Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

The WJEC Eduqas A level in Design and Technology: Product Design offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous, and practical subject. This specification encourages learners to use creativity and imagination when applying iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real-world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations, and values. The subject content for product design is presented under seven main headings: designing and innovation • Materials and components • Processes • Industrial and commercial practice • Product analysis and systems • Human responsibility • Public interaction – marketing and research. Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century Written examination: 3 hours (50% of qualification). The examination includes a mix of structured and extended writing questions assessing learners' knowledge and understanding of: • Technical principles. • Designing and making principles along with their ability to analyze and evaluate wider issues in design and technology. Component 2: Design and make project Non-exam assessment: approximately 80 hours 50% of qualification A sustained design and make the project, based on a brief developed by the candidate, assessing the candidate's ability to: • Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities• design and make prototypes. • Analyze and evaluate design decisions and outcomes, including prototypes made by themselves and others.