Design and Technology: Core Content
Overview of the Subject: Design and Technology (D&T) is a practical subject that integrates creativity with technical understanding. It involves the design, creation, and evaluation of products and systems.
Importance of Design and Technology: D&T fosters innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. It is essential for the development of new products and systems that improve our quality of life.
Design Thinking Process:
Define the Problem: Identify and understand the problem that needs solving.
Research and Ideation: Gather information, brainstorm ideas, and explore potential solutions.
Prototyping: Create models or prototypes to test ideas.
Testing and Evaluation: Assess the prototypes, gather feedback, and make improvements.
Iterative Design: A cyclical process of designing, prototyping, testing, and refining a product.
Categories of Materials:
Wood: Organic material from trees, used for construction and furniture.
Metal: Elements like iron, aluminum, and copper, known for strength and conductivity.
Polymers: Synthetic materials like plastics, known for flexibility and versatility.
Textiles: Fabrics made from fibers, used in clothing and upholstery.
Composites: Combination of materials to enhance properties, like fiberglass.
Properties of Materials:
Strength: Ability to withstand force without breaking.
Durability: Ability to resist wear, pressure, or damage.
Flexibility: Ability to bend without breaking.
Thermal Conductivity: Ability to conduct heat.
Electrical Conductivity: Ability to conduct electricity.
Selecting Appropriate Materials: Choosing materials based on their properties to suit specific applications and needs.
Understanding Systems and Subsystems: Systems are composed of interconnected parts (subsystems) that work together.
Input, Process, and Output:
Input: Resources or data fed into a system.
Process: Actions taken to transform inputs.
Output: Final product or result.
Feedback Loops: Mechanisms that allow a system to adjust based on the output.
Flow Diagrams: Visual representations of the steps in a process or system.
Types of Motion:
Linear: Movement in a straight line.
Rotary: Circular movement.
Reciprocating: Back-and-forth movement.
Oscillating: Swinging movement.
Mechanical Components:
Gears: Wheels with teeth that transfer motion.
Levers: Rigid bars that pivot to move objects.
Pulleys: Wheels with ropes to lift loads.
Cams and Followers: Components that convert rotary motion to linear.
Calculating Mechanical Advantage: Ratio of output force to input force, indicating the efficiency of a mechanism.
Basic Electronic Components:
Resistors: Limit electrical current.
Capacitors: Store electrical energy.
Diodes: Allow current to flow in one direction.
Transistors: Amplify or switch electronic signals.
Circuit Diagrams: Schematic representations of electronic circuits.
Sensors and Actuators:
Sensors: Detect changes in the environment (e.g., temperature, light).
Actuators: Convert electrical signals into physical action (e.g., motors).
Microcontrollers and Programming Basics: Small computers on a single integrated circuit used to control devices. Basic programming involves writing code to instruct the microcontroller.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources:
Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.
Non-Renewable: Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Energy Conversion and Storage: Transforming energy from one form to another and storing it for later use (e.g., batteries, capacitors).
Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Understanding the ecological footprint of energy sources and promoting sustainable practices.
Calculating Power Consumption: Measuring the rate of energy use, typically in watts (W).
User-Centered Design: Designing products with the end-user's needs and preferences in mind.
Sustainable Design: Creating products that minimize environmental impact and are resource-efficient.
Ergonomics and Anthropometrics:
Ergonomics: Designing products for comfort and efficiency.
Anthropometrics: Using human body measurements for design.
Inclusive Design Principles: Designing products accessible to as many people as possible, including those with disabilities.
Traditional Manufacturing Techniques:
Cutting: Shaping material by removing parts.
Shaping: Forming material into desired shapes.
Joining: Connecting materials together.
Modern Manufacturing Techniques:
CNC Machining: Computer-controlled cutting and shaping.
3D Printing: Creating objects layer by layer from digital models.
Laser Cutting: Using lasers to cut materials precisely.
Quality Control and Assurance: Ensuring products meet standards and specifications through inspections and testing.
