INVESTIGATING THE DESIGN CONTEXT
The first section is worth 8 marks, which is just under 10% of the total marks. Since you should spend about 45 hours on the project in total, you should therefore spend no more than about 4 hours writing up this section.
The section includes the following work…
•Context and task: given by exam board and stuck into portfolio
•Situation and Design Brief
•Client Profile: essential for A Grade candidates
•Task Analysis: usually done in the form of a Mindmap
•Relevant Research and Investigation which includes:
-possible circuits and sub circuits,
-possible inputs and outputs,
-existing products,
-interview with client,
•Clearly identified design criteria (specification)
The section includes the following work…
•Context and task: given by exam board and stuck into portfolio
•Situation and Design Brief
•Client Profile: essential for A Grade candidates
•Task Analysis: usually done in the form of a Mindmap
•Relevant Research and Investigation which includes:
-possible circuits and sub circuits,
-possible inputs and outputs,
-existing products,
-interview with client,
•Clearly identified design criteria (specification)
What needs to be included?
Grade CSituation (1 page)
-The situation that has arisen that requires you to design your product. -Think: Who, what, where, when, why? -Include pictures to illustrate what your project is about. Design Brief (1 page) - How are you going to satisfy the problem/situation? -What will you be looking into/designing? Task Analysis (1 page) - Mind map with at least 15 points that you'll need to consider when designing your product. - Colour code similar points (eg. electronics) Client Profile (1 page) - A brief description of the type of person that might use your product, and what their requirements would be. - Include a SENSIBLE photo. Research Existing products (2 pages) - Analyse at LEAST 3 products similar to the one you will be designing and discuss their good and bad points. Research Existing circuits (2 pages) - Analyse at LEAST 3 circuits (or sub-circuits) you COULD use. -Each one should be evaluated with good/bad points and explaining what it does and how you could possibly use it. NOT just a description of what type of circuit it is e.g. this is a 555 timer circuit. Research Conclusion (1/2 page) Give an overall analysis of the research you have undertaken, pointing out what useful information you have found, and how it will help you produce a specification/design criteria. Design criteria/Specification(1 page) Based on your overall analysis and your task analysis (mind map), come up with 10 key points that your product MUST meet. They need to be MEASUREABLE! eg. Cost must be under £10 |
Grade BSituation (1 page)
-The situation that has arisen that requires you to design your product. -Think: Who, what, where, when, why? -Include pictures to illustrate what your project is about. Design Brief (1 page) -How are you going to satisfy the problem/situation? -What will you be looking into/designing? Task Analysis (1 page) - Mind map with at least 18 points that you'll need to consider when designing your product. - Colour code similar points (eg. electronics) Client Profile (1 page) - A good description of the type of person that might use your product, and what their requirements would be. - Include a SENSIBLE photo. Research Existing products (2 pages) - Analyse at LEAST 4 products similar to the one you will be designing and discuss their good and bad points. Research Existing circuits (2 pages) - Analyse at LEAST 4 circuits (or sub-circuits) you COULD use. -Each one should be evaluated with good/bad points and explaining what it does and how you could possibly use it. NOT just a description of what type of circuit it is e.g. this is a 555 timer circuit. Research Conclusion (1/2 page) Give an overall analysis of the research you have undertaken, pointing out what useful information you have found, and how it will help you produce a specification/design criteria. Design criteria/Specification (1 page) Based on your overall analysis and your task analysis (mind map), come up with 10 key points that your product MUST meet. They need to be MEASUREABLE! eg. Cost must be under £10. Add an explanation next to each point to explain why you have decided on this. |
Grade A/*Situation (1page)
-The situation that has arisen that requires you to design your product. -Think: Who, what, where, when, why? -Include lots of detail and pictures to illustrate what your project is about. Design Brief (1 page) - How are you going to satisfy the problem/situation? -What will you be looking into/designing? Task Analysis (1 page) - Mind map with at least 20 points that you'll need to consider when designing your product. - Colour code similar points (eg. electronics) Client Profile (1 page) - A detailed description of the type of person that might use your product, and what their requirements would be. - Include a SENSIBLE photo. Research into existing products (2 pages) - Analyse at LEAST 5 products similar to the one you will be designing and discuss their good and bad points. Research into existing circuits (2 pages) - Analyse at LEAST 5 circuits (or sub-circuits) you COULD use. -Each one should be evaluated with good/bad points and explaining what it does and how you could possibly use it. NOT just a description of what type of circuit it is e.g. this is a 555 timer circuit. Research Conclusion (1/2 page) Give an overall analysis of the research you have undertaken, pointing out what useful information you have found, and how it will help you produce a specification/design criteria. Design criteria/Specification (1 page) Based on your overall analysis and your task analysis (mind map), come up with at least 10 key points that your product MUST meet. They need to be MEASUREABLE! eg. Cost must be under £10. Add a detailed explanation next to each point to explain why you have decided on this. |
If you are still unsure of what needs to be included, then look at the example of a Grade A piece of work at the bottom of the page. This will hopefully give you some ideas!
Checklist:
In order to get TOP MARKS in this section, you need to make sure you have done the following:
- Demonstrate excellent understanding of the Design Context through your notes, thoughts and communication.
- Indentify and justify the Target Market.
- Intended user / consumer / company are profiled.
- Detailed analysis of initial research.
- Clear design criteria identified in the form of a specification which is justified and detailed.
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