How to Teach Design and Technology in Key

Stage 2: Research and Develop Design Criteria

“In key stage 2, children should research and
develop design criteria to inform the design of
innovative, functional, appealing products.”
National curriculum statement
Throughout key stage 1, children will have learnt
what is meant by a design criteria. They will have
looked at design criteria in depth and commented
on their own successes and failures in meeting
design criteria. In key stage 2, children are
expected to use research to inform these design
choices, developing and creating innovative,
appealing and functional products for a variety of
purposes and target audiences.
Key Vocabulary
product, design, criteria, innovative, functional,
appealing, develop, research
Common Misconceptions and Errors
Children may need support to develop their own
concepts around a design idea or set of criteria.
Children are likely to feel more comfortable
copying or adapting a product that is already on
the market. They should, however, be encouraged
to use research to create new and innovative ideas
to match a set of design criteria.
Teaching and Learning Points:
• Ensure that children understand what a design
criteria is, look through one carefully and pick
out the key expectations, features and audience
for the product.
• Use information technology to research what is
currently on the market (similar to the product
being designed) and gather information and
ideas around what works already.
• Use research to create a moodboard of ideas to
fit the style, colours, materials, aesthetic etc of
the design brief and criteria.
• Discuss how the design can be innovative,
functional and appealing, creating a class
collection of ideas following on from your
research.
• Draw up a number of designs containing
different elements of the design research,
adapting and altering it to fulfil the design
criteria.

Bringing Art & Design to Life

Children should use information technology to
gather ideas around a design criteria. This could
be by sharing ideas as a class or they could set up
a moodboard to gather and share ideas. This will
clearly show the thought process and attention to
each area of the criteria.

Example Questions to Develop

Understanding
• What is a design criteria? Money Containers Research and
• How can I use research to inform my design Design Powerpoint
choices?
• What is a moodboard? Disclaimer: This resource is provided for informational and
educational purposes only. You must ensure that an adequate risk
• How can I use design features to make my assessment is carried out prior to using this resource. It is your
product more appealing? responsibility to ensure that the information/activity this resource
contains are safe and appropriate to use in your situation.