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Technology Processes.

In order to achieve higher grades it is essential that your project follows

the full design process.

Rich Pictures.

A ‘Rich Picture’ is the first stage in the design process. When you start
designing, the theme is placed in the centre of the page and link words
are positioned around it. This can be seen on the example above, a rich
picture for the theme Clock Design. These link words should be related to
the centre theme and they will help you think of points that you must
consider when trying to solve the design problem.

For example, the word ‘materials’ may prompt you to consider different
woods, metals and plastics that could be useful when trying to work out
the best materials for your solution. In this way you should write as many
words as possible around the theme but only if they have some link. A
rich picture must also have pictures or diagrams to give a good, clear,
visual effect. Without them it is a diagram.

The rich picture shown below has been produced for a project based on
an educational toy for teaching children the use of pedestrian crossings.
1. A simple but effective border / title block has been drawn on the
paper. This must be completed first so that it can be photocopied
several times. This means that you will have several ‘blanks’ for use with
following design sheets.

2. The main theme (PEDESTRIAN CROSSING) is clearly displayed in the

centre of the paper. You may wish to write your theme in an imaginative
style, adding appropriate shade and colour.

3. The ‘link’ words are placed around the main theme and written
accurately between very faint guidelines. The guidelines are important
as they ensure the printing is accurate and make it easy for the examiner
to read your information. If you do not use guidelines, you may drop an
examination grade for this sheet.

4. Some of the ‘link’ words also have words arranged around them. This

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allows more detail to be placed on the design sheet. Doing this may
increase your grade as examiners expect to see plenty of detail and it
shows that you have thought very carefully about the project. Look at
the link word ‘materials’, this has several words arranged around it.

5. Add pictures to many of the link words - you do not have to add
pictures for every word. The example shown opposite has very few
drawings but it gained a good grade because it is very well presented
and quality colour / shade has been added.

6. Do not overcrowd the page but at the same time ensure that you
have included plenty of detail.

Design Problem and Brief.

The Problem and Design Brief are sometimes viewed as two different
sections of the design process. However, they are very closely related.
Before you can start a design project you must find a ‘problem’ to solve.
Sometimes this may be given to you as a question set by the teacher or
the Examinations Board and is usually a paragraph of writing. The ‘design

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brief’ follows the ‘problem’ and states clearly how you intend to solve
the design problem.

The brief and problem shown below has been produced for a project
based on an educational toy.

THE DESIGN PROBLEM

1. The brief and problem is mainly text (writing) that is printed in a clear
style so that it can be read and understood easily.

2. The problem is a paragraph or more in length. It describes the problem

you are aiming to solve. Do not say how you intend to solve the problem,
only what the problem is. If you have been given a examination question
as your design project, add more detail. The example opposite is based
on the following examination question:

“Design and make an educational device for young children. It must

improve hand and eye coordination”.

The problem written opposite is a more detailed and imaginative way of

writing the examination question. A pedestrian crossing simulator has
been selected by the pupil as the educational device.

3. The first sentence should state the problem, adding more detail with
the following sentences.

4. If the examination question does not name the product that has to be
designed and made (such as an educational device) - you can mention
an area that you are interested in. This could include, jigsaws, puzzles or
something that could be adapted as an educational device.

THE DESIGN BRIEF

1. Always start the design brief with “I am going to design and make .....”.
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This is followed by a general description of the type of device you feel

will answer the design problem.

2. Do not be too specific. The brief should be a general description that

allows you flexibility regarding the type of product you intend to make.
For example, if your are designing an automatic animal feeder it may be
a good idea not to say the type of animal it is for, at least not at this
stage in the project.

3. Do not be specific about materials. It may be wise to avoid stating the

exact materials it will be manufactured from (eg. pine, steel, perspex
etc...). Instead describe the materials to be used as strong, tough,
flexible, natural, manmade, recycled, water-proof or similar general
descriptions.

4. Mention points such as; safety, general size, what it will do (it’s
functions), general properties of the materials needed, who it is for (eg.
children), basic cost of manufacture or a lower and upper cost limits,
circuit requirements and other points you feel are important.

