Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

Technology Processes.
In order to achieve higher grades it is essential that your project follows the full design process.

Rich Pictures.
A Rich Picture is the first stage in the design process. When you start designing, the theme is placed in the centre of the page and link words are positioned around it. This can be seen on the example above, a rich picture for the theme Clock Design. These link words should be related to the centre theme and they will help you think of points that you must consider when trying to solve the design problem.

For example, the word materials may prompt you to consider different woods, metals and plastics that could be useful when trying to work out the best materials for your solution. In this way you should write as many words as possible around the theme but only if they have some link. A rich picture must also have pictures or diagrams to give a good, clear, visual effect. Without them it is a diagram. The rich picture shown below has been produced for a project based on an educational toy for teaching children the use of pedestrian crossings. 1. A simple but effective border / title block has been drawn on the paper. This must be completed first so that it can be photocopied several times. This means that you will have several blanks for use with following design sheets.

2. The main theme (PEDESTRIAN CROSSING) is clearly displayed in the centre of the paper. You may wish to write your theme in an imaginative style, adding appropriate shade and colour.

3. The link words are placed around the main theme and written accurately between very faint guidelines. The guidelines are important as they ensure the printing is accurate and make it easy for the examiner to read your information. If you do not use guidelines, you may drop an examination grade for this sheet.

4. Some of the link words also have words arranged around them. This
CURSO 2.009/2.010 Pg.- 1

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

allows more detail to be placed on the design sheet. Doing this may increase your grade as examiners expect to see plenty of detail and it shows that you have thought very carefully about the project. Look at the link word materials, this has several words arranged around it.

5. Add pictures to many of the link words - you do not have to add pictures for every word. The example shown opposite has very few drawings but it gained a good grade because it is very well presented and quality colour / shade has been added.

6. Do not overcrowd the page but at the same time ensure that you have included plenty of detail.

Design Problem and Brief.

The Problem and Design Brief are sometimes viewed as two different sections of the design process. However, they are very closely related. Before you can start a design project you must find a problem to solve. Sometimes this may be given to you as a question set by the teacher or the Examinations Board and is usually a paragraph of writing. The design

CURSO 2.009/2.010

Pg.- 2

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

brief follows the problem and states clearly how you intend to solve the design problem. The brief and problem shown below has been produced for a project based on an educational toy.

THE DESIGN PROBLEM

1. The brief and problem is mainly text (writing) that is printed in a clear style so that it can be read and understood easily.

2. The problem is a paragraph or more in length. It describes the problem you are aiming to solve. Do not say how you intend to solve the problem, only what the problem is. If you have been given a examination question as your design project, add more detail. The example opposite is based on the following examination question:

Design and make an educational device for young children. It must improve hand and eye coordination.

The problem written opposite is a more detailed and imaginative way of writing the examination question. A pedestrian crossing simulator has been selected by the pupil as the educational device.

3. The first sentence should state the problem, adding more detail with the following sentences.

4. If the examination question does not name the product that has to be designed and made (such as an educational device) - you can mention an area that you are interested in. This could include, jigsaws, puzzles or something that could be adapted as an educational device. THE DESIGN BRIEF

1. Always start the design brief with I am going to design and make ......
CURSO 2.009/2.010 Pg.- 3

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

This is followed by a general description of the type of device you feel will answer the design problem.

2. Do not be too specific. The brief should be a general description that allows you flexibility regarding the type of product you intend to make. For example, if your are designing an automatic animal feeder it may be a good idea not to say the type of animal it is for, at least not at this stage in the project.

3. Do not be specific about materials. It may be wise to avoid stating the exact materials it will be manufactured from (eg. pine, steel, perspex etc...). Instead describe the materials to be used as strong, tough, flexible, natural, manmade, recycled, water-proof or similar general descriptions.

