DP DP Design Technology /
Nature of Design

• 1.1 Design is a process that links innovation and creativity.

• 1.2 Design provides a structured process based on well-established design principles to resolve authentic problems.

• 1.3 Design involves generating ideas, exploring the possibilities and constraints to find solutions.

• 1.4 Design is a cyclical and iterative process.

• 1.5 Design is human-centred and focuses on the needs, wants and limitations of the end user.

• 1.6 Competent design can be achieved by all and is not restricted to uniquely skilled individuals. The use of well-established design principles and processes increases the probability that a design will be successful.

• 1.7 Designers use a wide variety of concepts, principles and strategies, which, taken together, make up what is known as design methodology. Designers adapt their approach to different design contexts, but they have a common understanding of the process necessary to form valid and suitable solutions.

• 1.8 Competent design requires imagination and creativity together with substantial factual, procedural and conceptual knowledge.

• 1.9 In-depth investigation of the nature of a problem is required to establish clear parameters for a design specification. This determines the scope of a solution and is necessary for good decision-making.

• 1.10 Designers must adopt an approach that allows them to think creatively within the constraints of a design specification. The ability to create unique and original solutions to a proposed problem is advantageous.

• 1.11 Designers need to critically explore the latest advances in technology to determine whether they can be used to develop the best solution to a problem. Traditional methods can be more appropriate and user-friendly.

• 1.12 Design is a collaborative endeavour requiring diverse teams of experts to realize a tangible solution.

• 1.13 Modelling is central to design. This involves cognitive, graphical, physical, aesthetic, mechanical, and digital modelling.

• 1.14 The growth in computing power has made modelling much more powerful. The generation of digital prototypes allows dynamic modelling of complex situations. Simulations involving large amounts of data, large numbers of variables and complex calculations speed up the design process and extend possible solutions.

• 1.15 A designer should maintain an unbiased view of a situation and evaluate a context objectively, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of a product, service or system.

• 1.16 Designers have a responsibility to the community and the environment. Their decisions often have major impact on both and they must always be aware of the ethical and moral dimensions of their work.

• 1.17 Design is carried out by a community of people from a wide variety of backgrounds and traditions, and this has clearly influenced the way design has progressed at different times. However, it is important to understand that design is universal and has common understandings, methodologies, and goals.

• 1.18 Designers must consider how users will interact with, use and misuse the products they design.

• 1.19 Designers should be aware that with the advancement of technology, there are now issues surrounding security and safety of personal data that need to be addressed in the majority of contexts.

• 1.20 Design permeates every aspect of human experience. Individuals make design decisions in all areas of their work, home and leisure.

• 2.1 Both science and technology have a fundamental relationship with design. Technology preceded science, but now most technological developments are based on scientific understanding.

• 2.2 Traditional technology comprised useful artifacts often with little understanding of the science underpinning their production and use. In contrast, modern technology involves the application of scientific discoveries to produce useful artifacts.

• 2.3 The application of scientific discovery to solve a problem enables designers to create new technologies.

• 2.4 These new technologies can be utilized by scientists to make new scientific discoveries.

• 2.5 Designers use new and existing technologies to create new products, services and systems.

• 2.6 The rapid pace of scientific discovery has impacted the rate that designers can develop new technologies. New technologies allow new products to be developed, which solve long-standing problems, improve on existing solutions and fill gaps in markets.

• 2.7 Often, by solving one problem and designing new technologies, there are unforeseen consequences, which bring new problems.

• 2.8 Technology is designed in response to changes in human needs. Many societies have benefited from the design of technologies to provide resources, such as electricity and fresh water supplies, clothing, food and transport.

• 2.9 The technologies that sustain the digital revolution are only one facet of technology. Design remains involved in developing technology to satisfy basic human needs and make people’s lives easier.

• 2.10 The concept of sustainability is becoming a greater priority for designers. The development of sustainable technologies is a response to environmental and social pressures relating to climate change, energy and resource depletion.

The following characteristics frame a profile of both professional and aspiring designers. They reflect the desirable abilities, skill sets and mindset of all designers.

Designers can/are able to:

• 3.1 problem solve/troubleshoot in any context or situation, across a variety of design disciplines

• 3.2 realize innovative products, services, systems and technologies by learning through failure, extensive trialling, constant evaluation and redevelopment, perseverance and determination

• 3.3 seek, establish and verify broad concepts and general principles that underlie design methodology

• 3.4 conduct thorough research, synthesize evidence and apply the findings to the development of innovative products, services, systems and technologies

• 3.5 carefully observe human interactions and situations, identify and monitor short- and long-term trends and ask pertinent questions to explore design opportunities

• 3.6 assess the risks associated with the design and use of technology as well as any associated moral, social, ethical or environmental issues

• 3.7 think creatively and develop ideas beyond the confines of existing concepts, principles and modes of thinking

• 3.8 empathize with individuals or groups to ascertain and identify needs or design opportunities

• 3.9 collaborate, inspire and enthuse through effective communication using a variety of appropriate modes and media

• 3.10 appreciate the influence of others within the field of design including historical and current leaders, movements and organizations.