FINDING A DESIGN PROBLEM TO SOLVE - SUGGESTIONS:

A. Is there a product that you could improve for a hobby or interest?

B. Is there an item that you use every day that could be improved? Is
there an item that could be adapted for disabled people or young
children or the elderly? or another group of people?
C. Ask your friends and relatives. They may have a few suggestions about
design problems you can solve that will help them.
D. Do not be over ambitious. Do not select a design problem that is too
complex.
E. Ask the teacher for advice and look at completed projects for
inspiration.
F. Complete your homework on time. Do not fall behind as you may find
it impossible to catch up.

The Analysis.

The “analysis” is one of the early sections in the design process. It involves
listing as many questions as you can think of regarding your project. The
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questions will vary from project to project but usually the majority of these
questions are the same, whatever the project you are attempting. The
questions below may be useful especially if you adapt them to suit your
current project. Remember the SYNTHESIS is the following section in the
design process and is a list of answers. You may not be able to complete
the synthesis until you have almost finished the entire project.

EXAMPLES QUESTIONS FOR THE ANALYSIS.

1. Will the design be safe ?

2. What materials are available ? What materials will be the most suitable?
What will be the overall size ?
3. How long will the product take to manufacture ?
4. How will the product be mass produced ? On a production line ? What will
the cost of ‘labour’ be ?
5. What is the best shape for the solution ?
6. What colour scheme will be most appropriate ?
7. What are the functions of the product ?
8. What type of circuit is required ? Is a timer required ? Are flashing lights
needed ?
9. What special features need to be built into the designs ?
10. What ‘ergonomic’ factors need to be taken into account ?
11. What designs already exist ? What do you think of them ? Could they be
improved ?
12. What are the addresses of manufacturers and suppliers who may help me
design my product ?
13. Where can I collect research material to help me design ?
14. Who is going to buy my product ? What is the age group ?
15. Is my solution likely to solve the design problem ?
16. What equipment and machinery will I need for manufacture ?

You must add as many relevant questions as possible to the analysis.

Remember, you should present both the analysis and synthesis carefully
and it may be possible to put both on the same piece of paper.
When you work through the project read the analysis constantly to
ensure that you are considering all the questions you listed. You will find
that the analysis will help you target problems with your potential design
and solve them, one by one.

The Synthesis.

The ‘Synthesis’ is the section that follows the ‘Analysis’ and is the answers
to the questions. Usually it is impossible to answer all the questions until
you have nearly completed the the design project. You will find that
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some questions can only be answered when the research section has
been completed. For example, any question on the choice of materials,
or the way ergonomics is applied to your project, must be answered
after you have researched these important areas.

EXAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE SYNTHESIS

1. My design will be safe because I will test a model/prototype first.

2. Compressed polystyrene will probably be the best material and I will
use it if my research tells me it is light and strong.
3. The dimensions will be - 300x450mm.
4. I expect my solution to cost no more than £9.99 to manufacture. I will
work out this cost by looking at the cost of materials and labour in the
research section.
5. My design will take 15 hours to manufacture by hand and 20 minutes
on a production line.
6. I will set up a small production line composed of 4 people (add a little
detail).
7. I will carry out a questionnaire to help me work out the most popular
shape.
8. My questionnaire suggests that a blue/green based colour scheme will
be the most interesting.
9. The product will do the following: (list what it will actually do).
10. I need a timer and a flashing light circuit.
12. The solution will also include movement.
13. I will carry out ergonomics research to work out the size most suitable
for my design.
14. My design will improve any existing design and it will be cheaper.
15. The following manufacturers will be contacted: (list addresses).
16. I will go to the library, write to manufacturers, look at existing designs
etc...
17. My design will be aimed at the general public.
18. My design will completely answer the design problem.
19. I will need general tools and machinery to manufacture my design.

Remember, it is not always possible to answer every question in the

analysis straight away. You may find that some questions cannot be
attempted until after the manufacturing stage. The presentation of the
synthesis is usually the same as for the analysis. Use the same colouring
techniques and style of writing and layout on the paper.

