Exam Board: OCR
Why Product Design?
You are an innovator with a desire to create new inventions, products and solve real problems.
You have an interest in cutting edge technology.
You have imagination and enjoy learning how things are made and how they impact on society.
You enjoy developing visual communication—sketching, rendering, computer aided design.
You enjoy making things to a high standard using a range of materials.
What can I expect?
Throughout this course there is a strong emphasis on innovation and creativity via an iterative design approach. You are encouraged to experiment both visually and practically to develop both existing products as well as new ideas. Modelling skills are used extensively to cultivate ideas and develop new concepts. Prototypes are also manufactured using a wide range of manufacturing equipment including CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping.
The skills gained from studying Product Design include (among others), visual communication skills developed via sketching and CAD (computer aided design) as well as colour development via marker pen rendering; ICT and CAD/CAM are also developed to a high standard with the use of 2D Design and Fusion360 CAD packages; 3D modelling is also a key element and you will have the opportunity to develop modelling skills via Styrofoam sculpting, Laser cutting and 3D printing.
Which Stem Pathways can I follow?
Product Design is relevant to all the STEM pathways, however, it is particularly relevant to:
Engineering Pathway
Technology Pathway
What enrichment opportunities will be offered?
Green Power
The 24+ Formula Greenpower challenge is about designing and building an electric racing car.
F1 in Schools
This is a multi-disciplinary technology challenge. Teams of students will utilise the state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at NUAST to design, analyse, manufacture, test and race miniature compressed air powered balsa wood F1 cars
Iterative Design Project (Non exam assessment) - 50%. Learners investigate an area of design or problem that interests them, creating a portfolio of evidence in real time to demonstrate their competence. The project can be related to particular sectors such as furniture design or architecture and can be developed via a range of mediums.
Principles of Design exam 26.7% (90mins) Learners will be required to analyse existing products; demonstrate applied mathematical skills; demonstrate knowledge of materials, product functionality, manufacturing processes and techniques; demonstrate understanding of wider social, moral and environmental issues that impact on the design and manufacturing industries.
Problem solving exam 23.3% (105mins) exam challenges student to develop solutions to a number of problems with a focus on critical thinking as well as material understanding. 15% of the assessment is maths based and candidates require a secure knowledge of higher tier GCSE Maths.
You will need at least one of the following:
Design & Technology at Grade 6.
Engineering at Grade 6.
Maths at Grade 6.
Physics at Grade 6.
Product design, on its own or linked with other subjects, can lead directly into design related university courses such as Product design, Industrial design, Architecture, Engineering, Furniture design, Project management, Manufacturing management, Interior design, Set design, Automotive design and Sports innovation. These include BA, BSc and BEng courses at many top universities, and also Foundation courses in Art and Design. This subject can also lead to Industry related employment or apprenticeships.