Design and Technology: Product Design A Level
Arts, Media and Publishing

What will you be working towards?
Code | TPT27 |
Qualification Type | GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent |
Qualification Level | Level 3 |
Course type | Full Time |
Overview
Product Design is focused towards consumer products and applications; their analysis in respect of materials, components, and marketability to understand their selection and uses in industrial and commercial practices of product development.
Details
Exam - 25% of the A Level (1.5 hour writeen paper) on technical principles of Product Design:
- Anayse existing products
- Demonstrate applied mathematical skills
- Demonstrate technical 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.
Unseen Challenge - 25% of A Level (2hours 30 mins - design/written paper)
- Section A focuses on learners applying their knowledge, undertsnading and skills of designing and manufacturing prototypes and products.
- Section B requires learners to reflect on their design task in Section A in relation to wider factors/issues from the design principles.
Iterative Design Project - 50% of the A Level (Approx 45 hrs Non Examined Assessment)
- The Iterative Design project requires leanrers to undertake a substantial design , make and evaluate project centred on the iterative proccesses of explore, create and evaluate.
- Learners identify a design opportunity or problem from a context of their own choice, and create a portfolio of evidence in real time through the project to demonstrate their competence.
How will it be delivered?
Principles of Product Design exam - 26.7% of A-Level (1 hr 30 mins written paper)
Four questions covering technical principles of Product Design:
• Analyse existing products
• Demonstrate applied mathematical skills
• Demonstrate technical 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 in Product Design exam – 23.3% of A-Level (1hr 45 written paper)
Longer answer problem solving and critical evaluation questions:
• Apply knowledge, understanding and skills of designing and manufacturing prototypes and products
• Demonstrate their higher thinking skills to solve problems and evaluate situations and suitability of design solutions
Iterative Design Project (NEA/Coursework) – 50% of A-Level (Approximately 65 hours or more)
A substantial design, make and evaluate project centred on the iterative processes of explore, create and evaluate.
• Identify a design opportunity or problem (choose your own context)
• Create a portfolio of evidence throughout the project.
Entry requirements
A grade C at GCSE in the relevant area of technology.
Your next steps...
This varies on the area of specialism but includes:
- Any career within design including graphic design, interior design, 3-D design, product design, industrial design, marketing, product development and production, fashion design, fashion buying, illustration, fashion journalism, trend predictor, pattern cutter amongst hosts of other.
- Also many kinds of engineering and technical careers including electrical/electronic engineer, special effects, animatronics, computer programming, microcontroller programming, music technology, lighting engineer, games programmer, robotics, control engineer or designing any electronic product from mobile phones to spacecraft etc.