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Planning. The Time Chart.

A Time Chart is a way of planning your project. Below is a simple grid and
the stages of the design process are listed down the left hand side. As
part of your project you need to show how much time you intend to
spend on each section of the project. Included is a key which shows the
amount of time that each unit represents. When you devise your time
chart you may wish to include all the sections involved in research or
add sections that apply to your individual project.

The time chart shown above is a basic layout. When attempting a

graphics project you will need to draw it in a more imaginative way.
1. The example shows the stages/pages of design listed on the left hand
side. You may decide to set the stages out in a different way. However,
you still need to list all pages/stages.
2. On your time chart you must clearly show how much time has been
allocated to each stage.
3. Consider including a key which states the time each stage on the
chart represents. On the example the key is at the top (1 UNIT = ONE
HOUR)
4. Consider including additional pages/stages that only apply to your
project. This may apply especially to the research section of your project.
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5. Keep the pages/stages to between 25 - 30 in number.

6. You may want to leave blank areas for pages/stages that you may
include later. For example, You may be considering making a small
model near the end of the project. One page could be set aside for
photographs of its construction.
7. It is possible to produce two time charts. The first will represent the
designing and the second the manufacturing and all the stages of
making. If this is the case, the designing time chart can be drawn early in
the project and the manufacturing time chart near the end.
8. The time chart must be easy to follow. Keep the layout simple but add
colour and shade to enhance it.
9. If you have been told that there are a limited number of hours for your
project - the total hours represented on your time chart should add up to
this.

Research.

Research is a very important aspect of any project and if you want to

achieve a high grade you must complete all the sections below and any
others that are relevant to your individual project.

 The Library - Go the the library and look up information related to

your project. Collect anything that could be useful - written work,
information diagrams, pictures and present all this in your folder.
You may need to photocopy.
 Materials - Collect information about a range of materials and
include this in the research section. Remember, you must always
say how the materials could be used in your designs or why they
are not suitable. Never copy straight from a book.
 Photographs - Take photographs of anything that will help you in
your research. For example, if you are designing a toy for a very
young child you could visit a nursery and take photographs of
children using toys and include this in your research section.
 Ergonomics and Anthropometrics - (see separate sheet) These two
areas apply to all projects. At least one sheet should be devoted
to this area.
 Examples from Catalogues / newspapers / books etc.... Photocopy
/ draw examples from books and catalogues and arrange them
carefully on sheets of A3 paper. Write notes about the pictures
and always say what you think of the examples.

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 Safety - You must look at the safety of any item you are designing.
Look at existing examples and make notes stating clearly what is
good in terms of safety or how they could be improved.
 Environmental and Cultural aspects - What are the environmental
benefits of the products you have researched? How do they
benefit us ?
 These are some questions how you make yourself during
technology design processes:
o What research do you intend to do at the library ?
o What information on materials do you need to collect ?
o How could you apply the environment to your project ?
o Why is safety important ?

Specification.

The ‘specification’ is probably the easiest part of the design process

although it is one that pupils tend to neglect or write incorrectly. It is
usually a list of points, with each point referring to the research work. In
the specification you need to show what you have learnt from the
research that you collected and presented in the research section.

1. The specification should be composed of simple, clear statements.

Keep the statements as short as possible.
2. If possible, always refer to the research you have carried out. For
example, “The colour scheme will be based on blue and red as these
colours are the most popular - as seen in my questionnaire”.
3. Look at each page of your research and try to write a statement
based on each one. Most of the statements in the specification should
refer to your research section.
4. Keep the number of statements to between 7 to 8 in total.
Specifications should be short and precise in what they state.
5. Each of the statements should help determine the final design of the
product. For example, there may be a statement concerning the overall
size or weight of the product. This clearly places limits on the design of
the product.
6. Ask another pupil or a teacher to read your draft specification. It
should be easy for them to form a view of your final product, and
describe it back to you. If this description is similar to what you intend for
your final product, then your specification is correctly written.
7. Look at the specification written by another pupil attempting the same
project. This will help you formulate further statements for your project.

