Rationale:  

This study engages students in a range of industry-relevant learning tasks which help develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of Design. Students will investigate, design, develop and evaluate a range of products as they progress through The Design Process. They will investigate the latest developments in emerging technologies and materials and design and make innovative and environmentally sustainable products suitable for their intended purpose. 

Structure: During this course students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and practical skills by completing both a group design task and an individual major design and make project.

Unit 1: Design modification and production

This unit focuses on the analysis, modification and improvement of a product design. It provides a structured approach towards the design process, and looks at examples of design practice used by a designer, and analysis and evaluation of a design. The design and production work students complete will need to include three points of difference to improve an existing design/product.

Unit 2: Collaborative design

In this unit each student works as a member of a team to design and develop a product range or contribute to the design and production of a group product. This mirrors professional design practise where designers often work within a multidisciplinary team to develop solutions to design problems. Team members contribute their expertise, share research findings and develop viable solutions that conform to the needs and requirements outlined in a design brief.

Unit 3: Design, technological innovation and manufacture

In this unit, students investigate a client or end-user’s needs, prepare a design brief, devise evaluation criteria, carry out research and propose a series of design options. They justify the choice of a preferred design option and develop a work plan, and commence production of the product, which will be completed and evaluated in Unit 4. This unit also examines how a range of factors influence the design and development of products within industrial/commercial settings.

Unit 4: Product development, evaluation and promotion

Students continue to develop and manufacture the product designed in Unit 3, Outcome 3, and record the production processes and modifications to the work plan and product. They evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of techniques they used and the quality of their product with reference to evaluation criteria. Students make judgments about possible improvements. They promote their work by highlighting the product’s features to the client and/or end-user.

Entry:

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4. Working in a safe manner is required when completing practical elements of the course.

ASSESSMENT:

Units 1 and 2:  School assessed coursework and final examinations

Units 3 and 4:   

• Unit 3: school-assessed coursework: 12%

• Unit 4: school-assessed coursework: 8%

• Units 3 & 4: school-assessed task: 50%

Final examination: 30%

Contact Time:

Lessons per week: 5 Periods

Subject duration: Year Long

Head of Technology: Maree Brennan