WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN?

This course encourages you to take a broad view of design and technology: to develop the ability to design and make products, as well as appreciate the complex relationships between target market, design, materials, manufacture, marketing and human environments. It develops key skills such as essay writing, data collection, analysis and evaluation.

WHAT WILL I LEARN ABOUT?

You will learn in depth about a range of materials and industrial practices, as well as experiencing the process of making a product you have designed. As a result of this, you will have the opportunity to further your knowledge of Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacture and quality control measures.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

• Design and Make Task: The 50 hour design and manufacture of a product including a design portfolio. 50% of A Level grade.
• Paper 1: A written paper on technical principles and core designing and making principles. 25% of A Level.
• Paper 2: A written paper on specialist knowledge technical manufacturing principles. 25% of A Level.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

You will develop the following skills during the course:

• Use of CAD and CAM.
• Designing and manufacturing products.
• Understanding materials and industrial practices deadlines and working effectively to achieve a common aim.
• Written communication and research skills.

WHERE COULD THIS SUBJECT TAKE ME IN THE FUTURE?

It is useful for most design based careers, from furniture design to engineering and architecture. Some designers work in technical areas such as engineering or industrial design, where they need to understand manufacturing processes. Others work more creatively interior designers or furniture designers, for example. In a small engineering firm, designers may develop their ideas from first sketches to the final product. In larger organisations, designers will specialise in particular aspects of the project. Product design and development also involves marketing, investigating the target user and their needs and designing innovative solutions.

Exam Board: AQA | Course Code: 7552