4. Mention points such as; safety, general size, what it will do (its functions), general properties of the materials needed, who it is for (eg. children), basic cost of manufacture or a lower and upper cost limits, circuit requirements and other points you feel are important. FINDING A DESIGN PROBLEM TO SOLVE - SUGGESTIONS:

A. Is there a product that you could improve for a hobby or interest? B. Is there an item that you use every day that could be improved? Is there an item that could be adapted for disabled people or young children or the elderly? or another group of people? C. Ask your friends and relatives. They may have a few suggestions about design problems you can solve that will help them. D. Do not be over ambitious. Do not select a design problem that is too complex. E. Ask the teacher for advice and look at completed projects for inspiration. F. Complete your homework on time. Do not fall behind as you may find it impossible to catch up.

The Analysis.
The analysis is one of the early sections in the design process. It involves listing as many questions as you can think of regarding your project. The
CURSO 2.009/2.010 Pg.- 4

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

questions will vary from project to project but usually the majority of these questions are the same, whatever the project you are attempting. The questions below may be useful especially if you adapt them to suit your current project. Remember the SYNTHESIS is the following section in the design process and is a list of answers. You may not be able to complete the synthesis until you have almost finished the entire project. EXAMPLES QUESTIONS FOR THE ANALYSIS.
1. Will the design be safe ? 2. What materials are available ? What materials will be the most suitable? What will be the overall size ? 3. How long will the product take to manufacture ? 4. How will the product be mass produced ? On a production line ? What will the cost of labour be ? 5. What is the best shape for the solution ? 6. What colour scheme will be most appropriate ? 7. What are the functions of the product ? 8. What type of circuit is required ? Is a timer required ? Are flashing lights needed ? 9. What special features need to be built into the designs ? 10. What ergonomic factors need to be taken into account ? 11. What designs already exist ? What do you think of them ? Could they be improved ? 12. What are the addresses of manufacturers and suppliers who may help me design my product ? 13. Where can I collect research material to help me design ? 14. Who is going to buy my product ? What is the age group ? 15. Is my solution likely to solve the design problem ? 16. What equipment and machinery will I need for manufacture ?

You must add as many relevant questions as possible to the analysis. Remember, you should present both the analysis and synthesis carefully and it may be possible to put both on the same piece of paper. When you work through the project read the analysis constantly to ensure that you are considering all the questions you listed. You will find that the analysis will help you target problems with your potential design and solve them, one by one.

The Synthesis.
The Synthesis is the section that follows the Analysis and is the answers to the questions. Usually it is impossible to answer all the questions until you have nearly completed the the design project. You will find that
CURSO 2.009/2.010 Pg.- 5

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

some questions can only be answered when the research section has been completed. For example, any question on the choice of materials, or the way ergonomics is applied to your project, must be answered after you have researched these important areas. EXAMPLE ANSWERS FOR THE SYNTHESIS 1. My design will be safe because I will test a model/prototype first. 2. Compressed polystyrene will probably be the best material and I will use it if my research tells me it is light and strong. 3. The dimensions will be - 300x450mm. 4. I expect my solution to cost no more than 9.99 to manufacture. I will work out this cost by looking at the cost of materials and labour in the research section. 5. My design will take 15 hours to manufacture by hand and 20 minutes on a production line. 6. I will set up a small production line composed of 4 people (add a little detail). 7. I will carry out a questionnaire to help me work out the most popular shape. 8. My questionnaire suggests that a blue/green based colour scheme will be the most interesting. 9. The product will do the following: (list what it will actually do). 10. I need a timer and a flashing light circuit. 12. The solution will also include movement. 13. I will carry out ergonomics research to work out the size most suitable for my design. 14. My design will improve any existing design and it will be cheaper. 15. The following manufacturers will be contacted: (list addresses). 16. I will go to the library, write to manufacturers, look at existing designs etc... 17. My design will be aimed at the general public. 18. My design will completely answer the design problem. 19. I will need general tools and machinery to manufacture my design. Remember, it is not always possible to answer every question in the analysis straight away. You may find that some questions cannot be attempted until after the manufacturing stage. The presentation of the synthesis is usually the same as for the analysis. Use the same colouring techniques and style of writing and layout on the paper.

CURSO 2.009/2.010

Pg.- 6

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

Planning. The Time Chart.

