Design & Technology (Product Design)

Students develop the ability to design, prototype and evaluate real-world products. They explore the full lifecycle of product design - from initial research and specification, through material selection, manufacturing processes, digital design and modelling (CAD/CAM), to testing, evaluation and refinement.

Key themes include: understanding different types of materials and their performance characteristics; mastering manufacturing techniques; using digital technologies for rapid prototyping. Students also examine user-centred design, ergonomics, sustainability, environmental impact, and relevant legislation.

Students produce a substantial Design and Make Project involving identifying a problem, researching solutions, generating design proposals, creating a prototype, testing it, and evaluating against the original specification.

• Technical drawing, CAD/CAM design, modelling and prototyping skills
• Understanding of material science: material properties, durability, sustainability
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and production techniques
• Problem-solving and design thinking - identifying user needs, generating solutions, iterating prototypes
• Project management: planning, time management, resource allocation, risk assessment
• Environmental and ethical awareness - designing for sustainability, waste reduction, compliance with legislation

• Architecture - degrees in Architecture or careers in building design and spatial planning
• Civil and Structural Engineering - university programs in Civil or Structural Engineering
• Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
• Industrial and Product Design - degrees combining creative design with engineering principles
• Building Services and Environmental Engineering - sustainable building systems and energy-efficient design