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8. The specification should take you no longer than an hour to write, if

you have carried out a detailed research.

The specification is probably the easiest section of a design project, if all

the research has been carried out. The specification draws on the
information collected and presented during the research section. The
specification is a number of straightforward statements, made clearly
outlining the nature of the project to be designed and manufactured. If
the research section has not been completed fully, the specification will
also be lacking.

Ideas.

This section allows you to present a number of ideas/designs. You should

aim to produce at least six different designs and certainly not less than
four. The more designs you produce the better the mark you will gain.
However, if your ideas are very similar, the final marks will be reduced. Try
to present designs that look individual and are imaginative.

What Type of Notes?

You must comment, in detail, on all aspects of your design. A few words
on the following are definitely recommended:
1. What do you think of the design?

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2. What do you think of the colour scheme?

3. How much will it cost to produce?
4. Is the design safe?
5. Will you buy it?
6. Will you find it useful?
7. Does your idea answer the design problem?
8. Is the design too large or small?
9. Is it designed ergonomically?
10. Will it suit the age range that it is designed for?
11. What materials will be used in it’s manufacture? Why?

You may find these questions useful as they will get you thinking about
what should be written as notes next to each drawing. Always make sure
that the notes are a good paragraph in size, easy to understand and
well presented. Alternatively, arrange the notes around the idea.
Print in block capitals or adopt a simple style of writing. Keep to the same
style for this section of the design process.

What Style of Drawings should I Use?

You should use a mixture of two and three dimensional drawing

techniques to present any ideas.
Graphic Products Course :
two point perspective,
single point perspective,
oblique projection,
isometric projection,
front and side views,
sectional views,
exploded diagrams.

Use a number of the above techniques and before you decide look at
some examples.

One of the most important sections of a design project is the ideas

section. Drawing designs / ideas is possibly the most enjoyable aspect of
project work. This is the section in which you must show your imagination.
The examiner will look closely at the ideas you produce and the way you
present them and the quality of notes you include with each. Try to
produce a minimum of four ideas and aim for up to six well drawn and
annotated ideas. You may wish to start by looking at an existing idea
and altering it / improving it. Be innovative.
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Development.

The Development follows the IDEAS section. A good way to start a

development is to draw your best idea in the middle of the page and
write around it areas of your design that need improving. For instance,
you may need to improve the colour scheme OR the circuit may need
improving further. Alongside each area write a few notes of explanation.
Then, produce one A4 sheet for each area

The development section of a project is extremely important especially if

you are aiming for a high grade. In this section you must select your best
idea and explain how it can be improved and investigate new aspects.
On the first sheet the best idea is drawn and aspects that can be
improved are identified. All designs can be improved and outlined
below are aspects that you may wish to consider when improving your
idea. Costing your project and Health and Safety relating to it must also
be investigated.

1. Select your best idea carefully. You may decide that selecting aspects
from many designs and putting them together as one idea is preferable
to selecting one complete idea from a range.
2. The development must show that you understand that your idea can
be improved and developed. Think carefully about how improvements
can be made and ask others for their views.
3. Draw your selected idea in the centre of the page and identify
improvements. Use headings for each aspect and then write a short
paragraph regarding how you intend to make improvements.
4. Identify up to 6 or 7 improvements. Include headings such as Health
and Safety and Cost. Other aspects may be; shape / colour, Industrial
manufacture, materials, circuits and other improvements that only apply
to your project such as CAD/CAM and mechanisms.
5. The idea can be drawn in a simple but accurate way. Sometimes it is
best to keep to a plain drawing without colour and shade. This means
that the attention of a person looking at the sheet will be drawn to the
written explanation.
6. Do not crowd the page with notes. Additional notes and drawings will
be included on the following development sheets.
7. In the development section each area to be improved has its own
development sheet. This means the development section is 6 to 7 sheets
in length.
8. Look at old projects to see how pupils have successfully organised their
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development sections. Learn from their mistakes and build a

comprehensive section.

Solution.

