HSC Typed Terminology, Essays and Short Answers

NESA Directive Terms they use in DT a lot.

Analyse - Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate
implications
Critically Analyse/Evaluate - Add a degree or level of accuracy depth, knowledge and
understanding, logic, questioning, reflection and quality to (analyse/evaluate)
Explain - Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide
why and/or how
Compare - Show how things are similar or different
Discuss - Identify issues and provide points for and/or against
Describe - Provide characteristics and features
Evaluate - Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of
Examine - Inquire into, Plan, inquire into and draw conclusions about

Quotes
- Bolton: “a defining characteristic of design, is the applications of creativity to connect
technology and the user”.
HSC Design and Technology

Terminology
Appropriateness – should analyse the need, fix the problem or capitalise on the
opportunity, effectively being suitable for the intended environment.
Community - identifies the strengths and resources available in the community to meet the
needs of a consensus.
Individual Needs – perceived needs are something a person must have, also differentiate
between wants and needs.
Equity – fairness and justice in the treatment of individuals.
Egalitarianism – principles of equal rights and opportunities.
Function – the product must perform and work for its intended use.
Aesthetics – refers to the visual appearance of a product.
Finance – amount of money required to complete all phases of a product’s development.
Ergonomics – refers to the relationship between the user and the product, system and
environment.
Quality – two aspects of quality include level and consistency. The level of quality refers to
the ability of a product to perform its intended function for a period of time. The consistency
of quality refers to delivering the targeted level of quality at a consistent rate.
Short term environmental consequences – societal impacts as a result of negative
environmental management, immediate pollution
Long term environmental consequences – continuation of climate change
Obsolescence – refers to when the design or product is no longer of any use and may
occur in place of newer products.
- Built in obsolescence occurs when a product only lasts for a certain time period in
order to promote profit and future sales (i.e profit maximisation).
Life Cycle Analysis – evaluation of a product’s impact on the environment during all stages
of the design process, including the cradle to cradle/grave approach.
Domestic Manufacturing - Activities of design and production in the domestic setting
usually involve small-scale or one-off production.
Industrial/Commercial Manufacturing - Large-scale production of goods is the defining
factor in industrial and commercial settings.
Sustainability - causing little or no damage to the environment or not using finite resources
and therefore able to continue for a long time.
Environmental Sustainability - the practice of making responsible decisions that will
reduce negative impact on the environment.
Cognitive Organisers – visual representation of initial design ideas.
Collaboration - working together with others on a project for a common goal.
Market Research – conducting research on the current and past market and societal trends,
which can assist in enabling for the success of a product
Primary Research - research conducted by going directly to the source, such as
interviewing, experimenting, and collecting and analysing statistics.
Secondary Research - facts or data obtained from other than the original source, such as
books, other people’s reports or the internet.
Marketing – ability of a designer to capture its target market using the 5 P’s model (people,
product, price, promotion and packaging).
Design Brief - A design brief is a document for a design project developed by a person or
team (the designer or design team) in consultation with the client/customer.
Criteria for evaluation – An evaluation of the list of requirements and specifications
established for the functional, aesthetic and limitations of a design project.
Forms of communication – internet, media, email, video calling etc
Prototypes - the preliminary version of a product or design from which other versions are
developed.
Qualitative and Quantitative research - Quantitative data is information about quantities,
and therefore numbers, and qualitative data is descriptive, and regards phenomenon which
can be observed but not measured, such as language.
Global Trends - Globalisation, increases in internet and communication
Market Trends – Structural change, changing nature of work, environmentalism and
computerisation.
Cultural Diversity – principles of respect and etiquette for different cultures and religions,
and accordingly the production of appropriate products, systems or environments.
Intellectual Property – protection of the design ideas and thoughts from a designer.
Monitored by IP Australia.
Patent – the legal right to protect a device, methods or process. Can obtain a standard
patent that lasts for 8 years or an innovation patent that lasts for 20 years.
Registered design – protection of the visual appearance of a product, including shape,
configuration and pattern.
Copyright – granted free for music, art, film and games
Trademark – provides a legal right to sell, use or license a design in Australia.
Emerging technologies - refers to a field of technology that broaches new territory in some
significant way. The two factors that are concerned with technology include market pull
(demand for a product) and technological push (development of new, innovative
technologies).
Innovation - using an existing material or technology for a completely different purpose or to
develop a new material or technology; something new or unprecedented in a market or
society.
Essays
Entrepreneurs (Trial HSC CSSA)
The success and failure of a design in the market is often due to a range of factors
considered and controlled during the design process. Entrepreneurs are known for taking
risks during this process.
Using examples you have studied, analyse the influence that entrepreneurial activity has
had on the success or failure of the design.
The success or failure of products in the market are a result of various factors affecting the
design process, with entrepreneurs often taking risks during this process in order to expand
economic activity. An entrepreneur can be defined as an individual who takes financial risks
in order to promote economic activity of a subsequent product, system or technology.
Through the critical analysis of entrepreneurs, such as Dean Kamen, Marc Newson, Elon
Musk and Dr Fiona Wood and entrepreneurial companies such as Plantic Technologies, one
can determine the success or failure of respective designs and products.
Dean Kamen, creator of the famous ‘Segway’ is an entrepreneur who has created many
other successful products such as vacuum cleaners, electric skateboards and even a
wheelchair that climbs stairs, however, design factors such as timing, financial and legal
factors led to the failure of the Segway. Kamen stated that the Segway would “hit $1 billion