A Time Chart is a way of planning your project. Below is a simple grid and the stages of the design process are listed down the left hand side. As part of your project you need to show how much time you intend to spend on each section of the project. Included is a key which shows the amount of time that each unit represents. When you devise your time chart you may wish to include all the sections involved in research or add sections that apply to your individual project.

The time chart shown above is a basic layout. When attempting a graphics project you will need to draw it in a more imaginative way. 1. The example shows the stages/pages of design listed on the left hand side. You may decide to set the stages out in a different way. However, you still need to list all pages/stages. 2. On your time chart you must clearly show how much time has been allocated to each stage. 3. Consider including a key which states the time each stage on the chart represents. On the example the key is at the top (1 UNIT = ONE HOUR) 4. Consider including additional pages/stages that only apply to your project. This may apply especially to the research section of your project.
CURSO 2.009/2.010 Pg.- 7

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

5. Keep the pages/stages to between 25 - 30 in number. 6. You may want to leave blank areas for pages/stages that you may include later. For example, You may be considering making a small model near the end of the project. One page could be set aside for photographs of its construction. 7. It is possible to produce two time charts. The first will represent the designing and the second the manufacturing and all the stages of making. If this is the case, the designing time chart can be drawn early in the project and the manufacturing time chart near the end. 8. The time chart must be easy to follow. Keep the layout simple but add colour and shade to enhance it. 9. If you have been told that there are a limited number of hours for your project - the total hours represented on your time chart should add up to this.

Research.
Research is a very important aspect of any project and if you want to achieve a high grade you must complete all the sections below and any others that are relevant to your individual project. The Library - Go the the library and look up information related to your project. Collect anything that could be useful - written work, information diagrams, pictures and present all this in your folder. You may need to photocopy. Materials - Collect information about a range of materials and include this in the research section. Remember, you must always say how the materials could be used in your designs or why they are not suitable. Never copy straight from a book. Photographs - Take photographs of anything that will help you in your research. For example, if you are designing a toy for a very young child you could visit a nursery and take photographs of children using toys and include this in your research section. Ergonomics and Anthropometrics - (see separate sheet) These two areas apply to all projects. At least one sheet should be devoted to this area. Examples from Catalogues / newspapers / books etc.... Photocopy / draw examples from books and catalogues and arrange them carefully on sheets of A3 paper. Write notes about the pictures and always say what you think of the examples.

CURSO 2.009/2.010

Pg.- 8

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

Safety - You must look at the safety of any item you are designing. Look at existing examples and make notes stating clearly what is good in terms of safety or how they could be improved. Environmental and Cultural aspects - What are the environmental benefits of the products you have researched? How do they benefit us ? These are some questions how you make yourself during technology design processes: o What research do you intend to do at the library ? o What information on materials do you need to collect ? o How could you apply the environment to your project ? o Why is safety important ?

Specification.
The specification is probably the easiest part of the design process although it is one that pupils tend to neglect or write incorrectly. It is usually a list of points, with each point referring to the research work. In the specification you need to show what you have learnt from the research that you collected and presented in the research section. 1. The specification should be composed of simple, clear statements. Keep the statements as short as possible. 2. If possible, always refer to the research you have carried out. For example, The colour scheme will be based on blue and red as these colours are the most popular - as seen in my questionnaire. 3. Look at each page of your research and try to write a statement based on each one. Most of the statements in the specification should refer to your research section. 4. Keep the number of statements to between 7 to 8 in total. Specifications should be short and precise in what they state. 5. Each of the statements should help determine the final design of the product. For example, there may be a statement concerning the overall size or weight of the product. This clearly places limits on the design of the product. 6. Ask another pupil or a teacher to read your draft specification. It should be easy for them to form a view of your final product, and describe it back to you. If this description is similar to what you intend for your final product, then your specification is correctly written. 7. Look at the specification written by another pupil attempting the same project. This will help you formulate further statements for your project.
CURSO 2.009/2.010 Pg.- 9

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

8. The specification should take you no longer than an hour to write, if you have carried out a detailed research. The specification is probably the easiest section of a design project, if all the research has been carried out. The specification draws on the information collected and presented during the research section. The specification is a number of straightforward statements, made clearly outlining the nature of the project to be designed and manufactured. If the research section has not been completed fully, the specification will also be lacking.

