Design & Technology Lecture Review

A comprehensive set of question–answer flashcards covering key concepts, terminology and examples from the lecture notes on design, innovation, ethics, sustainability and project management.

What does the acronym "Queens Only Need A Sweet WAFFLE" help students remember?

The key factors affecting designing and producing: Quality, Obsolescence, Needs, Aesthetics, Short- & long-term environmental consequences, Work Health & Safety, Appropriateness, Function, Finance, Life-cycle analysis, Ergonomics.

In product design, what is meant by QUALITY?

A measure of excellence linked to durability, materials, workmanship, brand reputation and rigorous quality-control mechanisms.

Define OBSCELENCE (built-in or planned).

Designing a product to become outdated or fail within a set period, encouraging replacement (e.g., planned obsolescence in smartphones).

Why is a NEEDS ANALYSIS carried out?

To explore a problem, assess existing solutions, analyse the target market and determine potential for new or improved products.

What does AESTHETICS refer to in design?

The visual appeal of a product—shape, colour, style—relative to age, gender, socio-economic status and fashion trends of the target market.

Give two examples of SHORT-TERM environmental considerations during manufacturing.

Choosing low-waste processes and reducing pollution during production.

List two LONG-TERM environmental impacts designers try to minimise.

Global warming and loss of biodiversity.

What Australian legislation sets responsibilities for workplace safety?

The Work Health & Safety Act 2011.

Why is FUNCTION critical when evaluating a product design?

It measures the product's ability to perform the task it was created for.

What costs are included under the FINANCE factor of a design project?

Research & development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing expenses.

State the five stages examined in a LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS (LCA).

1. Raw materials 2. Transport 3. Distribution 4. Use 5. Disposal/End of life.

Define ERGONOMICS in relation to design.

The study of how a product or environment fits its human users to maximise comfort, safety and efficiency.

Name one major reason the Segway failed commercially.

High purchase price ($4,000–$7,000) that limited mass adoption.

What design solved HID lamp energy and lifespan issues?

The Active Reactor control system for street and industrial lighting.

List the seven basic steps in a typical DESIGN PROCESS.

Analysis, Investigation, Ideas/possible solutions, Research & testing, Refine ideas, Realisation (production), Evaluation.

How many prototypes did James Dyson build before success?

5,127 prototypes for his dual-cyclone vacuum cleaner.

What does PEEGS stand for in societal trends?

Political, Economic, Environmental, Global, Social trends affecting design.

Give one way POLITICAL factors influence design.

Laws such as the Trade Practices Act 1974 protect consumers and set safety standards.

During a recession, what ECONOMIC effect is expected on product sales?

Consumers spend less, reducing demand for new products.

Why must designers consider CULTURAL DIVERSITY?

To respect varied customs, languages and faith requirements of a multicultural market.

What is the ACCC’s primary role?

To promote fair competition, monitor trade legality and protect consumer interests.

Differentiate COPYRIGHT and a PATENT.

Copyright protects original creative works automatically; a patent grants exclusive rights to commercialise a new device, substance, method or process.

What are the six elements of the MARKETING MIX?

Product, Place, Price, Promotion, People, Packaging.

Explain how TIMING affects innovation success.

Releasing a product at an opportune moment (e.g., holiday season) can maximise market acceptance.

Name three entrepreneurial characteristics.

Risk-taking, creativity, and persistence (others: optimism, energy, ethical behaviour).

Which agency maintains Australian product standards?

Standards Australia.

What is INTUITIVE DESIGN?

Problem solving based on personal perception and immediate feedback rather than a strict methodical process.

Why is ONGOING EVALUATION important in an MDP?

It keeps the project on track, allowing adjustments to meet functional and aesthetic criteria.

State one PRIMARY research method a student could use.

Conducting surveys or interviews with potential consumers.

Give two pieces of PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) often required in workshops.

Safety glasses and ear muffs (others: gloves, dust mask, hard hat, covered footwear).

What is the purpose of a RISK ASSESSMENT?

To identify hazards, evaluate their severity and likelihood, and implement controls to ensure safety.

Describe CRADLE-TO-CRADLE thinking.

Designing products so materials can be fully reclaimed or reused, creating a closed production loop.

What is meant by CONVERGENCE in emerging technologies?

Previously separate technologies merging to create new unified applications (e.g., voice, data and video).

Give one benefit of 5G technology to businesses.

Near-instant data transfer enabling efficient communication and higher productivity.

What ethical dilemma surrounds AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES?

Programming moral decisions in unavoidable accidents (the ‘trolley problem’ for AI).

Identify a security risk for self-driving cars.

Software hacking that could hijack vehicles or steal passenger data.

Why is SUSTAINABILITY essential in technological design?

To avoid depleting natural resources and minimise environmental impact for future generations.

Define BIOFUEL.

A renewable energy source derived from organic matter, usable in solid, liquid or gas form.

What is an example of a SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL initiative at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

Medals made entirely from recycled electronic waste, mainly smartphones.

Explain the term SOCIAL CONSCIENCE in consumer behaviour.

Consumers support ethical or environmental causes and prefer products aligning with those values.

How can GLOBALISATION benefit product designers?

Improved communication and logistics enable wider market reach and international collaboration.

Name two HISTORICAL factors that shaped Australian design trends.

Immigration bringing diverse cultures and the shift toward part-time, flexible work environments.

What tool helps allocate funds and track costs in a project?

A finance plan or budget.

Which Act protects Australian consumers from misleading advertising?

The Commonwealth Trade Practices Act 1974.

Why must designers avoid PLAGIARISM?

To respect intellectual property rights and maintain professional ethics.

Give one example of SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY.

Solar power systems converting sunlight into electricity.

What does "THE MAP" stand for in innovation factors?

Timing, Historical & cultural, Economic, Marketing strategies, Available & emerging technologies, Political & legal.

Define CLOUD STORAGE and its workplace benefit.

Remote servers storing data accessible via the internet, enabling flexible access to files from any location.

List two reasons the Active Reactor succeeded where Segway failed.

It met a real industry need (energy savings) and launched when electricity costs were rising.

What does a DESIGN BRIEF typically outline?

The identified need/opportunity, target market, and constraints for a design project.

Why is COLLABORATIVE DESIGN valuable?

Combines diverse expertise, fostering innovative solutions and reducing development errors.

How can LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS influence material choice?

By revealing environmental costs at each stage, guiding designers toward lower-impact materials.

State one positive SOCIETAL impact of emerging social robots.

Providing care and companionship for the elderly.

What is NANOTECHNOLOGY?

Manipulation of matter on an atomic or molecular scale (1–100 nanometers) for new materials and devices.

Why might a designer choose ALUMINIUM over steel after an ecological LCA?

Recycled aluminium can have a lower overall environmental footprint than new steel.

Describe an example of ETHICAL PACKAGING.

Using biodegradable materials instead of single-use plastics to reduce landfill.

What is the goal of PROJECT MANAGEMENT in an MDP?

To plan, organise and control resources, time and finances to deliver a quality outcome.

Which emerging medical technology allows pain-free injections?

Microneedles—tiny needles about the depth of a sheet of paper.

How did ZOOM influence the changing nature of work?

Enabled widespread remote work and education through reliable video conferencing.

Explain the term ‘GREENWASHING’.

Marketing a product as environmentally friendly when only superficial changes (e.g., packaging) have been made.

Why are TESTING and EXPERIMENTATION vital during design development?

They validate ideas, reveal flaws early and guide improvements before final production.