Key Vocab

Question 1

Circular Economy

Answer 1

We keep resources as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them, then recover and regenerate products/materials at end of life.

Question 2

Context

Answer 2

Circumstances (e.g. people, places, surroundings) that form a setting for us to design with.

Question 3

Creativity

Answer 3

‘A phenomenon whereby something new and valuable is formed’. The ability to transcend traditional ideas/rules or to create new ideas.

Question 4

Critique

Answer 4

A method of detailed evaluation that finds the positives and negatives of a piece of work.

Question 5

Design Optimisation

Answer 5

Making the right compromises between product attributes in the areas of cost, weight, manufacturability, quality and performance to give the best overall design.

Question 6

Design Solution

Answer 6

Any existing products or systems, or any design development that is offered as an answer to any needs.

Question 7

Digital Design

Answer 7

Use of electronic devices to create graphics & designs.

Question 8

Disruptive Technology

Answer 8

A new emerging technology that unexpectedly displaces an established one.

Question 9

Disassembly

Answer 9

Taking things apart. Used in DT to analyse & test products.

Question 10

Enterprise

Answer 10

A progressive approach that demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness and willingness to undertake new & challenging projects.

Question 11

Fixation

Answer 11

Being unable to stop thinking about something like an idea.

Question 12

Global Sustainable Development

Answer 12

The principle of sustaining finite resources that are necessary for future generations.

Question 13

Incremental Innovation

Answer 13

A series of small improvements to an existing product implemented over time. Regularly used by high-tech businesses to ensure products have desired features.

Question 14

Innovation

Answer 14

Considering new methods/ideas to improve and refine their design solutions and meet the needs of their intended market.

Question 15

Iterative Design

Answer 15

A cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analysing and refining a product.

Question 16

Just-in-time (JIT)

Answer 16

A methodology in which goods are received only as they are needed in production.

Question 17

Why is JIT manufacturing used?

Answer 17

It reduces flow times within production as well as response times from suppliers to customers. Is cheaper and reduces waste.

Question 18

Lean Manufacturing

Answer 18

A systematic method for the elimination of waste within a manufacturing system.

Question 19

Lifecycle Assessment (LCA)

Answer 19

A technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product’s life from extraction through processing, manufacture, distribution, use, maintenance and disposal.

Question 20

Need

Answer 20

A thing that is necessary for someone to live a healthy, safe & fulfilled life.

Question 21

Ongoing Dialogue

Answer 21

An exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement.

Question 22

Practical Activities

Answer 22

All stages of designing and making, as well as investigative, testing & analytical activities.

Question 23

Primary User

Answer 23

The person/group of people that is intended to use a product/system in their lives.

Question 24

Prototype

Answer 24

A functioning design outcome. This can be a highly finished product, or working scale models of a system.

Question 25

Real-time Evidence

Answer 25

Evidence that demonstrates design activity as it happens. Gathered chronologically to tell a real story.

Question 26

Requirement

Answer 26

A singular physical and functional need that a particular design must be able to perform. A statement that identifies a necessary quality for a system to have value to a stakeholder.

Question 27

Sketch Modelling

Answer 27

Modelling using cheap materials. Helps to explore parts of a design and understand the space in 3D.

Question 28

Social Footprint

Answer 28

The impact that our actions & choices have on other people.

Question 29

Solution

Answer 29

A way of solving a problem.

Question 30

Stakeholder

Answer 30

A person, group or organisation with an interest in a project.

Question 31

Systems Thinking

Answer 31

A holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system’s parts interrelate.

Question 32

Technical Textiles

Answer 32

Materials meeting high technical and quality requirements which give them the ability to offer technical functions.

Question 33

Upcycling

Answer 33

The process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or environmental value.

Question 34

User-centred Design

Answer 34

A framework of processes in which the needs, wants and limitations of end users are given extensive attention during the design process.