Ideas.
This section allows you to present a number of ideas/designs. You should aim to produce at least six different designs and certainly not less than four. The more designs you produce the better the mark you will gain. However, if your ideas are very similar, the final marks will be reduced. Try to present designs that look individual and are imaginative. What Type of Notes? You must comment, in detail, on all aspects of your design. A few words on the following are definitely recommended: 1. What do you think of the design?
CURSO 2.009/2.010 10 Pg.-

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

2. What do you think of the colour scheme? 3. How much will it cost to produce? 4. Is the design safe? 5. Will you buy it? 6. Will you find it useful? 7. Does your idea answer the design problem? 8. Is the design too large or small? 9. Is it designed ergonomically? 10. Will it suit the age range that it is designed for? 11. What materials will be used in its manufacture? Why? You may find these questions useful as they will get you thinking about what should be written as notes next to each drawing. Always make sure that the notes are a good paragraph in size, easy to understand and well presented. Alternatively, arrange the notes around the idea. Print in block capitals or adopt a simple style of writing. Keep to the same style for this section of the design process. What Style of Drawings should I Use? You should use a mixture of two and three dimensional drawing techniques to present any ideas. Graphic Products Course : two point perspective, single point perspective, oblique projection, isometric projection, front and side views, sectional views, exploded diagrams. Use a number of the above techniques and before you decide look at some examples. One of the most important sections of a design project is the ideas section. Drawing designs / ideas is possibly the most enjoyable aspect of project work. This is the section in which you must show your imagination. The examiner will look closely at the ideas you produce and the way you present them and the quality of notes you include with each. Try to produce a minimum of four ideas and aim for up to six well drawn and annotated ideas. You may wish to start by looking at an existing idea and altering it / improving it. Be innovative.
CURSO 2.009/2.010 11 Pg.-

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

Development.
The Development follows the IDEAS section. A good way to start a development is to draw your best idea in the middle of the page and write around it areas of your design that need improving. For instance, you may need to improve the colour scheme OR the circuit may need improving further. Alongside each area write a few notes of explanation. Then, produce one A4 sheet for each area The development section of a project is extremely important especially if you are aiming for a high grade. In this section you must select your best idea and explain how it can be improved and investigate new aspects. On the first sheet the best idea is drawn and aspects that can be improved are identified. All designs can be improved and outlined below are aspects that you may wish to consider when improving your idea. Costing your project and Health and Safety relating to it must also be investigated. 1. Select your best idea carefully. You may decide that selecting aspects from many designs and putting them together as one idea is preferable to selecting one complete idea from a range. 2. The development must show that you understand that your idea can be improved and developed. Think carefully about how improvements can be made and ask others for their views. 3. Draw your selected idea in the centre of the page and identify improvements. Use headings for each aspect and then write a short paragraph regarding how you intend to make improvements. 4. Identify up to 6 or 7 improvements. Include headings such as Health and Safety and Cost. Other aspects may be; shape / colour, Industrial manufacture, materials, circuits and other improvements that only apply to your project such as CAD/CAM and mechanisms. 5. The idea can be drawn in a simple but accurate way. Sometimes it is best to keep to a plain drawing without colour and shade. This means that the attention of a person looking at the sheet will be drawn to the written explanation. 6. Do not crowd the page with notes. Additional notes and drawings will be included on the following development sheets. 7. In the development section each area to be improved has its own development sheet. This means the development section is 6 to 7 sheets in length. 8. Look at old projects to see how pupils have successfully organised their
CURSO 2.009/2.010 12 Pg.-

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

development sections. Learn from their mistakes and build a comprehensive section.

