Glossary Flashcards
ABS
A thermoplastic commonly used for its impact resistance and strength.
Acrylic
A thermoplastic that is often used as an alternative to glass.
Aesthetics
A philosophy of the nature and the appreciation of beauty. Aesthetics involves our senses and our response. Do we like the look, feel, etc? Aesthetics is an important design factor to consider.
Aluminium
A non-ferrous silver-coloured metal used for its good strength to weight ratio.
Analogy
An analogy is a comparison between one thing and another. In idea generation, an analogy is used to compare your problem to a similar situation in a different field, to stimulate new solutions to the problem.
Analysis
the process of breaking down a complex problem or object into smaller, more manageable parts to explore and gain a better understanding of it.
Annotations
written notes added to further explain or elaborate on an idea.
Ash
A hardwood commonly used for sports equipment and steam-bent products due to the high flexibility of the timber.
Assembly
The process of joining two or more parts together.
Accesible
The degree to which a product is available to the widest range of users. A product could be made accessible in many ways, including size and price.
Beech
A hardwood known for its strength and food-safe properties.
Brief
A statement written at the beginning of the design process by the client or designer specifying the details for a design task.
CAD
Computer aided design
Cedar
A softwood that is resistant to weather and is light-weight.
Circular economy
An approach in industry used to keep resources and materials in circulation, rather than disposing of them. A circular economy builds sustainability.
Client
A person or organisation paying for the services of a professional.
Commercial manufacture
The industrial production of products, made with the intention of being sold. Specialist machines and processes are required to produce a large volume of products quickly.
Communicate
To express/share thoughts, ideas, decisions and reasons. Photographs, models, written comments and sketches are some of the ways in which you could communicate your design work.
Consumer
The person who buys or uses a product or service.
Consumerism
The behaviour of buying, using and disposing of goods.
Copper
A non-ferrous metal used for its conductive and ductile properties.
Cutting list
A written list of materials, parts and sizes needed to manufacture an item, usually produced as a table.
Deforestation
When significant areas of forests are cut down and the land used for other purposes.
Design factors
Factors that influence the design of a product, such as aesthetics, ergonomics and function.
Design process
The name given to the different stages of designing, from problem to solution.
Designer
A person in the design team who produces design work, often in response to a design brief.
Development
The process of exploring and refining an idea towards a design solution.
Dimension
A size indicated on a drawing.
Ductile
Material property: the ability of a material to be stretched without breaking.
Emery cloth
Abrasive sheets with a fabric back, used to rub down metals. Similar to sandpaper, different grades of coarseness are available.