Core Technical Principles in Design & Technology

Study Notes

Core Technical Principles in Design & Technology

Investigation and Analysis: User research, surveys identify user needs and preferences for informing design. Accessibility Framework (ACCESS) analyzes products (Aesthetic, Cost, Customer, Environment, Safety, Size, Function, Materials) for improvements. Market trends and competitor products are essential for innovative solutions.
The Design Process: Design process includes defining the brief, research, creating specifications, and generating ideas. Prototyping and iterative design refine concepts based on user feedback and testing results. Evaluation against specifications ensures that the final product meets goals. Effective communication includes 2D/3D sketches, isometric and perspective drawings, and rendering. CAD software enables precise 3D modelling, simulations, and virtual testing. Prototypes are created with appropriate materials for functionality, usability, and safety. User tests of prototypes provide feedback for improvements. Testing against specifications ensures performance and safety standards. Obtaining user feedback is key for understanding product effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. Sustainability and lifecycle impacts influence design decisions.
Material Properties and Selection: Understanding mechanical properties like strength, elasticity, hardness, and physical properties such as density and conductivity is important for material selection. Selection criteria include functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, cost, and availability. Environmental impact assessments guide sustainable material selection. Materials respond to forces like tension, compression, shear, and torsion. Reinforcing materials enhances structural integrity.
Production Techniques and Systems: Production techniques include lean manufacturing principles for minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. Just-in-Time (JIT) production systems ensure timely material arrival. Continuous production processes maintain consistent supply.
Energy, Materials, Systems, and Devices: Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric) offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Energy storage technologies (batteries, kinetic storage) balance supply and demand. Systems approaches consider relationships between inputs, processes, and outputs in electronic and mechanical systems, promoting holistic understanding. Input devices collect data processed by systems for automation and outputs. Mechanical devices convert and transmit motion. Different motion types (rotary, linear, reciprocating, oscillating) are used for desired outcomes.
New and Emerging Technologies: Automation and robotics transform production processes, but raise job displacement concerns. 3D printing enables rapid prototyping and customization. Artificial intelligence (AI) in design optimizes resources. Crowdfunding platforms support designers and entrepreneurs. Fair trade practices promote ethical consumerism. Cooperatives enable collective ownership and enhance community resilience. The 6 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, Repair, Rethink) guide sustainable practices. Lifecycle assessments (LCA) evaluate environmental product impact. Inclusive designs accommodate diverse users (e.g., elderly, disabled). Changing demographics influence product design. User-centered approaches prioritize user experiences. Design should respect cultural differences. Cultural sensitivity enhances market acceptance. Globalization blends diverse cultural elements into products. Ethical considerations in design emphasize transparency and product impact.
Prototype Development: Prototyping & iterative design refine concepts and improve designs before final production. Prototypes are critical to identify design issues.
Evaluating Products: User testing provides valuable feedback for iterative design. Testing against specifications ensures performance and safety standards. Gathering feedback from users is essential for understanding effectiveness and areas for improvement. Products should meet sustainability and lifecycle impacts criteria.
Scales of Production: One-off production involves creating unique items. Batch production enables customization with efficiency. Mass production focuses on high-volume manufacturing and is cost-effective.
Categories of Materials: Different materials such as metals (ferrous, non-ferrous), polymers (thermoplastics, thermosetting), textiles (natural, synthetic), composites, smart materials, and modern materials (Kevlar, graphene) have varying properties and uses.
Industry, Enterprise, People, Culture, and Society Considerations of industry, enterprise (ethical practices, fair trade), people (inclusive design), culture (sensitivity in design), and society (ethical considerations, environmental issues) should be incorporated in design.

Materials and Their Properties

Specific materials like papers, boards, natural timbers, and manufactured boards (e.g., MDF, plywood) have varied characteristics crucial in applications from packaging to furniture.
Metals (e.g., steel, aluminum) and polymers (e.g., polyethylene, epoxy) are categorized by their properties (strength, durability).
Different materials like textiles and composites combine existing materials to achieve specific attributes for diverse applications.

Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of investigation and analysis in design and technology. Learn about user research, the design process, and the importance of prototyping and evaluation. Understanding these principles is crucial for creating effective and innovative designs that meet user needs.