B. Specialist Technical Principles

Question 1

What aesthetic factors should the designer consider when designing a product?

Answer 1

The design should appeal to the target market.
They should consider the shape, size, colour, surface finish and texture of the product

Question 2

What social factors should the designer consider when designing a product?

Answer 2

• Use materials from a sustainable source
• Source materials that have a positive impact on the farmers/workers
• Use recycled products
• Reduce the use of unethically sourced materials

Question 3

What issues could affect the price of the end-product?

Answer 3

• How easy is it to source the materials?
• Are the materials widely available and quick to deliver?
• Are the materials supplied in stock form and sizes?

Question 4

What ethical factors does the designer need to consider when designing the product?

Answer 4

• Consider human and animal rights
• Make something functional, reliable, safe and usable
• Consider the user’s experience and make their life better

Question 5

Discuss the ethical, social and environmental factors that should be considered when using Tropical Hardwood

Answer 5

• Must be sourced from a sustainable FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) registered plantation
• FSC protects forests from illegal logging which is causing deforestation
• Illegal supply can continue to create demand for these timbers

Question 6

Discuss the ethical, social and environmental factors that should be considered when using Fur

Answer 6

• Fur was traditionally worn for warmth, protection and a sign of wealth. Now it is considered an unacceptable choice and a cruel practice
• Fur requires complex treatment to make it suitable for clothing
• Chemicals are detrimental to workforce and environment - will need careful waste disposal

Question 7

Discuss the ethical, social and environmental factors that should be considered when using Aluminium

Answer 7

• Extraction using electrolysis is very energy hungry
• Extracting Al from mines is dangerous, polluting and scars the local environment
• Reuse and Recycle are essential

Question 8

Discuss the ethical, social and environmental factors that should be considered when using Urea Formaldehyde

Answer 8

• Requires extraction of oil to manufacture into a polymer
• Thermosetting; very hard to recycle
• Increases landfill

Question 9

Discuss the ethical, social and environmental factors that should be considered when using Cotton

Answer 9

• Grown extensively and provides employment
• Uses large amounts of water and insecticides, causing pollution and water scarcity
• Cotton avoids the use of synthetic chemicals

Question 10

Describe a compression force

Answer 10

Compression occurs when a pushing force is applied to either end of a material

Question 11

Describe a bending force

Answer 11

Bending is a combination of tension and compression. Tension on one side and compression on the other

Question 12

Describe a torsion force

Answer 12

Torsion forces occur when a material is twisted

Question 13

Describe a tension force

Answer 13

Tension occurs when a pulling force is applied to either end of a material

Question 14

Describe a shear force

Answer 14

Shear force acts on an object in a direction perpendicular to its length

Question 15

What does it mean when a material is reinforced?

Answer 15

It is strengthened by the addition of other materials

Question 16

What does it mean when a material is strengthened?

Answer 16

It is made stronger or more rigid to resist certain forces

Question 17

How can bending enhance a material?

Answer 17

Bending adds curves, arches and tubes which add considerable strength to the product, using a minimal amount of material

Question 18

How can folding enhance a material?

Answer 18

Folding adds strength, but also flexibility by enabling a material to bend easily

Question 19

What is fabric interfacing?

Answer 19

Adding an additional layer to give structure, shape and support. Used in textiles

Question 20

How can lamination enhance a material?

Answer 20

By bonding multiple materials together, a product’s strength and stability is improved. It can also add to the aesthetics

Question 21

How can webbing enhance a material?

Answer 21

Webbing is a strong fabric that is woven into flat straps and used for items under high tension

Question 22

What forces act on a pair of pliers when gripping on a nail head?

Answer 22

• The handles will be subject to a bending force
• The outer edge of the handles will be subject to tension, while the insides will be subject to compression
• A shear force will act on the pivot (fulcrum) as the pliers are squeezed around the nail head

Question 23

What are the 6 R’s?

Answer 23

Rethink
Refuse
Reduce
Reuse
Repair
Recycle

Question 24

Why are the 6 R’s placed in this particular order?

Answer 24

There is an order of precedence.
It is better to rethink and refuse to use a product as it saves having to consider any of the points thereafter.
Repair involves new parts that reuse does not.
Recycling is the last chance to retrieve some value from the materials used in an existing product.

Question 25

What does the ‘Health and Safety at Work Act 1974’ state?

Answer 25

• Workers should be provided with safe working conditions, given training and appropriate safety equipment for their environment
• Ensure safe working hours, appropriate wages and working conditions

Question 26

How can we reduce ocean pollution?

Answer 26

• Use plastic free alternatives and stop using single-use plastics
• Urge producers to use plastic free materials
• Reduce our carbon footprint as greenhouse gases are making our ocean acidic
• Increase recycling to prevent waste being dumped in the oceans

Question 27

How can we reduce atmospheric pollution?

Answer 27

• Switch to electric vehicles and reduce number of journeys made
• Improve recycling of materials used to make cars and trucks
• Increase use of alternative forms of energy (solar, wind etc)