Product Design Preparing for the Written Exam

Exam Preparation the course breaks down into the following 9 topics. 1.The design process 2.Researching information 3.Idea generation techniques 4.Designing for people 5.Communicating ideas 6.Factors that influence design decisions 7.Manufacturing systems 8.Manufacturing processes 9.Materials Look at the tick off sheet given for breakdown

Exam Preparation It is important to understand the question and to give the correct to answer the question. Look at the following examples of questions with poor answers and the best way to answer.

Example Question The Design Process Consider yourself in the role of a consumer watchdog. Give an outline description of four criteria you would use to evaluate a new domestic iron. 4 marks

Poor Answer I would evaluate ergonomics, comfort, safety, and how much the iron costs. Why is this a poor answer? The pupil has not given an outline description of any of the points and therefore has not answered the question. Also comfort is an area that would be evaluated under the heading of ergonomics. This pupil has demonstrated only limited knowledge of evaluation criteria. 1 mark awarded.

Top Answer i.Safety is an important criterion. Things to be considered are: how stable is the iron when sitting on the ironing board? How easily might the cord wear or fray ii.Ease of use is important. Is it comfortable to hold? Can it be filled with water easily? Are the controls easy to understand? iii.What functions and features the iron has. Range of temperature control settings, spray and steam options can be evaluated. iv.Is the iron environmentally friendly/ two areas that should be considered are: How much power does it use? Can the materials be recycled

Why it’s a top answer? The pupil has selected 4 different criteria and described what can be evaluated in each. Clearly they have a deeper understanding of how to evaluate an iron. The answer is also set out in 4 separate parts. 4 Marks awarded

Exam Question Researching Information Describe 2 types of activity that are carried out during: a.Desk research2 marks b.Field research2 marks

Poor Answer a.Looking at the computer and reading books. b.Doing surveys and testing things Why is this a poor answer? This is a very weak answer showing non understanding of any of the activities stated by the pupil and how they relate to the research work for the product design. The question asks for a description – no description has been given. 0 marks given

Top Answer a.Desk research means that the designer can work from the resources and information close to their office or home. One example would be downloading relevant information about the design work from the web or finding something out such as information on materials from a web site. Another example would be reading articles from the books or magazines that they own and have easy access to in the office or at home. b.Field research requires the designer to go beyond their home or office and seek out information they require even at first they don’t know where to find it. A good example is asking questions and discussing with the consumers their views on some area of design work that the designer wants information on. Another example would be going to a library to find specific information that they do not have access to in their office

Why is it a top answer? The pupil has starts off their answers by describing what the field research and desk research is. This makes it easy for them to put into context the examples of activities used for each. The pupil reminds the marker that they have given two examples for each by saying “another example would be…” Full marks awarded.

Exam Question Idea Generation Techniques Explain what is meant by the term “Technological Transfer” 2 marks

Poor Answer Technology transfer is when one idea is used in another product Why is it a poor answer? The question is worth 2 marks and asks for an explanation. It is unlikely that this pupil will gain2 marks writing just eleven words. It may be difficult to explain what “technology Transfer” means so take the time to give an example to illustrate your explanation At best 1 mark

Top Answer Technology transfer is when an idea or part of an idea from one product is used to help the design of another product. An example of this is the laser technology used in CD players. This technology was developed for home entertainment. It was developed for military or medical use and its potential for use in CD’s was then recognised. This technology was adapted and then included in CD players at a much reduced cost.

Why it’s a top answer The explanation was much better and it was backed up by a good example to show that the pupil understands the principle of technology transfer Full marks awarded

Conclusion Looking at these few examples it is clear to see that a full explanation is needed