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
Early adopters drive initial demand.
Main adopters increase demand significantly
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