Design Technology /
Preparing for the course

1. Do: Skills

3D modelling and using CAD software like OnShape will be an essential tool for success in DP Design Technology. To prepare yourself for success it is important to develop your OnShape CAD modelling skills. 

Choose one of these courses to complete:

• Unit 1: Jumping into Onshape - This unit provides guided lessons to help students gain confidence with navigating models, changing views, and moving between part studios and assemblies.

• Unit 2: Designing a Skateboard - During this unit, you will learn modelling best practices through creating the parts of a skateboard and assembling them into a full model. 

2. Explore: Case Studies

It is important to be aware of how design shapes, influences, and responds to the world around us. Explore ANY of the case studies to learn how design is investigated and how it connects to other content areas.

Steps:

• Choose a case study that is of interest to you

• Read the case study and review the questions. Use the links to DP Course Content to explore the content.

• Complete the CASE Study Reflection

3. Listen: 99% Invisible Podcast

99% Invisible is a podcast about design, architecture, and society. Each episode includes an audio file, video, and resources. It is an excellent resource to get you thinking about the impact of design on people and the environment. Choose one of these podcasts and read, listen and review it.  In August, we will review together as a class.

• #03: 99% Details: It’s a stick with bristles poking out of it. It doesn’t even qualify as a simple machine, but careful thought and design  went into the creation of the modern, angled bristle, fat handled toothbrush.

• #278: The Athletic Brassiere: Among the most important advances in sports technology, few can compete with the invention of the sports bra.

• #322: The First Straw: The drinking straw is a simple thing. It’s a tube, a conveyance mechanism for liquid. The defining characteristic of the straw is the emptiness inside it. 

• #341: National Sword: Since 2001, China was one of the biggest buyers of American recycling.  That is, until last year, when China pulled a move that no one saw coming: they stopped buying.

• Pockets: Articles of Interest: Womenswear is littered with fake pockets that don’t open, or shallow pockets that can hardly hold more than a paperclip. 

• Sounds and Health: Hospitals: Sounds can have serious impacts on our wellbeing, even (or especially) in places focused on health like hospitals. 

4. Watch: 

Product Tank

Product Tank is a YouTube channel about product and industrial design. Alongside general videos about product design, the playlist "Students of product design" is a series for students and anyone wishing to learn about the product design process.

Real engineering

Real Engineering is a YouTube channel with content exploring engineering and design in real-life contexts. The channel features explainers of engineering products, scientific connections with design and technology, and how engineering influences our lives and global affairs. Additionally, the creator, engineer Brian James McManus, will prepare your ears for content sessions with Mr McMahon. 

Choose one or both of these Channels to watch, listen and review it.  In August and throughout the course, we will review some of the videos as a class.

In addition, you can curate any other Design-related videos or channels into a playlist or subscription list.