key terms

Question 1

circular economy

Answer 1

an alternative to a traditional linear economy in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, and then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. it aims to keep products, components, and materials at their highest utility and value at all times.

Question 2

context

Answer 2

circumstances that form a setting, surrounding, place, people, events that all form a setting for us to design with.

Question 3

accuracy

Answer 3

how correct a measurement is

Question 4

blue sky thinking

Answer 4

It is thinking without any interruptions or restrictions, where there are no pre-conceived ideas or limitations, unhindered thinking with an open-mind.

Question 5

collaboration

Answer 5

Working with others towards a shared goal

Question 6

commercial viability

Answer 6

Defined as business, product, and service which has the ability to compete effectively with its competitors and to make profit.

Question 7

critical path analysis

Answer 7

a project management tool that lists then charts all tasks that must be completed as part of a project, and identifies the quickest route to completion.

Question 8

critical thinking

Answer 8

Consists of delving deeper into understanding why things are the way they are, finding both positive and negative views of something.

Question 9

critique

Answer 9

Looks for problems and faults in design ideas, prototypes or products, while also looking at positive aspects. Uses critical thinking.

Question 10

user-centred design

Answer 10

A design strategy/approach with the aim of making products and systems usable, by focusing mainly on the user.

Question 11

feasability

Answer 11

If something is feasible, it is achievable.

Question 12

enterprise

Answer 12

The people involved in decision making, like business owners - the people make decisions, take risks and look for ways to profit.

Question 13

Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI)

Answer 13

a UK-based organisation that unites businesses, companies, trade unions, charities, and professional associations to promote respect for workers’ rights across the world

Question 14

ecological and social footprint

Answer 14

Human activities that involve consuming natural resources and producing any form of waste is ecological footprint - our impact on the planet. Social footprint is the impact we have on other people

Question 15

design theory and design strategies

Answer 15

Based on what design entails - explains design ideas and activities and looks at multiple ideas of designing.

Question 16

design optimisation

Answer 16

a way of choosing the best options when considering design modifications in terms of optimum use of materials, manufacturability or ease of assembly that ensure optimum quality, performance, etc

Question 17

Design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)

Answer 17

the integration of design with planning for manufacture and assembly into one activity. The main aim is to design products in which economy and efficiency are achieved.

Question 18

fixation

Answer 18

Where a designer can become completely focused on one idea or concept and cant see alternatives, hindering creativity and innovative thinking

Question 19

focus groups

Answer 19

An organised 1-2 hour discussion led by a moderator where 6-10 people are asked about their views, experiences, perception and attitude of a project, brand, service etc.

Question 20

marketability

Answer 20

Designing real products for the real world; products that will appeal to buyers and will sell with enough profit to make a successful business

Question 21

mathematical modelling

Answer 21

Models used to represent something, to show what something looks like or to explain how something works. They can be used to identify and solve potential problems.

Question 22

planned obsolescence

Answer 22

Obsolete = no longer useful or used. Planned obsolescence is where a company decides to manufacture consumer products in a way that they become obsolete within a time period. Aimed to ensure sale of their next product to keep the business going.

Question 23

product lifecycle

Answer 23

The stages of a product’s life from when it is designed to when it is thrown away and no longer used, or when the demand for the product goes down.

Question 24

project management tools

Answer 24

The act of defining, initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and completing the work of a team to meet a specific target. It is the planning and control of everything involved in delivering an end result to meet the stakeholders analysis

Question 25

qualitiative

Answer 25

non numerical observations

Question 26

quantitative

Answer 26

numerical observations

Question 27

real time evidence

Answer 27

Information used to support a claim or statement, can prove if it is true or not

Question 28

reflect

Answer 28

To think about/contemplate about what needs to be done, what has gone well and what should be improved

Question 29

scrum

Answer 29

A project management tool, used in software development and it uses the iterative design process. It involves collaboration, use of software, organisation of teams and flexibility

Question 30

six sigma

Answer 30

A set of tools and processes to ensure consistent output in manufacturing. Its aimed to reduce the number of faulty products manufactured and to improve consumer satisfaction

Question 31

sketch modelling

Answer 31

Not sketches, these are quick models of parts of a design made from cheap materials such as cardboard and foam.

Question 32

specifications

Answer 32

These are used extensively In all fields of real-world designing and manufacturing. They are an important part of the iterative design process, listing requirements and details for all steps and processes.

Question 33

SWOT analysis

Answer 33

An acronym for strength, weakness, opportunities and threats. It is carried out on anything, eg a person or product, and is used to identify the aims, carry out the aim and identify the strengths, weakness etc of the aim.

Question 34

Systems thinking

Answer 34

Refers to the understanding of a product or component as part of a larger system of other products and systems. It ensures all aspects of the product are given the attention they require. It considers all the components and functions.

Question 35

tolerances

Answer 35

It is important to ensure that products and components are uniform in size, which requires precision in manufacturing and checking for accuracy. Quality control measures during manufacture ensures the specified tolerances are attained.

Question 36

usability

Answer 36

It is important to ensure that products and components are uniform in size, which requires precision in manufacturing and checking for accuracy. Quality control measures during manufacture ensures the specified tolerances are attained.