
9 min answer →

How can designers reduce the environmental and social impact of products?

Sustainability and the 6 Rs, the life cycle of a product, the ecological and social footprint of design, and ethical issues such as fair trade and responsible sourcing.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on sustainability, covering the 6 Rs, the life cycle of a product, the ecological and social footprint of design, and ethical issues such as fair trade, responsible sourcing and the rights of workers.
9 min answer →

How do designers learn from the work of others and from design movements?

The work of past and present designers and companies, major design movements and styles, and how studying the work of others informs and inspires new design.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on the work of others, covering the influence of past and present designers and companies, major design movements and styles, and how studying the work of others informs and inspires new design.
9 min answer →