Solution.
Dimensions (measurements) are then added to the three elevations. This means that overall sizes can be seen. Working drawings usually have a minimum of six dimensions although normally more are required. A drawing of this type is always drawn either to the full size of to a scale. This means that any dimensions that have not been included can be measured directly from the paper. When looking at an orthographic drawing it is very important to establish the angle of projection. The most popular system is third angle projection, as seen on this page. Another system is first angle projection (dealt with earlier). The symbol identifying third angle projection is seen opposite. This should be placed on every third angle projection orthographic drawing so that the person using the drawing understands immediately the system being applied.

Usually the scale of the drawing is written near the symbol, keeping important information together. Working drawings are normally presented in a very formal manner. This means that colour and shade are not used. Outline drawings are the usual mode of presentation. Colour can hide or mask detail. A working drawing is a precise piece of work and colour or shade could make a drawing look more complicated than it actually is.

CURSO 2.009/2.010 13

Pg.-

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

A working drawing is the final constructed drawing, produced as part of the design process. It usually consists of a front, side and plan view of the solution. Sometimes there are two views but this depends on the complexity of the solution. Dimensions are added so that any person using the working drawing can manufacture the design. Usually there are at least six dimensions but you can add as many as you feel are required in order for the manufacturer to make your solution. The working drawing should be precise and drawn to a scale. If the drawing is half the size of the solution then the scale is 1:2. If the drawing is a 3rd the size of the solution then the scale is 1:3. Use a 2H pencil or a fine black pen for the final outline. This will allow the drawing to stand out. The dimensions are usually quite faint apart from the arrow heads and the measurement. SUGGESTIONS A. Consider carefully the type of views you need to draw (front, side, plan etc...) and draw a rough version. B. Number the parts in order, so that the numbers are in sequence. C. Use a T-square and set squares to help you draw the proper version of the working drawing. D. Add six dimensions, or more if necessary. E. Do not fall behind in your work as you may find it difficult to catch up.

Manufacture.
Planning the production of your possible design is an important aspect of the design process and will show the examiner that you have considered how your solution will be made on a mass production line, with a labour force. A mass production line is a method of making thousands of your final solution in a factory. The labour force is the people/workers who will put it together. At the beginning of the century the first mass production line was set up in the USA. The Ford Motor Company set up a line of workers who put together each car. The line was composed of hundreds of people each doing only one job. When you plan your production line you need to keep each stage of manufacture very simple. This is planning for mass production.

CURSO 2.009/2.010 14

Pg.-

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

A flow chart can be presented in any way you think is appropriate. The boxes can be a shape that fits the product you are designing, in this case they could have been circles representing a clock face. Use your imagination !

Evaluation.
Designers evaluate their finished products or prototypes in order to test whether they work well and if the design can be corrected or improved. Whatever you have designed it is important to evaluate your work constantly during the project.

Evaluation can take a variety of forms: General discussion with other pupils, staff and others. Questionnaires / surveys carried out at any time during the project. Your personal views, what you think of existing designs. Most important of all - what do you think of your designs, prototypes and finished products ? Can you think of any other ways of evaluating your work ?

CURSO 2.009/2.010 15

Pg.-

Departamento de Tecnologa.

I.E.S. Fuente Nueva El Ejido

CONSIDER THE EVALUATION

FOLLOWING

POINTS

WHEN

WRITING

YOUR

FINAL

1. What do you think of the overall design ? What changes would you make ? 2. Are you happy with the materials you chose ? Would you make adjustments next time ? 3. Is the colour scheme exactly what you expected ? What alterations would you make ? 4. Did the project take too long to make ? Would this alter the cost of manufacture ? 5. Would it be easy to set up a production line for the manufacture of your solution ? 6. Is your solution safe ? Could it be made safer ? 7. Are the techniques you used to make your solution adequate or would you use a different range of manufacturing techniques ? 8. Is the solution the right size/shape ? 9. What are the views of other people regarding your design ? 10. Does it work ? What changes are required ? The final evaluation is often neglected because it is the last part to any design and make project. Do not make the mistake of completing it quickly or not doing it at all. The final evaluation is usually quite easy to write and counts for a high proportion of the marks.

CURSO 2.009/2.010 16

Pg.-