What you have to do

Your PowerPoint must provide and show the following evidence:

(a) Identify a design focus area for the design project

• description of the chosen design focus area for the design project (for example, storage of equipment)

(b) Complete primary and secondary research to identify a situation or need

• summary of the primary and secondary research undertaken into the chosen design focus area

• analysis of the research data and identification of the potential design opportunities

• selection of one design situation or need with a justification for the choice

(c) Write a Design Brief for a product that will meet the identified design situation or need

• clear and concise design brief for a product that will satisfy the selected design situation or need. The design brief can include sketches.

(d) Write a Design Specification for a product that will meet the design brief

• a design specification that defines the product to meet the design brief, considering:

– human factors

– aesthetic factors

– technical factors

– environmental factors

• each point of the design specification should be fully justified against the design brief, with references where relevant to the completed research

Cutting of materials using a range of saws; filing materials; Wood lathe to turn timber - dials, base, cylindrical forms, bowls; Centre Lathe to turn Aluminium / Brass parts such as dials, holders, aesthetics rings / details; CNC Router; Vacuum forming, line bending, blow moulding; Casting - pewter, concrete, resin, resin pouring; use of CAD / 3D printing for parts but to add to what you design rather than the main element. 

Using timber sections combined with 3D printed joining 'lugs', 'fixings' or 'connectors' (joining methods) is a really good approach.

Remember, you will need to design a product with manufacturing in quantity as a guide (not just 3D printing leading to Injection moulding).

Project ideas or needs can come from many sources including friends, family, boarding house, companies, your local context (Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, medical center etc.), RST school staff, competitions, new technology or material development, technology websites or a review of previous projects. Think of where there is need.

Ask for (and accept!) suggestions from Mr. Douglas or Mrs. Douglas of possible starting problems to investigate or analyse that could become a major project. 

Please note that some of these suggestions may be very advanced or may not ‘float your boat’ but they will allow you to access the highest possible mark scheme!

There are advantages and disadvantages in being offered an idea from a client or sponsoring company. The advantages are that the company can provide detailed knowledge relating to the market, technology or commercial constraints. This leads to a project that is realistic in terms of costs, deadlines and specifications. There will also be the external pressure to perform to high professional standards, which provides excellent experience.

Taking the views of the client into account through your designing can enhance your design decision-making. There is also the possibility of financial support, which may be a significant benefit.

The potential disadvantages are that the client may have relatively fixed ideas about what they want. Their commercial constraints may make it difficult for you to demonstrate all of your design capability, for example, materials or manufacturing processes might be predetermined or the cost restrictions might be too restrictive. For example, previously (in the UK) we worked with a company called Nav-Comm who wanted the Sat Nav system for emergency service vehicles redesigned. The company were very slow at providing the circuit boards and additional components as they were not working to the same time constraints as you are. Despite this major problem the company did put into full production one of the designs, but this was 18 months after completion of the A level project!

Use the blank spreadsheet below to help you to complete the identification of potential project ideas, based upon a Need or Situation. Please Save a Copy of this spreadsheet before adding any information.

Example of a partially completed one with 3 design possibilities. Please read!

Of course you can then add imagery to explain the context and make it look more visually exciting.

Once you have identified a number of possible 'needs' project ideas you then need to select One of those initial design situations or need to research, explore, investigate and analyse further and in depth, and give a clear justification for your choice. 

A good way to then present that information is through a Rationale. A rationale is a description of the chosen design focus area for the design project with a justification of why this is important to you and why there is a need, with a clear understanding of what you are intending to do. Note, this is not a Design Brief!

Your rationale should be illustrated with imagery to help convey and explain the context - why you need to look into this area i.e. product development, material developments, developments in technology, development for disability, local environment, energy conservation (energy monitors), environmental issues (air quality), user problems, trends, issues in Thailand etc.

Identifying your user (or user group) is the psychological and emotional aspect of your work. The kind of products that people want to use change according to their age, their income, their needs and emotional requirements, and their expectations change according to the kind of lifestyle they aspire to. Therefore, the Identification of a Need and your Rationale are tied up with finding out what people want!

Once you have identified your focus area (possible project, including a Rationale with Aims and Objectives) you need to conduct some thorough investigation and analysis (research), with evaluative and analytical comments, of Primary and Secondary research. 

