Hi,
Though this page is titled 'Common mistakes in D&T project', it is not the holy grail on designing a product. Product design entails a complex process of decision making and functional consideration. Hence, take this recommendations as advice rather than follow strictly. READ with CARE and try to understand why I made such a statement.
Product
Avoid box-like structure. Bulky and heavy looking product does not appear appealing.
Acrylic rod can be creatively use - for example for lighting.
Avoid over design. Sometimes a good design solution can be very simple. What important is the proper documentation of how you arrive at such a simple design solution after extensive studies or research.
Skills demonstrated should be purposful. Read the point above. However, be warned that you need to demonstrate a range of skills and skill control in making your artefacts.
Avoid buying off the shelf product and use it wholesale eg table lamp.
Acrylic edges should be sanded and polished unless the edges are meant for jointing or the unpolished edges has an asesthetic appeal or for design purpose.
Choloform will stain the surface of acrylic. Hence, use it with care.
Circuits and use of electronic product
Te use of such electronic circuits should be relevant to the project.
Circuit diagram should be drawn and included in folio. Explain how the circuit works, if possible.
Make provision for inspection and maintenance of circuit. Ease of access.
Battery holder, PCB and components should be properly secured. You don't buy a toy that have dangling wires and unsecured battery holder right?
Make provision for accessing the batteries and allow for changing of batteries.
Do not use AC power for your product. Safety reason.
Circuit diagram should include the value of the components
In your folio ....
Explain the use of technology and why the need to use.
Be specific in purpose when using technology.
Avoid adding redudant technology. Basically Avoid doing for the sake of just doing.
Working drawing / Detailed drawing / Part drawing
Use standard dimensioning convention. Read the textbook for basic knowledge on dimensioning.
Avoid dimensioning the same feature more than once in a drawing.
Include the drawing scale eg 1:5. Use standard or easy to read ratio for drawing.
State the material used in the drawing.
Cross reference the part drawing and material list.
Use of CAD is permissible for drawing