Dimensions (measurements) are then added to the three elevations. This

means that overall sizes can be seen. Working drawings usually have a
minimum of six dimensions although normally more are required. A
drawing of this type is always drawn either to the full size of to a scale.
This means that any dimensions that have not been included can be
measured directly from the paper.

When looking at an orthographic drawing it is very important to establish

the ‘angle of projection’. The most popular system is third angle
projection, as seen on this page. Another system is first angle projection
(dealt with earlier). The symbol identifying third angle projection is seen
opposite. This should be placed on every third angle projection
orthographic drawing so that the person using the drawing understands
immediately the system being applied.

Usually the scale of the drawing is written near the symbol, keeping
important information together.

Working drawings are normally presented in a very formal manner. This

means that colour and shade are not used. Outline drawings are the
usual mode of presentation. Colour can hide or mask detail.
A working drawing is a precise piece of work and colour or shade could
make a drawing look more complicated than it actually is.

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A working drawing is the final ‘constructed’ drawing, produced as part

of the design process. It usually consists of a front, side and plan view of
the solution. Sometimes there are two views but this depends on the
complexity of the solution. Dimensions are added so that any person
using the working drawing can manufacture the design. Usually there
are at least six dimensions but you can add as many as you feel are
required in order for the manufacturer to make your solution.
The working drawing should be precise and drawn to a scale. If the
drawing is half the size of the solution then the scale is 1:2. If the drawing
is a 3rd the size of the solution then the scale is 1:3.
Use a 2H pencil or a fine black pen for the final outline. This will allow the
drawing to stand out. The dimensions are usually quite faint apart from
the arrow heads and the measurement.

SUGGESTIONS

A. Consider carefully the type of views you need to draw (front, side,
plan etc...) and draw a rough version.
B. Number the parts in order, so that the numbers are in sequence.
C. Use a T-square and set squares to help you draw the proper version of
the working drawing.
D. Add six dimensions, or more if necessary.
E. Do not fall behind in your work as you may find it difficult to catch up.

Manufacture.

Planning the production of your possible design is an important aspect of

the design process and will show the examiner that you have considered
how your solution will be made on a mass production line, with a labour
force. A mass production line is a method of making thousands of your
final solution in a factory. The labour force is the people/workers who will
put it together. At the beginning of the century the first mass production
line was set up in the USA. The Ford Motor Company set up a ‘line’ of
workers who put together each car. The line was composed of hundreds
of people each doing only one job. When you plan your production line
you need to keep each stage of manufacture very simple. This is
planning for ‘mass production’.

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A flow chart can be presented in any way you think is appropriate. The
boxes can be a shape that fits the product you are designing, in this
case they could have been circles representing a clock face. Use your
imagination !

Evaluation.

Designers evaluate their finished products or prototypes in order to test

whether they work well and if the design can be corrected or improved.
Whatever you have designed it is important to evaluate your work
constantly during the project.

Evaluation can take a variety of forms:

 General discussion with other pupils, staff and others.

 Questionnaires / surveys carried out at any time during the project.
 Your personal views, what you think of existing designs.
 Most important of all - what do you think of your designs,
prototypes and finished products ?
 Can you think of any other ways of evaluating your work ?

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CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS WHEN WRITING YOUR FINAL

EVALUATION

1. What do you think of the overall design ? What changes would you
make ?
2. Are you happy with the materials you chose ? Would you make
adjustments next time ?
3. Is the colour scheme exactly what you expected ? What alterations
would you make ?
4. Did the project take too long to make ? Would this alter the cost of
manufacture ?
5. Would it be easy to set up a production line for the manufacture of
your solution ?
6. Is your solution safe ? Could it be made safer ?
7. Are the techniques you used to make your solution adequate or would
you use a different range of manufacturing techniques ?
8. Is the solution the right size/shape ?
9. What are the views of other people regarding your design ?
10. Does it work ? What changes are required ?

The final evaluation is often neglected because it is the last part to any
design and make project. Do not make the mistake of completing it
quickly or not doing it at all. The final evaluation is usually quite easy to
write and counts for a high proportion of the marks.

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