Topic 11: Information handling, modelling and forward planning

What is meant by information handling in design and technology?

The collection collation and analysis of data to inform design decisions

What is meant by collation of data?

Organising collected data into a structured format for analysis

Why is analysing data important in product design?

It allows designers to make informed and evidence-based decisions

What is marketing analysis?

The study of market conditions including demand competition and target audience

What is market research?

The process of gathering information about customers needs and preferences

What are primary research methods?

Data collected directly such as surveys interviews and observations

What are secondary research methods?

Using existing data such as reports statistics and online sources

What is raw data?

Unprocessed data collected directly from research

What is analysed data?

Data that has been processed and interpreted to identify trends

Why is analysed data more useful than raw data?

It provides clear insights for decision making

How does marketing encourage enterprise?

It helps identify opportunities and develop successful products

What is innovation management?

The coordination between management designers and engineers to develop new ideas

Why is cooperation important in innovation management?

It ensures ideas are practical manufacturable and meet business goals

How can creativity be encouraged in design teams?

Through collaboration open communication and idea generation techniques

What is a feasibility study?

An assessment of the practicality and viability of a proposed design solution

What factors are considered in a feasibility study?

Cost materials time resources and technical feasibility

Why are feasibility studies important?

They prevent wasted time and resources on impractical ideas

What are budgets in product design?

Financial plans that estimate costs and allocate resources

What is financial forecasting?

Predicting future costs revenues and profits

Why are budgets important?

They ensure projects remain financially viable

What is meant by planning for production?

Organising resources and processes needed to manufacture a product

What factors must be allocated in production planning?

Employees materials and scale of production

Why is resource allocation important?

It ensures efficient production and minimises waste

How does scale of production affect cost?

Higher volumes reduce cost per unit due to economies of scale

Why must appropriate tools and machines be selected?

To ensure efficiency accuracy and suitability for production

What is intellectual property?

Legal rights that protect creations ideas and designs

Why is intellectual property protection important?

It prevents copying and ensures designers receive recognition and profit

What is a patent?

Legal protection for an invention giving exclusive rights to make and sell it

What is copyright?

Protection for original creative works such as drawings and designs

What are design rights?

Protection for the visual appearance of a product

What is a trademark?

A symbol name or logo used to identify a brand

Why are trademarks important?

They distinguish products and build brand recognition

What are British Standards (BSI)?

UK standards that ensure products meet safety and quality requirements

What is the kite mark?

A certification mark indicating a product meets British Standards

What are European standards?

Standards set by CEN and indicated by CE marking

What does CE marking show?

That a product meets EU safety health and environmental requirements

What are International Standards (ISO)?

Global standards ensuring quality safety and efficiency

Why are standards important in manufacturing?

They ensure consistency safety and consumer trust

How do standards affect designers?

Designs must meet regulations which may limit or guide decisions

How do standards benefit consumers?

They ensure products are safe reliable and fit for purpose

Give one disadvantage of strict standards

They can limit creativity or increase production costs