Planning and Scheduling: Organizing tasks and timelines to complete projects efficiently.
Resource Management: Allocating and managing materials, tools, and labor.
Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating potential risks in a project.
Evaluation and Reflection: Assessing the success of a project and learning from the process.
Safe Working Practices in the Workshop: Following protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing appropriate gear like goggles, gloves, and masks.
Risk Assessments and Hazard Identification: Evaluating potential hazards and implementing safety measures.
Sketching and Drawing Techniques: Creating visual representations of design ideas.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Using software to create precise digital models.
Presentation Skills: Effectively communicating design concepts to others.
Report Writing: Documenting the design process and outcomes clearly and concisely.
Ethical Sourcing of Materials: Ensuring materials are obtained responsibly and fairly.
Impact of Design on Society and Environment: Considering how products affect people and the planet.
Lifecycle Analysis: Evaluating the environmental impact of a product throughout its life.
Recycling and Waste Management: Implementing practices to reduce waste and promote recycling.
Low-Fidelity Prototyping: Quick and simple models made from basic materials like paper or cardboard to test concepts.
High-Fidelity Prototyping: Detailed and functional models that closely resemble the final product, often using advanced tools and materials.
Injection Molding: Producing parts by injecting molten material into a mold.
Electroplating: Using electric current to coat an object with a thin layer of metal.
Smart Materials: Materials that respond to environmental changes (e.g., shape-memory alloys).
Nanotechnology: Manipulating matter on an atomic or molecular scale to create new materials and devices.
Patents: Legal rights granted to inventors to protect their inventions.
Copyrights: Protecting the original works of authorship, such as designs and software.
Trademarks: Protecting brand names, logos, and other identifiers
Ethical Sourcing of Materials: Ensuring materials are obtained responsibly and fairly.
Impact of Design on Society and Environment: Considering how products affect people and the planet.
Lifecycle Analysis: Evaluating the environmental impact of a product throughout its life.
Recycling and Waste Management: Implementing practices to reduce waste and promote recycling.
Overview of the Subject: Design and Technology (D&T) is a practical subject that integrates creativity with technical understanding. It involves the design, creation, and evaluation of products and systems.
Importance of Design and Technology: D&T fosters innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. It is essential for the development of new products and systems that improve our quality of life.
Design Thinking Process:
Define the Problem: Identify and understand the problem that needs solving.
Research and Ideation: Gather information, brainstorm ideas, and explore potential solutions.
Prototyping: Create models or prototypes to test ideas.
Testing and Evaluation: Assess the prototypes, gather feedback, and make improvements.
Iterative Design: A cyclical process of designing, prototyping, testing, and refining a product.
Categories of Materials:
Wood: Organic material from trees, used for construction and furniture.
Metal: Elements like iron, aluminum, and copper, known for strength and conductivity.
Polymers: Synthetic materials like plastics, known for flexibility and versatility.
Textiles: Fabrics made from fibers, used in clothing and upholstery.
Composites: Combination of materials to enhance properties, like fiberglass.
Properties of Materials:
Strength: Ability to withstand force without breaking.
Durability: Ability to resist wear, pressure, or damage.
Flexibility: Ability to bend without breaking.
Thermal Conductivity: Ability to conduct heat.
Electrical Conductivity: Ability to conduct electricity.
Selecting Appropriate Materials: Choosing materials based on their properties to suit specific applications and needs.
Understanding Systems and Subsystems: Systems are composed of interconnected parts (subsystems) that work together.
Input, Process, and Output:
Input: Resources or data fed into a system.
Process: Actions taken to transform inputs.
Output: Final product or result.
Feedback Loops: Mechanisms that allow a system to adjust based on the output.
Flow Diagrams: Visual representations of the steps in a process or system.
Types of Motion:
Linear: Movement in a straight line.
Rotary: Circular movement.
Reciprocating: Back-and-forth movement.
Oscillating: Swinging movement.
Mechanical Components:
Gears: Wheels with teeth that transfer motion.