dollars in sales faster than any company in history”, an overstatement that illustrates the
shortcomings and commercial failure of the product; designers no matter the confidence in
their product, must adhere to the aforementioned factors. Timing is a design factor that
Kamen hoped would promote his product – the type of personal transportation vehicle could
revolutionise transport. Accordingly, the Segway had a high production cost and subsequent
consumer cost ($10,000 USD), thus deterring consumer purchases of the product.
Furthermore, the product also requires training and a license to use the vehicle, in which
some countries actually classifying the Segway as an illegal product, such as in Australia
and most of Asia and Europe (that is, to own for daily or personal use). Whilst entrepreneurs,
such as Kamen take financial risk to promote products and sales, it is evident that
adherence to cost and legislation surrounding the classification of road vehicles would have
assisted in a timely entrance to the market, and thus, the lack of these factors and
detrimental, leading to the products’ failure.
Marc Newson, an innovative Australian entrepreneur is known for his famous work, ‘The
Lockheed Lounge’. Newson’s production of luxurious, unique and Australian goods opened
an initial niche in the market, making his products available for commercial and private
collection (such as one of the Lockheed Lounge models on display in the Powerhouse
Museum). The ‘Lockheed Lounge’ is Newson’s first and most likely ambitious project due to
having still been at university when producing the product, as well as the risk involved in the
production process, where his initial prototypes were made with Styrofoam. Evidently, the
success of his products such as the Lockheed Lounge saw the market value of the product
increase from around $5000 in the 1990’s to $5 million in 2015. The success of his company
and products, such as the Atomic 231 clock and design of the new Qantas A380 planes
(interior) can be attributed to the methodical steps taken in the production process – in which
he started with sketches, the 3D models and prototypes. Therefore, it is evident that the
entrepreneurial activity involving identifying a market niche fairly regarding the rise of luxury
in the late 20th century market trends, led to the inherent success of Marc Newson and his
products.
Elon Musk, a South-African born turned Silicon-Valley entrepreneur is seen as one of the
world’s forefront in technological advancements, having created companies and products,
such as Tesla, SolarCity and SpaceX. His success as an entrepreneur is largely attributed to
design factors that are mostly different to profit-maximising goals of traditional
entrepreneurs. Rather, in an interview with Forbes, Musk stated that “money is not [his]
forefront” and that he rather focus on pressing issues surrounding the global world, including
“creativity, sustainability, space exploration and the perseveration of our resources” (or
renewable alternatives). This is evident in the changing nature of the design world, which
has seen increasingly environmental, ethical and societal trends present towards the future
production products. Accordingly, Musk illustrates his concern surrounding the future of
design, thus indicating the intellectual prowess required to adhere to the changing nature of
the design world, affecting specific design processes such as the identification and selection
of resources, as well as the impact on society and the environment. Therefore, the analysis
of entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk indicates that adopting new methods of sustainable
practices and alternatives towards ethics and creative approaches to solving design
problems can lead to the successes of a product, as evident in Musk’s billion dollar
companies as aforementioned.
Dr Fiona Wood, the creator of the ‘Spray on Skin’ is considered an entrepreneur, not for
financial or economic expansion, but solely, for the purpose of human aid, via the treatment
of severe burns and wounds. The product is significant as it broaches new territory by
replacing existing skin treatments, such as skin drafts, which are painful in nature as well as
ointment or medication alternatives. Her product, the Spray on Skin is considered an
emerging technology because of its use in treating the wounds of the Bali Bombing victims in
2002. Therefore, an entrepreneur is not defined as being focused on traditional means of
financial risk, but someone who uses new technologies, practices and processes to assist in
the betterment of others, leading to the ethical and credible success of a design.
Plantic Technologies can also be considered as an innovative and entrepreneurial company,
as it solved issues in specific markets regarding biodegradability, thus contributing to its
success of its products. Plantic Tech, an Australian company has developed a technology
that produces a biodegradable and organic alternative to traditional plastics, through the
unique properties of corn starch, where it is used as the primary polymer in the manufacture
of a biodegradable plastic material. Plantic Technologies products can biodegrade within
seven days and use 40% less energy than traditional plastic to manufacture, making the
products attractive to firms and businesses looking to adapt to trend of sustainable products.
This is evident in supermarket giants such as Coles who have been on board in regards to
the packaging of their products, suggesting that Plantic Tech capitalised on the opportunity
to bring aboard major companies to raise awareness of the increasing need for sustainable
products. The risk, however, in creating this product would be the cost, however due to the
positive environmental trends outweighing the former, it would also raise awareness in
consumers to reduce their environmental footprint. Therefore, Plantic Technologies are
entrepreneurial products as they successful address environmental issues in regards to
plastic packaging, thus contributing to its success as a design.
In conclusion, the evaluation of the entrepreneurs as aforementioned illustrates the need for
adherence to legislation, low consume costs, as well as the importance of ethical, creative
and environmentally-centralised practices and processes. Thus, entrepreneurial activity is
highly influential in having either positive or negative impacts on the success or failure of a
product or design.
Design Factors (2019 HSC)
Analyse factors that could determine the success of failure of an innovative design.
An innovation is defined as improving on existing concepts or products to either incorporate
into a better or newer product. Factors that could determine the success or failure of
innovative designs include timing (entrance of the product on the market), existing and
available technologies, economic and legal factors. Design factors are crucial to all stages of
the design process as adherence to the specifics result in either the success or failure of a
design.
Timing refers to the introduction of a product on the market with respect to the technology, or
