Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks) Flashcards
Revision
What is the definition of ‘design technology’?
Design technology is the study of the design process and the creation of products using various materials and techniques.
What are the three main elements of design technology?
Design
Materials
Processes
What are the key stages of the design process?
The key stages are: Identify the problem, Research, Develop ideas, Plan, Create, and Evaluate.
What does CAD stand for?
Computer-Aided Design
True or False: Prototyping is an essential part of the design process.
True
What is the purpose of a prototype?
To test and validate design ideas before final production.
What is ‘ergonomics’ in design technology?
Ergonomics is the study of how products can be designed to fit the needs and capabilities of users.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of material?
d. None of the above
Name one renewable material used in design technology.
Bamboo
What is the purpose of a design brief?
To outline the requirements and constraints of a design project.
True or False: Aesthetic considerations are not important in product design.
False
Fill in the blank: The process of evaluating a product after its creation is known as __________.
post-evaluation
What is the role of testing in the design process?
To assess the functionality and safety of the product.
What does the term ‘sustainability’ refer to in design technology?
The ability to create products in a way that does not deplete resources or harm the environment.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a non-renewable material?
a. Plastic
What is ‘user-centered design’?
A design approach that prioritizes the needs and preferences of the end user.
True or False: The design process is always linear.
False
What does the acronym ‘FMEA’ stand for?
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
What are the four main types of manufacturing processes?
Casting, Molding, Machining, and Joining.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a method of shaping materials using heat and pressure.
Molding
What is the function of a product specification?
To detail the requirements and standards a product must meet.
Multiple Choice: Which material is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio?
c. Carbon fiber
What is the significance of ‘functional testing’?
To ensure the product performs as intended in real-world conditions.
True or False: All products require a market analysis before development.
True
What is ‘assembly line production’?
A manufacturing process where parts are added in a sequential manner to create a finished product.
Fill in the blank: In design technology, __________ refers to the visual appeal of a product.
aesthetics
What is a ‘design challenge’?
A problem that requires a creative solution through the design process.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a smart material?
b. Shape memory alloys
What is the role of ‘feedback’ in the design process?
To gather insights and suggestions for improvement from users or stakeholders.
True or False: All materials can be recycled.
False
What are ‘composite materials’?
Materials made from two or more constituent materials with different physical or chemical properties.
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the study of how products can be manufactured efficiently and cost-effectively.
Manufacturing engineering
What does the term ‘biomimicry’ mean in design technology?
Designing products inspired by nature and biological processes.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of metals?
d. All of the above
What is ‘CAD software’ primarily used for?
To create detailed designs and technical drawings.
True or False: Prototyping can help identify design flaws early in the process.
True
What does ‘3D printing’ refer to?
A manufacturing process that creates three-dimensional objects layer by layer.
Fill in the blank: __________ are materials that can change their properties in response to external stimuli.
Smart materials
What is the importance of market research in design technology?
To understand customer needs and market trends.
Multiple Choice: Which material is commonly used for making electronic enclosures?
a. ABS plastic
What is ‘product lifecycle’?
The stages a product goes through from conception to disposal.
True or False: The evaluation stage of the design process is optional.
False
What is the purpose of ‘safety testing’?
To ensure that products are safe for consumer use.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a technique used to improve product functionality and usability.
User testing
What does the term ‘design for manufacture’ mean?
Designing products in a way that makes them easy and cost-effective to manufacture.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an advantage of using renewable materials?
c. Reduced environmental impact
What is the role of ‘environmental impact assessment’ in design technology?
To evaluate the potential environmental effects of a product before it is manufactured.
True or False: Aesthetic and functional elements should be balanced in product design.
True
What is ‘modular design’?
A design approach that creates products using interchangeable components.
Fill in the blank: __________ refers to the process of optimizing a product’s design for its intended use.
Design optimization
What is ‘Lean manufacturing’?
A production practice that considers the expenditure of resources in any aspect other than the direct creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a disadvantage of plastic materials?
b. Environmental pollution
What does ‘design iteration’ mean?
The process of repeatedly refining a design based on feedback and testing results.
True or False: All products can be patented.
False
What is the significance of ‘branding’ in product design?
To create a recognizable identity for a product that appeals to consumers.
Fill in the blank: The __________ phase of the design process involves sketching and conceptualizing ideas.
development
What is ‘functional design’?
A design approach that prioritizes the utility and performance of a product.
Multiple Choice: Which material is known for its electrical conductivity?
c. Copper
What is ‘material selection’?
The process of choosing appropriate materials for a product based on its requirements.
True or False: Digital prototyping is less effective than physical prototyping.
False
What does ‘design validation’ involve?
Confirming that a design meets the specified requirements and user needs.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process of analyzing the cost and benefits of a design.
Cost analysis
What is the purpose of a ‘design portfolio’?
To showcase a designer’s work and skills.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key aspect of sustainable design?
a. Minimizing waste
What is the significance of ‘innovation’ in design technology?
To improve existing products or create new solutions that meet emerging needs.
True or False: Collaboration is not important in the design process.
False
What does ‘design thinking’ refer to?
A problem-solving approach that emphasizes understanding user needs and iterative testing.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the term for the overall appearance and feel of a product.
User experience
What is a ‘design challenge’?
A specific problem that requires a creative solution through the design process.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common method of generating design ideas?
b. Brainstorming
