DT OCR GCSE keywords

Context

The circumstances or background in which something exists or happens.

Stakeholder

A person or group with an interest in a project or its outcome, such as designers, users, or investors.

Primary user

The main person or group who will use a product or service.

Human factor

Human characteristics (like physical, mental, and emotional) considered in design to improve safety, comfort, and usability.

Culture

The customs, beliefs, and values shared by a group of people, which may influence their design preferences.

Globalisation

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on a global scale.

Sustainable economic growth

Economic growth that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Usability

How easy and effective a product or system is for the users.

Ergonomics

The study of designing products that fit the human body's needs, making them comfortable and efficient to use.

Inclusive design

Designing products so that they can be used by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities.

Anthropometrics

The study of the size, shape, and physical abilities of the human body, used in design.

Psychological factors

Aspects of the human mind, such as perception, emotion, and motivation, considered in design.

Aesthetically pleasing

Describing something that is visually attractive or beautiful.

Aesthetics

The study of beauty or good taste, often in the context of design.

Proportion

The relationship between the size of different parts of an object.

Symmetry

When parts of an object are identical on both sides, creating balance.

Asymmetry

Lack of symmetry, where parts are not identical on both sides.

Golden ratio

A special mathematical ratio often found in nature and used in design for pleasing proportions.

Ethical

Doing something in a morally right way, considering fairness, justice, and human well-being.

Market pull

When consumer demand drives the development of new products or services.

Marketing

The activities involved in promoting and selling products or services.

Technology push

When new technological developments lead to the creation of new products, often without clear consumer demand.

Twenty-first century design

Modern design trends focused on technology, sustainability, and user experience.

Circular economy

An economic system aimed at minimizing waste by reusing, recycling, and regenerating products and materials.

Throwaway society

A society where products are used briefly and then discarded rather than repaired or reused.

Emerging technologies

New and developing technologies that have the potential to significantly impact society.

Planned obsolescence

Designing products to become outdated or non-functional after a set period to encourage consumers to buy new ones.

Non-renewable energy

Energy sources that cannot be replenished, like fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas).

Renewable energy

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally, like wind, solar, or hydroelectric power.

Kinetic energy

The energy an object has due to its motion.

Thermal energy

Energy related to the temperature of an object; heat energy.

Chemical energy

Energy stored in the bonds of chemicals and released during chemical reactions.

Finite

Something that has a limited amount or is not infinite, such as non-renewable resources.

2D sketching

Drawing objects in two dimensions (length and width) to represent an idea or concept.

3D sketching

Drawing objects in three dimensions (length, width, and depth), showing a more realistic view.

Oblique drawing

A type of 3D drawing where one side of an object is shown in true size, and the other sides are at an angle.

Perspective drawing

A drawing technique that shows objects in three dimensions, using vanishing points to create depth.

Isometric drawing

A way of showing a 3D object in two dimensions, where the three axes are equally spaced at 120 degrees.

Iterative design

A design process where prototypes are continuously improved based on feedback.

Orthographic projection

A method of representing a 3D object in two dimensions using multiple views (top, side, front).

Sketch models

Rough, quick models made to test ideas.

Mathematical modelling

Using mathematical equations and calculations to simulate and test designs or systems.

Focus groups

Small groups of people used to gather opinions and feedback on a product or design.

User-centred design

A design process that focuses on the needs and preferences of the user.

Biomimicry

Designing products by copying or taking inspiration from nature's patterns or processes.

Design fixation

When designers become overly attached to one idea or solution, limiting creativity.

Usability testing

Testing a product with real users to see how well it works and how easily it can be used.

Participatory design

Involving users in the design process to ensure their needs are met.

System thinking

An approach to design that looks at how different parts of a system interact with each other.

Collaboration

Working together with others to create or improve a design.

GSM

Grams per square meter, a measure of fabric weight.

Micron

A unit of measurement equal to one millionth of a meter, used to measure very small objects.

Softwood

Wood from coniferous trees, such as pine, typically lighter and easier to cut.

Hardwood

Wood from deciduous trees, such as oak, generally denser and stronger than softwood.

Manufactured board

Engineered wood products, like MDF or plywood, made from wood fibers or veneers.

Ferrous metal

Metals that contain iron, like steel and cast iron.

Non-ferrous metal

Metals that do not contain iron, like aluminum and copper.

Alloy

A mixture of two or more metals, often to improve strength or durability.

Thermopolymer

A type of plastic that becomes soft when heated and hardens again when cooled.

Thermosetting polymer

A plastic that, once set, cannot be re-melted.

Polymer memory

The ability of a polymer to return to its original shape after being deformed.

Natural fibre

Fibres derived from plants or animals, like cotton or wool.

Synthetic fibres

Man-made fibres, like polyester or nylon.

Blended fibres

Fabrics made from a mix of natural and synthetic fibres.

Blending

The process of mixing different materials together.

Non-woven fabrics

Fabrics made by bonding fibres together rather than weaving or knitting.

Modern materials

New or advanced materials that offer improved properties, like carbon fibre or graphene.

Smart materials

Materials that respond to changes in their environment, like shape-memory alloys.

Composite materials

Materials made from two or more different materials, designed to have combined properties.

Mechanism

A system of parts that work together to perform a specific function.

System

A group of related parts that work together to achieve a common goal.

Force

A push or pull that can change the motion of an object.

Rotary

Motion that occurs in a circular path around an axis.

Linear

Motion that moves in a straight line.

Oscillating

Back-and-forth motion, like a swinging pendulum.

Reciprocating

Back-and-forth motion, similar to oscillating but often in a straight line.

Input

The energy or force applied to a system.

Output

The result or energy produced by a system.

Arm length

The distance between the pivot point and the point where force is applied in a lever.

Effort

The force applied to a machine or system.

Fulcrum

The pivot point in a lever system.

Lever

A simple machine that uses a fulcrum to lift or move an object.

Load

The object being moved or lifted by a machine.

Cam and follower

A mechanism where a rotating cam pushes against a follower to create a specific motion.

Pinion

A small gear that meshes with a larger gear (cogwheel).

Shaft

A rotating part that transfers motion and force.

Simple gear train

A system of gears that transmit motion and force.

Spur gear

A gear with teeth that are straight and parallel to the axis of rotation.

Torque

A measure of the turning force on an object.

Lubrication

The process of applying a substance to reduce friction between moving parts.

Pulley and belt drive

A system used to transfer motion and power between two rotating shafts.

Linkage

A system of connected parts used to transmit motion and force.

Subsystem

A smaller system within a larger system.

System design

The process of planning and creating the structure of a system.

Embedding

Integrating a component or system into another part.

Microcontroller

A small computer on a single chip used to control systems.

Physical quantity

A property that can be measured, like length or mass.

Program

A set of instructions that a computer or system follows to perform tasks.

Sensor

A device that detects changes in the environment and provides data.

Signal

An electrical or mechanical wave used to transmit information.