societal/seasonal trends available at the time. Technology and trends provide designers with
the ability to compete with their product on the market, as they accordingly adopt the newest
and efficient work practices, which contribute to their successes. On the other hand, failure
to adhere and recognise the market structure can cause backlash to the product, designer or
even company. One such company or product that failed to consider these factors was the
Segway, which its designer, Dean Kamen, understated in “The Segway will hit $1 billion
dollars in sales faster than any company in history”. Kamen failed to recognise the
insufficiencies in his market research, as the product was considered a road vehicle in some
countries, but declared illegal in others. The Segway might have been a great, innovative
product, but a lack of sound research to clarify aspects of the market gap such as cost and
consumer needs, combined with failure to understand legislation relating to transportation
devices, contributed to the commercial failure of this product.
Available and emerging technologies are another factor which contributes to the success of
a design. The term ‘emerging technologies’ refers to a field of technology that broaches new
territory in some significant way. The two factors that are concerned with technology include
market pull (demand for a product) and technological push (development of new, innovative
technologies). A positive to technologies are that it enables people to access and product
and ensure that they are of cutting edge form, whilst a negative can be seen if technology is
superseded by growing technological trends, resulting in product obsolescence. An example
of a successful design and product is the Global Positioning System or GPS, which has
made its way into the features of many products, including cars, phones, shipping containers
or smart watches – illustrating the success of the product in a wide breadth of industries
such as fitness, automotive and retail. Another example of a successful and innovative
design is the Google Home, which has many features and qualities associated with both
function and aesthetics. Functional aspects of the Google Home include obsolescence – the
diminishing lifespan on the product, multi-functionality – the numerous features, purpose and
situations the product can be placed under and ergonomics – the interaction between the
user and the product. Aesthetic aspects of the Google Home include placement – the
product’s best possible physical location, colour, as well as the size of the product. Both
functional and aesthetic aspects of the Google Home contribute to its success as an
innovation which allows for the product to differentiate itself from its competitors in the virtual
assistant market, as evident in the shipping and purchase of 52 million Google Home units in
2018.
The relevance of economics in the design of products is another important factor that
contributes to the success of a design as it involves both domestic and international
influences. The state of the economy will inevitably affect designers in sales, design and
production. For example, if the economy is in a recession, the need for essential items would
rise in place of the production of luxurious gods. Manufacturing costs and processes, is
subsequently, another factors that affects design costs, as there are high financial costs
associated with the cost of wages, land and insurance. An example of a product being
successful due to the state of the economy combined the impact of COVID 19 includes the
rise in medical associated equipment, such as hand sanitisers, with the company Dettol
recording a 62% rise in their products globally.
Thus, innovative products will need to adhere to changes in the pattern of consumer demand
the economy in order for designs to be considered a success.
Legal factors are one of the most integral criteria affecting the success of a design, as failure
to adhere to legislation (as aforementioned with the Segway) can lead to the unsuccessful
launch and reception of a product. An example of agencies that influence the success of
innovative designs is Standards Australia, who aim to maintain standards through setting
benchmarks requiring the use of products, systems and environments to be operated reliably
and safely. Innovative designs also need to take in consideration the use of existing designs
and the ethicality behind sourcing design ideas, as many have patents, registered design
properties, trademarks or copyrights (as legislated by Intellectual Property Australia).
Therefore, innovative products must adhere to the legality behind designs in order to create
an original, unique and differentiated product which contributes to its success.
In conclusion, innovative designs are considered successful if they adhere to factors
involving timing, available and emerging technologies, as well as analysis of economic
trends and legal frameworks.
Ethical and Legal implications (2017 Trial CSSA)
Analyse the ethical and legal implications of new technologies.
Designers have an ethical and legal responsibility in the development of new technologies,
as examination will follow. Ethical implications include safety, the impact on the environment,
and the invasion of privacy. Legal implications involve adherence to intellectual property
rights, manufacturing standards and legislation that administers the rules and regulations
designers follow in order to create product success. The relationship between ethicality and
legality behind new technologies are intrinsically linked to sustainable development, which
hold designers accountable for their actions.
Ethical implications involve the safety of a product, the impact on the overall environment
from resources use or pollution and the invasion of privacy. Ethics refers to a system of
accepted beliefs that control behaviour, especially based on morals. Ethical design takes
into account the rights and responsibilities of designers and consumer, ensuring that correct
adherence leads to design success. The safety of a product is of high importance in ethical
terms, as unfinished products may cause harm to one in a physical manner, possibly
causing arising legal implications. One of the most important ethical factors in the
development of new technologies is its environmental impact, with the main agency
administrating environmental issues being the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA),
which requires all industries to take responsibility in the preservation and protection of the
environment. Designers should make environmentally conscious decisions regarding
sourcing resources that may or may not have been sourced from ethical and geographical
locations, with child labour being a prevalent issue in third world countries due to lower living
and labour standards. New technologies such as drones can bring about negative
implications in regards to wars or spying, but on contrary, can benefit emergency aid to
remote locations or track and monitor wildlife (from the detection of poachers). Thus
designers need to make conscious decisions surrounding the possible consequences of
