Product Design

Assessment

Paper 1: Technical principles – Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes worth 30% of the A-Level. Students are expected to be able to name specific materials for a wide range of applications. They must also be able to provide detailed and justified explanations of why specific materials and combinations of materials are suitable for given applications, with reference to: physical and mechanical properties (working characteristics), product function, aesthetics, cost, manufacture and disposal. Paper 2: Designing and making principles – Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes worth 20% of the A-Level. Students should be aware of, and able to explain, different approaches to user centred design. That in approaching a design challenge there is not a single process, but that good design always addresses many issues, including: designing to meet needs, wants or values, investigations to inform the use of primary and secondary data, the development of a design proposal, the planning and manufacture of a prototype solution and the evaluation of a prototype solution to inform further development. Non-exam assessment (NEA) – Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles A substantial design and make project worth 50% of the A-Level. Evidence can be written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of the final prototype.