A-Level D&T: Core Concepts & Design Process

Front

Iterative Design

Back

A non-linear design process involving repeated cycles of development, testing, and refinement. Unlike a linear 'waterfall' method, iterative design relies on constant user feedback to evolve the product, moving towards an optimal solution through gradual improvements rather than attempting a perfect final design immediately.

Front

Design Thinking Process

Back

A structured methodology for creative problem-solving, typically defined by five stages: Empathise (understand user needs), Define (craft a problem statement), Ideate (generate solutions), Prototype (create representations), and Test (evaluate). It prioritizes the user's perspective above all else to ensure the final product is truly desirable and functional.

Front

Design Brief vs. Design Specification

Back

A **Design Brief** is a short, clear statement defining what the design problem is and what the client wants. It is the starting point. A **Design Specification** is a detailed list of criteria the final product must meet, including constraints (size, cost, materials) and performance metrics (durability, safety), used to evaluate the success of the solution.

Front

Primary vs. Secondary Research

Back

**Primary Research** involves collecting new, first-hand data directly from sources, such as conducting surveys, interviews, or user observations. It is specific to the project but time-consuming. **Secondary Research** involves analyzing existing data collected by others, such as market reports, textbooks, or internet articles. It is quick to gather but may not be perfectly specific to the niche design problem.

Front

Ergonomics vs. Anthropometrics

Back

**Ergonomics** is the study of how humans interact with physical systems, focusing on efficiency, comfort, and safety to reduce strain. **Anthropometrics** is the specific measurement of the human body (e.g., height, arm reach, grip size). Designers use anthropometric data tables to ensure their ergonomic designs fit the intended user population (e.g., the 5th to 95th percentile range).