their products, system or environment. Furthermore, the ethical use and sourcing of
technology and data is another concurrent theme in a technologized world, with the creation
of new technologies needing to be ethically aware of the penalties applied to the breach of
privacy. For example, the Facebook scandal with Cambridge Analytica saw personal data of
87 million users being improperly obtained; accordingly, the legal implications are evident in
Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg, testifying to Congress and facing a $5 billion dollar
fine.
Legal implications include adherence to IP Australia, keeping up to date with manufacturing
standards and legislation involving new technologies. The legality behind new technologies
and products are usually monitored by authoritative bodies such as the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Designers should be wary of intellectual
property rights as failure to do so may result in infringements and lawsuits against the
designer. For example, the main feature of the Google Home is the ability to respond to
voice- activated commands such as “Ok Google”, however, this relies on audio detection to
be switched on – meaning the product would have had to consider the legal repercussions of
audio recordings because it infringes on personal lives. The product has the option for users
to store audio conversations in their Google account or not; the physical product also
includes a mute button which prevents live audio recording. IP Australia is one of the main
legislative bodies that enforces its authority over trademarks, copyrights, patents and
registered designs, as designers will need to create an original, unique and differentiated
product which contributes to its success as a new technology in the marketplace.
Additionally, the Google Home has patents and trademarks that are associated with its
production techniques, software and shape. Google Nest products are “capable of receiving,
processing, and executing voice commands,” Google wrote in its patent. “In some instances,
voice commands are preceded by indicator words or phrases, known as hotwords.” The
patent states that the product can monitor audio output and can recognise similar voice
patterns to avoid “falsified voice commands”, ultimately preventing fraudulent commands
from being implemented. The patent demonstrates that Google has taken means to protect
its product legally from illicit competitor products, but also to prevent consumer information
and privacy from leaks or breaches. Keeping up with manufacturing standards is equally as
important, as outlined by Standards Australia in “value to Australia, its businesses and its
people”, where it aims to maintain standards by, where it aims to maintain standards via
setting benchmarks as aforementioned.
Lastly, legislative bodies such as the ACCC and laws such as the Competition and
Consumer Act 2010 ensures the safety and protection of consumer rights when new
technologies are developed. For example, the ethical and legal implications surrounding
data storage in smart wearables, such as the Apple Watch is determined by a combination
of the government and societal bodies, not solely corporate controlled. Another example of
the legal implications of new technologies is the Segway, which its designer Dean Kamen
stated would “hit $1 billion dollars in sales faster than any company in history”. Kamen,
however, failed to recognise the market base as the product was not considered as a
transportation vehicle in some parts of the world. Despite the Segway being an innovative
product, a lack of sound market research, combined with failure to understand legislation
related to transportation vehicles led to the commercial failure of this product.
In conclusion, it is evident that designers must adhere to ethical and legal implications
surrounding design in order to develop successful, new technologies.
Sustainability (2016 CSSA)
Sustainable energies, renewable sources and biodegradable designs are becoming more
common in the marketplace.
Using examples of sustainable, renewable or biodegradable designs, analyse their lifecycle
and impact on society and the environment.
Designers need to consider the use of sustainable, renewables and biodegradable products
within design practices and processes, due to the changing emphasis from traditional
resources (fossil fuels, plastics and wood) to ones that dint harm society and subsequent
environment. Environmental Sustainability is one of the most important factors when creating
products as it can lead to benefitting society and the environment. Sustainability refers to
social, ethical, economic and environmentally accepted processes in the production of
design solutions, with Plantic Technologies being a forefront and innovative sustainable
product. Furthermore, products such as the Biolytix Filter and biodegradable L and P plates
have immense positive impacts on society and the environment, as examination will follow.
The company Plantic Technologies and its subsequent products are based on the unique
properties of corn starch which is the primary polymer in the manufacture of producing a
biodegradable plastic material. With an aim to “address the need to replace diminishing
fossil fuels and provide the next generation of performance plastics”, it is evident that this
innovation aims to limit the environmental impact. The designers at Plantic Technologies
used the “design for disassembly” approach as their products are able to biodegrade within
seven days and use 40% less energy than traditional plastics. The impact of their products
are evident in the increase in societal awareness from businesses and supermarket chains
who were looking for new trends of sustainable packaging, such as Coles have also been on
board, illustrating both a firm conscious trend of environmental degradation, with the
possible effects being individual reductions in carbon footprints through the purchase of
sustainable packaging. Thus, Plantic Technologies and subsequent products are successful
in promoting sustainability and biodegradability, factors which have positively impacted the
society and the environment.
The invention of the Biolytix Filter, a compact waste treatment system that converts raw
sewerage, waste water and food waste into high-quality irrigation water on site has positively
impacted both society and the environment. After continual research and investigation, the
Biolytix ‘live wiggling’ filter system was developed. This system immediately separates solids
from the water in raw sewerage and other household wastes, in comparison with the
traditional method of leaving the waste in water to settle. The constant re-use of waste to
sustainable purpose representing the cradle to cradle approach. This success has led to
Biolytix now employing 60 people and running treatment facilities all over Australia and the
world, thus improving societal outlooks for sustainability-related employment. Biolytix has
successfully marketed the sewerage system that uses 90 per cent less energy than its
competitors and only needs one annual check-up with little replacement or parts.
Furthermore, the product also comes at a time when society supports any moves to help
