Core theory (not finished)

Not all notes made, but all the stuff we have covered in class. DT AQA Graphics GCSE.

What is automation

The use of control systems

 

Pros of automation

• Reduced labour costs

• Faster

• Greater precision, control and consistency

• Flexible - CNC can easily be reprogrammed

Cons of automation

• High cost of buying, installing and repairing systems

 

What is robotics

• Use of machines to carry out complex tasks

 

Pros of robotics

• Ideal for hazardous tasks

• Can carry heavy loads

• Can be programmed to do different tasks

Cons of robotics

• Results in unemployment

• Cannot replace human judgement when making complex decisions

 

How do new technologies affect building design

• Flexible building design is used to improve performance and speed

• Automation and remote working are becoming more common

• Factories are becoming smaller due to JIT strategy

 

What is JIT strategy

• A strategy to increase efficiency

• Only accepts goods when they are needed in production, saving on storage and stock levels

• Stands for Just In Time

How do existing tools need to be adapted for new technology

• Multi purpose equipment should be made

• More automated tools should be made

What is crowdfunding

 

• When start-up businesses are funded by investors online

• Investors can give their money to projects and not have it returned (donation)

• They can give their money in hopes they will get it back (debt)

• Or they can give their money in return for shares in the business (equity)

 

How does virtual marketing increase sales for a retailer

• Retailer can display more products on a website than they can in a store

• It is accessible to people no matter where they live, meaning more people will buy

 

Pros of online presence

• Increases sales

• Cheap to set up

Cons of online presence

• Can be difficult to navigate

• Spam emails can annoy customers

What is a co-operative

• An enterprise that is jointly owned and controlled by its members

• Members can be employees or consumers of the product

 

Pros of co-operatives

• Can increase purchasing and marketing power

• Are easy to from with limited liability

 

Cons of co-operatives

• Often have limited resources or funding

• Can be hard to manage efficiently, which can reduce motivation

What is a finite resource

• A material that will run out eventually

 

What is a non-finite resource

• A material that can be replenished naturally

 

What is the most -> least desirable way to dispose of waste

• Reduce = most desirable

• Reuse

• Recycle

• Landfill = least desirable

 

Why will finite resources eventually run out

• They took millions of years to form, so they cannot be replenished in a timescale that will be useful for us

What is technology push

• New technologies developed by research departments, creating producting with no prior demand

 

What is market pull

• When consumer demand drives the development of new or improved products

What is an example of technology push

• When Apple develops new products like the iPad, to create demand

 

What is an example of market pull

• Digital cameras have evolved due to demand for smaller, high-storage devices

 

How do job roles change with technology advancements

• Future jobs may not exist yet; technology push creates jobs

 

Two characteristics of technology push

• Development of new materials

• Implementation of advanced manufacturing processes

What is fashion

• The dominant style in a given period

• Affects clothes, makeup and furniture

How does fashion affect product development

• Fashions change quickly so new manufacturing technologies help manufacturers respond promptly

What is PDM

• Product data management

• Computerised system that manages all the data about the design and manufacture of a product

 

What are trends

• Trends reflect the general direction towards something new.

• Technology can predict trends, helping companies respond quickly.

What is lead time

• Lead time is the time it takes for a company to deliver a product to market

 

What are the time frames for different product trends

• Cosmetic trends = 1-2 years

• Clothing trends = 2-3 years

• Home design trends = 5-7 years

How do faiths and beliefs affect product development

 

• Manufacturers must research their target audience to avoid offensive messages

 

What is culture

• Shared beliefs or customs of a specific group

• Based off factors like faith, belief, age, gender

 

Describe three ways the level of demand for a product changes as a trend develops

1. Early adopters drive initial demand.

2. Main adopters increase demand significantly

3. Demand stabilizes or declines with late adopters and conservatives

What is assistive technology

• Small designs that help disabled people

• Such as pencil grips or text-to-speech readers

 

What is prosthetic limb technology

• When artificial body parts are made

• Cutting edge technology is used, even in the Paralympics!

 

How have designs been made to cater for the elderly

• Communication and accessible social media

• Mobility devices

• Electronic aids for activities at home

Why do designers consult with members of religious groups

• To ensure the design is suitable to their beliefs

 

How can technology aid religious groups

• It can help improve communication, allowing followers of religions to download prayer schedules or have digital calls to pray

How is technology continually improving

• Information services

• Materials

• Product redesign

• Manufacturing systems

Pros and cons of continuous improvement (for a product)

• Pros = improved product can have reduced carbon footprint

• Cons = early replacement of existing products can lead to increased use of finite resources and landfill

How has work become more efficient

• JIT production

• Lean manufacturing

• Redesigned factory layout

• Better quality control systems

 

Pros and cons of efficient working

• Pros = fewer mistakes, lower costs, less storage

• Cons = relies on efficient supply chains

What is CAD

• Computer aided design

 

Pros of CAD

• Designs can be shared electronically

• Deas are tested and evaluated on screen

• Processes are simulated, reducing the need to produce prototypes

 

Cons of CAD

• Workers need re-training

• There is risk that electronic files can be lost or sent to the wrong place

 

What is CAM

• Computer aided manufacture

Pros of CAM

 

• Offers greater reliability, quality, and productivity

• Machine tools are faster and more accurate

• Workers are protected from dangerous processes

 

Cons of CAM

• Reduces morale

• Less human involvement

• High set-up costs

 

What is lean manufacturing

• A method to eliminate waste in manufacturing systems

Pros of lean manufacturing

• Minimal storage, as stock materials are delivered when needed

• Labour is used efficiently

• Production is set up to reduce material movement

 

What is FMS

• Flexible manufacturing system

• They can respond quickly to changes in demand or supply

• Systems are efficient

 

What is JIT

• Just in time

• Helps companies meet quality orders quickly

Pros of JIT

• Materials are int he right place at the right time

• Storage costs are reduced as stock in not stored when it doesn't need to be

What is planned obsolescence

• When products are designed to have a shorter life span

 

Pros and cons of planned obsolescence

• Pros = increases demand and encourages customers to buy again sooner, uses cheaper components

• Cons = customers may complain about have in to buy more regularly

What is design for maintenance

• Some products are designed so that they can be repaired by the user at a lower cost than it could be replaced

 

Pros of design for maintenance

• Product has an extended life span, saving customers money

  • This improves reputation of business

Cons of design for maintenance

• Technical support is expensive

• Company must carry for stock for repairs

• Customer won't want to buy new products

 

How should companies act fairly and ethically

• Not exploit workers

• Not damage the environment

 

How can companies evaluate the environmental impacts of their products

• They review the:

  • Materials processing, separation, and use

  • Energy consumption and emissions

  • Waste and by-products

  • Packaging and disposal