Key Vocab Flashcards
Define context.
Circumstances (e.g. people, places, surroundings) that form a setting for us to design with.
Define creativity.
‘A phenomenon whereby something new and valuable is formed’. The ability to transcend traditional ideas/rules or to create new ideas.
Define critique.
A method of detailed evaluation that finds the positives and negatives of a piece of work.
Define design optimisation.
Making the right compromises between product attributes in the areas of cost, weight, manufacturability, quality and performance to give the best overall design.
Define design solution.
Any existing products or systems, or any design development that is offered as an answer to any needs.
Define digital design.
Use of electronic devices to create graphics & designs.
Define disruptive technology.
A new emerging technology that unexpectedly displaces an established one.
Define disassembly.
Taking things apart. Used in DT to analyse & test products.
Define enterprise.
A progressive approach that demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness and willingness to undertake new & challenging projects.
Define fixation.
Being unable to stop thinking about something like an idea.
Define global sustainable development.
The principle of sustaining finite resources that are necessary for future generations.
Define innovation.
Considering new methods/ideas to improve and refine their design solutions and meet the needs of their intended market.
Define incremental innovation.
A series of small improvements to an existing product implemented over time. Regularly used by high-tech businesses to ensure products have desired features.
Define iterative design.
A cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analysing and refining a product.
Define just-in-time (JIT).
A methodology in which goods are received only as they are needed in production.
Why is JIT manufacturing used?
It reduces flow times within production as well as response times from suppliers to customers. Is cheaper and reduces waste.
Define lean manufacturing.
A systematic method for the elimination of waste within a manufacturing system.
What is lifecycle assessment (LCA)?
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.
Define need.
A thing that is necessary for someone to live a healthy, safe & fulfilled life.
Define ongoing dialogue.
An exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement.
Define practical activities.
All stages of designing and making, as well as investigative, testing & analytical activities.
What is meant by the term ‘primary user’?
The person/group of people that is intended to use a product/system in their lives.
Define prototype.
A functioning design outcome. This can be a highly finished product, or working scale models of a system.
Define real-time evidence.
Evidence that demonstrates design activity as it happens. Gathered chronologically to tell a real story.