developing countries to become self-sufficient and environmentally conscious, thus positively
benefitting society and the environment.
The creation of “environmentally friendly and biodegradable L and P plates” is a successful
product that has both positive and negative implications on the environment. According to
the Roads and Maritime Services, NSW is the only state that requires by law to display L
and P plates on the exterior of cars, with a prevalent issue being the plates falling off the
back of license plates, causing plastic pollution around main roads, highways and schools.
The creation of biodegradable plates follow a long-term cycle, with an emphasis to last at
least two years as durable products for its users. This impacts society due to increases
awareness to sustainability and the issue surrounding L and P plate related plastic pollution.
Additionally, the environmental impacts regarding this product are much larger, with the
product being made out of PLA 3D printed plastic (which is a biodegradable, polycarbonate
plastic). PLA plastic is better than traditional plastics used in the current L and P plates given
by the RMS, as they are made out of PVC plastic, which is harmful to the environment.
Thus, the 3D printed PLA L and P plates reduce the environmental impact, with PLA plastic
often biodegrading in six months in comparison to the many decades it would take for PVC
plastic to decompose. However, the use of epoxy in the production process can be
considered as harmful to the environment, as once the plates are bonded with the epoxy-
solution, it is difficult to replace parts, albeit causing minimal chemical damage to the
environment. Thus, biodegradable and sustainable products such as the L and P plates
have both positive and negative implications on the environment.
Evidently, sustainable and biodegradable products are integral in the long term as they
adhere to the current environmental trends, however, it is evident that it is almost inevitable
to have negative impacts on society and the environment. Nonetheless, these products as
aforementioned produce both positive and negative impacts, which can either benefit or
detriment society and the environment.
Criteria to evaluate success (Cambridge HSC exam)
Use examples from your own experience to explain how criteria to evaluate success can be
developed. In your response, critically analyse the relationship between criteria to evaluate
success, the evaluation of the design solution and the process of ongoing evaluation.
The criteria to evaluate success refers to factors that can determine the success or failure of
a product. The criteria to evaluate success includes the limitations or parameters of design,
as well as functional and aesthetic criteria. The development of the criteria to evaluate
success is one that is influenced by the ongoing evaluation throughout the design process,
and aids in the final assessment of the design solution, as examination will follow.
The criteria to evaluate success is first established when addressing the parameters and
limitations to a design project. Using my own design project, the limitations I considered
included adhering to the Road and Maritime Services (RMS) standards, financing the Major
Design Project (MDP), the skill levels or knowledge needed as well as appropriate materials
that promoted my aim of creating sustainable and biodegradable L and P plates. These
criteria can be developed through extensive research and testing, which allowed for
improvements and modifications to design ideas, resources involved and exact dimensions
of my product to match the RMS’ current design solution. These criteria are referenced in my
ongoing evaluation, as I would have to consider whether the design solution was
successfully fulfilling the aims. For example, to address the issue of financing my MDP and
the resources available, I outsourced a majority of the 3D printing manufacturing, which
subsequently produced a much higher quality product, even though there might have been a
trade-off with expenses. Thus, the limitations and parameters are important factors when
considering evaluating throughout the design process, and are integral when discussing the
final evaluation of the success or failure in achieving an appropriate design solution.
The functional criteria to evaluate success required the analysis of many functions that my
design solution would need to be considered as a successful product. Whilst functional
criteria of my MDP include complex factors such as obsolescence, ergonomics, durability
and quality, the essence of developing these criteria stem from the analysis and appraisal of
the existing market base. For my MDP, I discovered that many L and P plates were
designed poorly due to their cheap manufacturing costs and materials involved (PVC
plastic), meaning that in order to create a successful product, I would have to adopt similar
and innovative production practices from designers, such as Marc Newson. Newson, an
Australian designer, has influenced my design process and especially functional criteria of
ergonomics and durability, where his most famous works, such as the Lockheed Lounge
involved an extensive process of prototyping, testing and experimenting. This contributed to
the ongoing evaluation through my production process, as I would analyse the successes,
failures and improvements needed for the next prototype or 3D model. For example, the L
and P plates have generally rounded edges, meaning I would have to changing the current,
sharp and square edges in my design solution. Additionally, the ongoing evaluation assisted
in improving and enhancing the design solution, which has resulted in a more refined
response the final product evaluation. Furthermore, another factor of my functional criteria is
the biodegradability of my product, wherein a product is able to minimise its impact on the
environment. Plantic Technologies, proved inspiration for my MDP, as their products are
made of corn starch, which utilises the corn-starch as the polymer in the production of
biodegradable plastic packaging. My MDP (3D printed L and P plates), are more durable and
sustainable due to the thickness of the PLA plastic with the quality of the print providing a
more defined aesthetic placement. Thus, the environmental adherence my design solution
follows (via the aim of reducing plastic pollution of L and P plates) creates the foundations
for a final evaluation that considers the user, society and the environment.
Evidently, the criteria to evaluate success can be developed through research, analysing the
market base and adopting successful designers’ production processes, factors which lead to
the success of a design solution. Thus, the cyclical nature of the relationship between the
criteria, ongoing evaluation and final evaluation is a methodical and recurrent process, which
requires the constant analysis of design ideas, prototypes and whether it fulfils the aims and
criteria for the product to be considered successful.
Analyse the opportunities and challenges faced by designers when attempting to design
and produce sustainable products. (2014 HSC)

