GCSE AQA D&T

What impact do new & emerging technologies have on society?

These technologies affect industry practices, environmental considerations, and modern production techniques.

What is iterative design?

A design approach that involves repeated cycles of prototyping, testing, and refining.

What is CAD/CAM?

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are technologies that enhance the design and manufacturing processes.

What is planned obsolescence?

A strategy where products are intentionally designed to have a limited lifespan.

What does Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing entail?

A production method where materials are ordered and products are made only as needed.

What are fossil fuels?

Natural energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas that release energy when burned.

What is renewable energy?

Energy obtained from natural sources that are replenished more quickly than they are consumed.

What is the role of kinetic energy in energy generation?

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, which can be harnessed for electricity generation.

What are batteries?

Devices that store chemical energy and convert it into electrical energy.

What are capacitors?

Components that store electrical energy temporarily.

What are smart materials?

Materials that can respond to changes in their environment.

What are Shape Memory Alloys (SMA)?

Materials that can return to a predetermined shape when heated.

What is photochromic pigment?

A pigment that changes color with exposure to light.

What is thermochromic material?

A material that changes color in response to temperature changes.

What does a systems approach to designing involve?

It focuses on how programmable devices operate using sensors, controllers, and output devices.

What are input, process, and output in a system?

Input is the data or energy fed into a system, process is how that input is transformed, and output is the result.

What is a microcontroller (PIC)?

A compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system.

What is feedback in a control system?

Information from the output that is used to adjust the input or processing.

What are mechanical devices?

Tools or mechanisms that change one form of force or motion into another.

What are levers?

Simple machines that amplify an input force to lift or move loads.

What are linkages?

Connections of rods that transmit motion and forces.

What are pulleys?

Simple machines used to change the direction of a force or lift loads.

What are gears?

Rotating machines that transmit motion and torque between shafts.

What are cams?

Mechanical devices that convert rotational motion into linear motion.

What are followers?

Components that follow the contour of a cam to produce movement.

What are papers & boards?

Materials made from wood pulp used for packaging and model-making.

What is bleed-proof paper?

Paper designed to prevent ink from bleeding through when printed on.

What is corrugated board?

A strong, lightweight material made of a fluted sheet and linerboard.

What is GSM in paper terminology?

Grams per square meter, a measure of paper weight.

What are stock forms in materials?

Standard sizes and shapes in which materials are available for use.

What is creasing in paper products?

Creating a fold or indentation in paper to facilitate bending.

What is die-cutting?

A manufacturing process that uses a die to cut out shapes from materials.

What are timber-based materials?

Materials sourced from trees, categorized into hardwoods and softwoods.

What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Hardwoods come from deciduous trees and are generally denser than softwoods from coniferous trees.

What are manufactured boards?

Composite materials made from layers of wood or wood fibers, such as MDF and plywood.

What does seasoning mean in woodworking?

The process of drying timber to reduce moisture content.

What is t̃analising?

A treatment method used to preserve timber against decay and insect attack.

What is warping in timber?

Deformation of wood, usually caused by uneven drying.

What are metal-based materials?

Materials derived from ores, categorized as ferrous (iron-based) and non-ferrous.

What is the significance of ferrous materials?

Ferrous materials contain iron and are typically magnetic.

What are alloys?

Mixtures of metals designed to enhance strength and other properties.

What is ductility?

The ability of a material to stretch or deform without breaking.

What is malleability?

The ability of a material to be shaped or molded under pressure.

What is work hardening?

The process of strengthening a metal through plastic deformation.

What is annealing?

A heat treatment process used to reduce hardness and increase ductility.

What are polymers?

Synthetic or natural materials made from long chains of repeating units.

What are thermoplastics?

Polymers that can be heated and shaped repeatedly without chemical change.

What are thermosetting polymers?

Polymers that harden permanently after being set into shape.

What is vacuum forming?

A manufacturing process where a sheet of plastic is heated and shaped over a mold using a vacuum.

What is injection moulding?

A manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting material into a mold.

What are textiles?

Materials made from fibers, either natural or synthetic, used in clothing and fabrics.

What are woven fabrics?

Fabrics produced by interlacing threads in a specific pattern.

What are non-woven fabrics?

Fabrics made from fibers fused together without weaving.

What is warp in textile terminology?

The set of lengthwise yarns that are held in tension on a loom.

What is weft in textile terminology?

The set of crosswise yarns woven through the warp.

What is bonding in textiles?

Joining two materials together, often used in non-woven fabrics.

What are design strategies?

Approaches designers use to analyze briefs, generate ideas, and plan work.

What is a design brief?

A written document that outlines the requirements and constraints of a design project.

What is a design specification?

A detailed description of the steps needed to achieve a design's objectives.

What are anthropometrics?

The study of human body measurements and their application in design.

What is ergonomics in design?

The science of designing products to fit human needs and capabilities.

What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

A method to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle.

What are communication of ideas in design?

How designers present and annotate their ideas and plans.

What is orthographic projection?

A way to represent three-dimensional objects in two dimensions using multiple views.

What is isometric drawing?

A technique for creating a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object.

What is one-point perspective?

A drawing method where parallel lines converge at a single point on the horizon.

What is two-point perspective?

A drawing technique utilizing two vanishing points to create the illusion of depth.

What is an exploded view?

A drawing that shows the components of an object separated but still in their correct relationship.

What is CAD modelling?

Using computer-aided design software to create models and representations of products.

What is prototype development?

The process of creating a working model of a product to test and refine ideas.

What is tolerance in design?

The permissible limit of variation in a physical dimension.

What is primary data in research?

Information gathered firsthand for a specific purpose.

What is secondary data in research?

Information collected from existing sources, not firsthand.

What is risk assessment in design?

The process of identifying potential hazards and their associated risks.

What is Quality Control (QC)?

The processes used to ensure that products meet specific quality standards.

What are specialist tools & equipment in manufacturing?

Specific tools and machinery designed for certain manufacturing processes.

What does deforming mean in manufacturing?

Changing the shape of a material through mechanical force.

What is waste reduction in manufacturing?

Strategies employed to minimize waste during the production process.

What are surface treatments?

Processes applied to the surface of a material to enhance its properties.

What are finishes in product design?

Final surface treatments that improve the appearance and durability of a