Design and Technology: Core Content

Design Thinking Process

A structured approach involving problem definition, research, prototyping, testing, and iterative design to create products.

Materials and Their Properties

Different categories of materials like wood, metal, polymers, textiles, and composites, each with unique properties such as strength, flexibility, and conductivity.

Systems Approach to Designing

Viewing designs as interconnected systems with inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback loops to ensure functionality and efficiency.

Mechanisms and Motion

Understanding different types of motion like linear, rotary, and reciprocating, along with mechanical components such as gears, levers, and pulleys.

Electronic Systems

Components like resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors used in circuits, along with sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers for control and automation.

Energy and Power

Differentiating between renewable and non-renewable energy sources, energy conversion, storage, and calculating power consumption for sustainability.

Design Strategies

Approaches like user-centered design, sustainable design, ergonomics, and inclusive design principles to create products that meet user needs and are environmentally friendly.

Manufacturing Processes

Traditional techniques like cutting, shaping, and joining, as well as modern methods like CNC machining, 3D printing, and laser cutting for efficient production.

Project Management

Involves planning, resource management, risk assessment, and evaluation to ensure successful completion of projects.

Health and Safety

Practices including safe working, PPE use, risk assessments, and hazard identification to maintain a secure working environment.

Communication of Design Ideas

Techniques like sketching, CAD, presentation skills, and report writing to effectively convey design concepts.

Ethical and Environmental Considerations

Addressing ethical material sourcing, societal and environmental impacts of designs, lifecycle analysis, and waste management for sustainable practices.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design)

Software used to create precise digital models of products.

Quality Control and Assurance

Ensuring products meet standards and specifications through inspections and testing.

Traditional Manufacturing Techniques

Cutting, shaping, and joining.

CNC Machining

A modern manufacturing technique that uses computer-controlled cutting and shaping.

Lifecycle Analysis

Evaluating the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life, from production to disposal.

Basic Electronic Components

Resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors.

Microcontroller

A small computer on a single integrated circuit used to control devices.

Gears

Wheels with teeth that transfer motion and force between components.

Categories of Materials

Wood, metal, polymers, textiles, and composites.

Properties of Materials

Strength, durability, flexibility, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity.

Types of Motion

Linear (straight line), rotary (circular), reciprocating (back-and-forth), and oscillating (swinging).

Iterative Design

A cyclical process of designing, prototyping, testing, and refining a product.