RICH PICTUREAt the beginning of the project place the theme at the centre. Put words / themes that are connected to it, around it.
DESIGN PROBLEM AND DESIGN BRIEFState the design problem clearly. Explain how you intend to solve it in general terms.
ANALYSISList as many questions as you can about the project you are attempting. E.g. What materials can I use ?What safety considerations must I keep in mind ?
SYNTHESISAnswer the questions in the analysis.
PLANNINGUse a
time chart and
flow chart to plan your use of time. (See additional sheet)
RESEARCHIf you are to get a high grade you must put effort into this section. Remember, all research must be relevant to your project and constantly refer to the problem you are trying to solve. Produce at least one sheet on each of the following:Suitable
materials for your project.
Investigate the ways in which materials can be joined together -
joints and fixings.The
ergonomic factors that apply to your project.
Safety factors related to your design problem.
Write letters to manufacturers / shops.Research using the library.Research using the Internet / CD-ROMs/DVDs.Interview people with the aim of helping you to solve the design problem (record the interview).Carry out a
survey / questionnaire and present the results as a pictogram/table of results.Collect pictures of
existing products - photographs/catalogue pictures.How are existing products manufactured?Research other relevant areas such as
electronic circuits.
SPECIFICATIONOnce you have completed your design you should specify in a paragraph or two what exactly you are going to do to solve this problem. Always refer to your research.
IDEASDraw at least six ideas, with notes. The ideas should be different and not just the same idea slightly changed. Include environmental considerations (See additional sheet)
DEVELOPMENTTo get the higher grades you must take your best idea and develop it further. One way of starting this section is to draw your best idea again and point out areas that can be improved. Areas may include, safety, colour scheme,
cost,
using a spreadsheet, shape, materials, mechanisms, circuits,
systems diagram and the
environment. You must show that you have considered
Safety and the Consumer. You also need to
develop a circuit for your project. You may need to show how
mechanisms can be used as part of your design. How will all the parts/components be joined together? What
joints and fixings will be needed?
Stages of programming a microcontroller circuit (flow chart). Make a series of
models.
SOLUTIONProduce a
working drawing of your solution with a parts list. This must have measurements and constructional details. You may prefer to produce a
Parts Sheet first. A
three dimensional drawing can also be attempted.
MANUFACTURE
Produce planning sheets to show each stage of production -
a flowchart, time chart,
sequence drawing.
Make a model.Make the solution.
EVALUATIONDo not forget this important section. Evaluate your product. State the good and bad points. Does the solution answer the design brief ? Spend some time on this section. You should include social issues, health and safety, ethical and environmental issues.