Designers need to consider the use of sustainable products within design practices and
processes, due to changing nature of traditional resources that have detrimental impacts on
the environment (such as fossil fuels and plastics). Sustainable products are ones that are
made with social, economic, ethic, and environmentally sustainable practices, allowing
designers to consider a wider range of materials and processes in the production of design
solutions. Thus, designers must consider the implications around both ethical and
environmental implications in order to identify and solve the opportunities and challenges
within design.
Environmental Sustainability is one of the most important factors when creating products as
it can lead to devastating impacts on society and cultures, however, careful consideration of
the ethical practices and products are beneficial to not only the environment but also to
consumer bases, society and the overall economy. The company Plantic Technologies and
subsequent products, whose aim is to “address the need to replace diminishing fossil fuels
and provide the next generation of performance plastics” are innovative because it uses
existing materials (corn) in order to develop a sustainable alternative to chemical based
plastics. The opportunity of considering ethical components of design are important as it
raises awareness in designers within Australia and in the global economy, creating the
foundation for sustainable and environmentally friendly design practices. Sustainable design
practices is designing in such a way as to preserve our non-renewable resources; reducing
consumption of energy, raw materials and resources as well as minimising environmental
impact at the end of the product's life cycle. Plantic Technologies products can biodegrade
within seven days and use 40% less energy than traditional plastic to manufacture, making
the products attractive to firms and businesses looking to adapt to trend of sustainable
products. This is evident in supermarket giants such as Coles who have been on board in
regards to the packaging of their products, suggesting that Plantic Tech capitalised on the
opportunity to bring aboard major companies to raise awareness of the increasing need for
sustainable products. The opportunities that arise from raising awareness include individual
reduction in carbon footprints and increases in employment for growing sustainable levels of
corn for the product. Moreover, the trend of sustainability may result in increases in
sustainable-related employment, benefiting people on an individual level as it proves to be
advantageous as it allows for a greater standard of living.
In contrast, the challenges that designers face, including cultural, poltical, economic and
legal factors often outweight the opportunities, leading to many external scrutinisation of
companies through legislative bodies such as IP Australia, Australian Tax Office and
WorkCover Australia. The impact of this includes closure of the company, large fines,
potential court action and high costs in legal fees, all which are detrimental to a designer
who are attempting to enter the market. In order to combat this, many companies try to
engage in environmentally friendly and ethical work practices, which enable them to secure
ethical, environmental and financial stability. Despite this, one of the biggest challenges
faced by designers is the concern of the initial production costs of sustainable resources and
products. For example, solar panels in the first few years of its commerical and consumer
releases were highly expensive and still had negative impacts on the environment
regardless of its purpose of harnessing clean energy (through the production creation as a
silicon-based product), however, as the market expanded, the increase in competition from
foreign and domestic businesses led to reduced production costs, which reflected in lower
prices for consumers. This suggests that designers are unsure about transitioning from non-
renewable sources to renewable ones as there may be short-term negative impacts,
however, in the long term, sustainable products become cheaper for consumers and
cheaper to produce for those firms and businesses. Furthermore, the challenges faced by
businesses regarding the material and resource structures are ones that designers have to
make for themselves, with careful consideration of the short-term and long-term impacts of
their product on the individual, society and the environment.
With reference to the creation of “environmentally friendly and biodegradable L and P plates”
both positive and negative implications have arisen on the environment. According to the
Roads and Maritime Services, NSW is the only state that requires by law to display L and P
plates on the exterior of cars, with a prevalent issue being the plates falling off the back of
license plates, causing plastic pollution around main roads, highways and schools. The
creation of biodegradable plates follow a long-term cycle, with an emphasis to last at least
two years as durable products for its users. The opportunities arisen due to increases
awareness to sustainability and the issue surrounding L and P plate related plastic pollution
include the product being made out of PLA 3D printed plastic (which is a biodegradable,
polycarbonate plastic). PLA plastic is better than traditional plastics used in the current L and
P plates given by the RMS, as they are made out of PVC plastic, which is harmful to the
environment. Thus, the 3D printed PLA L and P plates reduce the environmental impact,
with PLA plastic often biodegrading in six months in comparison to the many decades it
would take for PVC plastic to decompose. However, the challenges surrounding the
inevitability of certain materials such as the use of epoxy in the production process can be
considered as harmful to the environment, as once the plates are bonded with the epoxy-
solution, it is difficult to replace parts, albeit causing minimal chemical damage to the
environment. Furthermore, designs that are sustainable are often costly in production and
manufacturing stages, with some preferring the use of resource exploitation if it saves input
costs, as evident in the RMS stating that the production costs of the L and P plates, of
around $1.54 per unit to be too expensive, however, designers must weigh up the costs of
environmentalism and profit maximisation. Thus, biodegradable and sustainable products
such as the L and P plates have both positive and negative implications on the environment.
Therefore, sustainable products are integral in the long-term, as it attempts to reduce usage
of non-rewenables towards environmentally friendly and ethically sourced renewables. In
order to consider the opportunities rather than the challenges faced within designing and
producing sustainable products, designers should engage in environmentally friendly and
ethical work practices, which enable them to secure ethical, environmental and financial
stability. This environmental, ethical and structural based change will provide the foundations
for designers to tend to global demand and overcome challenges regarding short term
implications of designing sustainable products.
DT Short Answers
2019 HSC
a) Identify TWO different methods of evaluation.