The Research section is crucial because it justifies your design decisions and directly informs your Design Specification.

The Research areas listed below are not exhaustive but highlight the main things you should be looking at in your Research phase:

This is important as it shows real engagement with users and real-world testing.

User Interviews / Questionnaires – to identify needs, wants, preferences, and constraints.

User Testing / Observations – analysing how users interact with existing products (e.g. ergonomic testing, usability issues).

Product Testing – evaluating existing products to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Anthropometric Data collection – measuring actual users to inform size / fit.

Mood Boards / Material Samples testing – gather opinions on colour, texture, and finish.

This is important as it builds background knowledge and justifies material, process, and style decisions.

Market Analysis – existing products, brands, price points, trends.

Material and Processes research – pros, cons, availability, sustainability, cost.

Technology research – suitable components, mechanisms, electronics, production methods.

Ergonomic and Anthropometric Data – from books like Henry Dreyfuss' “Measure of Man” (at the bookcase in Mr Douglas' workshop).

Sustainability / Lifecycle Analysis – environmental impact of materials / processes.

Aesthetic Styles / Design Movements – relevant design influences and cultural trends.

Legislation / Standards – safety, environmental, or manufacturing standards (e.g. RoHS, CE, FSC).

Below I have included some examples of research strategies for two different project ideas:

Primary Research:

• Interviews with golfers (amateur and club-level) about pain points with existing trolleys: weight, storage, terrain handling, style.

• Survey to identify preferences on style, materials, foldability, and technology (e.g. GPS or power assist).

• Observation of trolley use at golf courses, focusing on terrain interaction, handling, and storage during transport.

• Ergonomic testing of handle height, grip comfort, wheel size preferences.

Secondary Research:

• Golf trolley market analysis — design trends, prices, target demographics.

• Research into hardwood timbers (e.g. teak, iroko, ash) suitable for outdoor weather resistance.

• Comparison of lightweight metals (e.g. aluminum, brass) for structural components.

• 3D printing applications for modular parts, clips, or custom accessories.

• Study of IP ratings and weatherproofing for outdoor use.

• Research into sustainable sourcing of materials (e.g., FSC-certified woods, recyclable metals).

Primary Research:

Questionnaire for boarding students: comfort, study habits, aesthetic preferences.

Measurements taken of users (height, leg length, posture). Get averages as well as your User.

Observational research on how students sit while studying, reading, or relaxing. Take photographs and analyse.

Testing of a range of existing chair heights and angles for backrest support.

Secondary Research:

Ergonomic data for teenagers (e.g., British Standards, Henry Dreyfuss 'data').

Material research into durable, lightweight woods, joining secondary materials and sustainable plastics.

Style research into current youth design trends (Scandinavian minimalism, colour blocking).

Analysis of school furniture requirements (e.g., fire retardancy, safety edges).

Environmental research into recycled plastics or reclaimed wood options.

Existing Solutions

I will add more information here. 

User Interviews / Questionnaires – to identify needs, wants, preferences, and constraints.

analysing how users interact with existing products (e.g. ergonomic testing, usability issues).

evaluating existing products to identify strengths and weaknesses.

measuring actual users to inform size / fit.

gather opinions on colour, texture, and finish.

Below is the guidance in writing your Design Specification, which must include the following Sub Sections - Human factors, Aesthetic factors, Technical factors, Environmental factors.  

When writing a design specification for a new product, aesthetic factors are essential because they directly affect how appealing and desirable the product is to the target user. Aesthetics go beyond just appearance, they also influence how users emotionally respond to the product and whether it aligns with current trends or expectations

These factors help ensure the product not only functions well but also attracts the user, enhances brand value, and meets the emotional goals of the design brief.

When writing a design specification to define a new product, technical factors ensure that the product performs its intended function safely, efficiently, and reliably. These factors relate to how the product is made, how it works, and how it meets engineering or performance requirements.

These technical factors ensure the product is feasible to make, safe to use, and reliable over time. They also help align your design with the expectations in your brief and any limitations you are working within.

When writing a design specification, environmental factors are critical to ensure the product is sustainable and responsible throughout its entire lifecycle , from material sourcing to disposal. These factors show awareness of the product’s impact on the planet and align with ethical and legislative expectations.