Levers: Rigid bars that pivot to move objects.
Pulleys: Wheels with ropes to lift loads.
Cams and Followers: Components that convert rotary motion to linear.
Calculating Mechanical Advantage: Ratio of output force to input force, indicating the efficiency of a mechanism.
Basic Electronic Components:
Resistors: Limit electrical current.
Capacitors: Store electrical energy.
Diodes: Allow current to flow in one direction.
Transistors: Amplify or switch electronic signals.
Circuit Diagrams: Schematic representations of electronic circuits.
Sensors and Actuators:
Sensors: Detect changes in the environment (e.g., temperature, light).
Actuators: Convert electrical signals into physical action (e.g., motors).
Microcontrollers and Programming Basics: Small computers on a single integrated circuit used to control devices. Basic programming involves writing code to instruct the microcontroller.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources:
Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, and biomass.
Non-Renewable: Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Energy Conversion and Storage: Transforming energy from one form to another and storing it for later use (e.g., batteries, capacitors).
Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Understanding the ecological footprint of energy sources and promoting sustainable practices.
Calculating Power Consumption: Measuring the rate of energy use, typically in watts (W).
User-Centered Design: Designing products with the end-user's needs and preferences in mind.
Sustainable Design: Creating products that minimize environmental impact and are resource-efficient.
Ergonomics and Anthropometrics:
Ergonomics: Designing products for comfort and efficiency.
Anthropometrics: Using human body measurements for design.
Inclusive Design Principles: Designing products accessible to as many people as possible, including those with disabilities.
Traditional Manufacturing Techniques:
Cutting: Shaping material by removing parts.
Shaping: Forming material into desired shapes.
Joining: Connecting materials together.
Modern Manufacturing Techniques:
CNC Machining: Computer-controlled cutting and shaping.
3D Printing: Creating objects layer by layer from digital models.
Laser Cutting: Using lasers to cut materials precisely.
Quality Control and Assurance: Ensuring products meet standards and specifications through inspections and testing.
Planning and Scheduling: Organizing tasks and timelines to complete projects efficiently.
Resource Management: Allocating and managing materials, tools, and labor.
Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating potential risks in a project.
Evaluation and Reflection: Assessing the success of a project and learning from the process.
Safe Working Practices in the Workshop: Following protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wearing appropriate gear like goggles, gloves, and masks.
Risk Assessments and Hazard Identification: Evaluating potential hazards and implementing safety measures.
Sketching and Drawing Techniques: Creating visual representations of design ideas.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Using software to create precise digital models.
Presentation Skills: Effectively communicating design concepts to others.
Report Writing: Documenting the design process and outcomes clearly and concisely.
Ethical Sourcing of Materials: Ensuring materials are obtained responsibly and fairly.
Impact of Design on Society and Environment: Considering how products affect people and the planet.
Lifecycle Analysis: Evaluating the environmental impact of a product throughout its life.
Recycling and Waste Management: Implementing practices to reduce waste and promote recycling.
Low-Fidelity Prototyping: Quick and simple models made from basic materials like paper or cardboard to test concepts.
High-Fidelity Prototyping: Detailed and functional models that closely resemble the final product, often using advanced tools and materials.
Injection Molding: Producing parts by injecting molten material into a mold.
Electroplating: Using electric current to coat an object with a thin layer of metal.
Smart Materials: Materials that respond to environmental changes (e.g., shape-memory alloys).
Nanotechnology: Manipulating matter on an atomic or molecular scale to create new materials and devices.
Patents: Legal rights granted to inventors to protect their inventions.
Copyrights: Protecting the original works of authorship, such as designs and software.
Trademarks: Protecting brand names, logos, and other identifiers
Ethical Sourcing of Materials: Ensuring materials are obtained responsibly and fairly.
Impact of Design on Society and Environment: Considering how products affect people and the planet.
Lifecycle Analysis: Evaluating the environmental impact of a product throughout its life.
Recycling and Waste Management: Implementing practices to reduce waste and promote recycling.