- Two different methods of evaluation include surveying a specific target market or

creating a prototype to test if a client’s design solution is viable.

b) Describe how evaluation can aid the design of a product.

- Evaluation refers to the assessment of processes involved in the construction of

the design process. It can aid the design of a product as evaluation can be
utilised through all aspects of the design process, which will lead to the
refinement of future sketches, ideas, models or prototypes, thus ensuring the
success of a product.

c) Discuss the influence that technology can have on the design process.

- Technology, such as computer aided design (CAD) can improve the process in
which designers improve, assess and ultimately present a design solution to a
client. For example, a CAD model can be used to depict the design solution on a
3D scale (as previously, 2D models were used), which allows for improvements
and subsequent modifications, compared to previous physical prototypes, which
required psychical changes. Technology also allows for the digital representation
of the earlier stages of the design process, such as identifying the existing design
solution. However, a negative implication of technology is that it may lead to a
reliance on technological processes over creative ones, which can disrupt the
short term changes such as generating initial ideas, which were conceptually
created with ideas and progressed in physical manner.

d) Explain how changing social trends influence design practices.

- Keeping up to date with trends ensure that designers meet the target market’s
needs, however, social trends are important to consider as designers must be
conscious and respectful in order to capture a market share. Social trends
include multiculturalism, social classes and the principles of egalitarianism.
Multiculturalism requires designers to respect different cultures and consider the
impact of their product or design, with a focus on etiquette, as well as the
principles of equal rights ad opportunities being available to all. Accordingly,
through the analysis of societal trends, design practices are adapted to meet the
new standards of living or multicultural differences in society, with designers
creating subsequent, unique and targeting products, systems and environments.
Additionally, the processes of globalisation have seen the integration of culture
through a removal of trade and migrant restrictions, resulting in improvements in
the social welfare of Australians but also the financial and political systems, as it
brings increases in technological advancements, efficiency and promotes
competitiveness between designers, especially in the production process. Thus,
changing social trends contribute to the adherence of culture and equity, as well
as benefitting design practices in efficiency and productivity.
2020 CSSA Trials
a) When designers are developing new projects, they need to ensure that their design is
appropriateness for the need they are aiming to address. Why is the
“appropriateness of the design solution” important when developing new products?

- The term appropriateness of the design solution is important in the development

of new projects and answering the proposed need, where a designer also has to
consider the design factors such as historical and cultural factors if the
subsequent product offends these factors, as well as to adhere to the target
market. This ensures that a design solution doesn’t impact individuals, society
and the environment in a negative manner.

b) Describe how evaluation is used by both designers in industry and in the

development of your own MDP?

- Evaluation is used by designers in an industrial setting and in the development of

the MDP as a method of assessing and identifying points of refinement of
modification to be implemented. For example, in my MDP and similar to industry
designers, the ongoing evaluation allows designers to reflect on the choices
made throughout the design or production processes. Prototype evaluation is
another type of evaluation used to improve and assess a design, 3D model or
physical product, ensuring that a designer can reflect on their design thinking and
make subsequent changes, benefitting the final product.

c) Discuss how technological changes and developments have influenced design.

- 3D softwares, such as Fusion 360 or Tinkercad have revolutionised the

production stages in the design process, allowing for more efficient, quality
prototypes in the hope of creating a final design. Developments in the availability
in 3D filament resources, such as PLA plastic ensures that a designer is
consciously producing sustainable products. The technological change or digital
revolution has brought about the internet, which has seen an increase in the
availability of designs and products. Whilst this allows designers to reflect upon
existing design solutions, there are negative implications surrounding the
plagiarism and intellectual property of design – the 21st century has seen a rise
and development of ‘imitation’ or copycat designs or products.

d) There is a growing trend for some consumers to reduce their environmental impact.
Explain how this social trend could influence design development.

- The growing trend of consumers to reduce their environmental impact due to the
environmental implications of excessive resource consumption in the 21st century,
which has placed pressure on consumers and businesses to participate in
reducing their environmental impact. This social trend can impact design
development and the selection and use of resources, with designers carefully
selecting renewable materials or sustainable alternatives towards production
processes. This may also reduce the cost of production over a period of time due
to the popularity and growing trend of environmental awareness. Adherence to
 the impact of the environment may also benefit the designer’s credibility as they
are assisting in creating real change. An example of a company that has adopted
this environmental trend is Plantic Technologies, which has seen the rise in brand
awareness by supermarket giants such as Coles, thus illustrating the positive
opportunities production of projects such as sustainable plastics would have on
the environment. Evidently, this promotes collaboration between companies and
subsequent improved products.

2018 CSSA
Q12) Describe how an emerging technology impacts on society.
- An emerging technology can impact society in a positive manner given that
designers take into account consideration of the current technology and trends
available. For example, the Google home, can benefit society through efficient
applications that save time for their users, such as through task management,
lists or daily reminders. As a result, society benefits from technology that aims to
broach new territory in some significant way.
Q13) Discuss how timing can limit or improve the success of an innovation.
- Timing refers to the introduction of a product on the market with respect to the
relevance of technology and societal trends available at the time. Timing can limit
the success of an innovation if designers fail to adhere and recognise the market
structure, which can cause backlash to the product, designer and company. One
such product that failed to consider the timing of its entry is the Segway. Its
designer, Dean Kamen failed to recognise the classification and legislation
surrounding transportation vehicles in different countries, as well as being too
costly (at $5000 retail price). As such, innovative products, no matter how
promising, need to have extensive research incorporated into the technology,
with adherence to the trends and legislation that impact their product.

Q14) Explain why designers must consider ethical and sustainable factors in the
development of a design idea.
- The ethical considerations involve the safety of a product and the impact on the
overall environment and whether products are ethically and sustainability sourced
materials, resources and processes. The ethical considerations in the
development of a design idea takes in account the rights and responsibilities of a
designer to their consumer, and ensures that correct adherence leads to design
success – as failure to do so can result in product and designer backlash.
Designers must consider sustainable factors in the development of design ideas
as it allows them to capitalise on market trends and societal boundaries, such as
the shift towards sustainable plastic packaging. One such example, Plantic
Technologies, developed a range of corn-starch based plastic pollution, a
reduction in traditional energy costs by 40% and can lead to individual reductions
in carbon footprints. Thus, products such as Plantic Technologies and other
design ideas must consider sustainability, in order to conserve resources for
future generations, an integral aspects of the changing nature of design.
CSSA 2017
Q12) Outline the reason for adopting prototyping throughout the design process.
- Adopting prototyping is an effective process to consider when developing a new
product, as it allows for the development of initial ideas to ones that have been
modified to suit the client’s needs. The benefit of prototyping to the design
process is also that the designers can spend time, experiment and further
manufacture the design solution rather than proceeding to the final product.

Q13) Discuss how the use of technology can improve creativity.

- Technology can improve the creativity through developing solutions to challenges
or enhancing the productivity, efficiency and methodology behind creative and
collaborative design. Business-related technology such as email, conference
calls or live video sharing are extremely beneficial in increasing creativity as it
allows for input from all parties involved in the design process. Software-based
technology such as Fusion 360 or Tinkercad illustrate computer aided designs
(CAD) and subsequent 3D models – the technology and models can easily be
adapted to changes made by collaborative design teams. Furthermore, designers
would have an outlet to explore ideas through technological advancements with
respect to time, thus enhancing creativity as they adopt new research methods
and discover new information and collaborative approaches to design and
production processes.

2016 CSSA
Q11) Identify why a designer would need to consider the users need in the development of a
design process.
- A designer would need to consider the users’ needs as adherence of a product,
system or environment is deemed to be successful. The users’ needs could
include historical and cultural factors, such as etiquette towards Indigenous
Australians, with a needs analysis enabling for a starting point for the evaluation
of existing designs, and as such, designers need a certain etiquette and respect
when designing products. The users need is also essential in the communication
between the client and designers, as this can lead to successful design products
that fulfil certain criteria.

Q13) what does the designers need to consider when addressing functional and aesthetic
criteria for design?
- A designer must consider the factors that influence function and aesthetics, which
include safety, ergonomics and obsolescence, and colour, shape and
measurements/dimensions, respectively. Functional criteria refers to the tasks
and performance of a product, with an emphasis on solving current or existing
issues. Safety is an important functional criteria as the product has to minimise
harm to the user and be safe for the target market. Ergonomics refers to the
interaction between the user and product, which is important as designs must
satisfy the needs of individuals. Obsolescence refers to the end of a product’s life
 cycle, with products considered obsolete when they are replaced by new or
attractive products, such as the emerging range of iPhones. Aesthetics refers to
the visual appearance of a product, and has to appeal to the target market
through its factors of colour (attractive, primary colours), shape (ergonomic,
rounded shapes are favoured) and dimensions/measurements (adherence to
measurements ensure legal and brand fulfilments).

2014 HSC – Q12

Explain why new and emerging technologies will continue to be developed.
- New and emerging technologies refers to a field of technology that broaches new
territory is some significant way. New and emerging technologies are ever
changing and adaptive to market trends, wherein continuing to be developed with
respect to technological advancements, societal trends and ultimately changing
consumer demand. An example of a successful design and product is the Global
Positioning System or GPS, which has made its way into the features of many
products, having previously storing information in large data locations, to smaller
devices such as smart watches, phones, and cars, illustrating the success of the
product in a wide range of industries including retail, fitness and automotive,
whereby changing due to the emergence of efficient and reliable technological
trends. Likewise, societal trends and patterns in consumer demand are equally
as important to the development of emerging technologies, with products such as
the Google Home capitalising on trends of artificial intelligence and virtual
assistance, causing a rise in rival products, which inevitably causes the
continuation of better and appealing technologies.
2014 HSC Q13b
Analyse how economic and historical factors determine the success or failure of designs.
- The success of failure of a design can be attributed to the adherence to economic
and historic trends and the entrance of a design on the market (timing). Economic
factors include globalisation, which refers to the increased interconnectedness
between nations, with its relevance being the changing nature of sourcing
materials, trading and producing goods and services. Economic factors such as
the creation of Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) between economies, such as the
Australian and United States FA (AUSFTA), which saw trade in e-commerce,
agricultural methods and techniques. This complemented the use of both
domestic and international use of the reduction of horticultural tariffs between the
two nations, which subsequently leads to lower protection, wherein reflected in
high consumer costs. Accordingly, the state of the economy is an important
factor, with a deficit or recession seeing a decline in the production of luxurious
goods in place of essential items. Furthermore, the economic factors link closely
to the timing of products such medical equipment, especially in a contemporary
era of COVID-19 whereby companies such as Dettol have recorded a 62% rise in
sales. Historical factors include the migration of different cultures and changing
family lifestyles. Following Australia’s removal of its White Australia policy in 1973
by the Whitlam government, an increase in multiculturalism and migration
occurred, bringing along various cultures, lifestyles and skill sets. The adherence
to historical factors is important to the success of designs, which take into
account etiquette and respect for different cultures, thus creating products that
don’t offend different cultural groups. Subsequently, various products, systems
and environments have arisen as a result of migration and multiculturalism,
leading to increased product successes as designers cater their designs to all
individuals.