What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology?

In written responses, explicitly link design decisions to user feedback or ergonomic data

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology? (2)

For coursework, include photographic evidence of usability testing and prototype iterations

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology? (3)

Use case studies of real products to illustrate successful and failed user-centred design examples

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology? (4)

Ensure you can discriminate between materials based on their performance characteristics for specific applications.

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology? (5)

Be prepared to apply scientific knowledge regarding material properties to explain their suitability for products.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology?

Confusing anthropometrics with ergonomics and applying data incorrectly

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology? (2)

Neglecting to consider extreme user percentiles when designing for inclusivity

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level Design and Technology? (3)

Failing to document iterative changes systematically, leading to unsubstantiated final designs

Design and Technology

Edexcel

A-Level

Specification: Pearson-A-Level-Design-and-Technology

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

13%-15%

Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities to address needs and wants

AO2

23%-25%

Design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose

AO3

23%-25%

Analyse and evaluate: • design decisions and outcomes, including for prototypes made by themselves and others • wider issues in design and technology

AO4

38%-40%

Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of: • technical principles • design and making principles

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

Edexcel

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing anthropometrics with ergonomics and applying data incorrectly
•Neglecting to consider extreme user percentiles when designing for inclusivity
•Failing to document iterative changes systematically, leading to unsubstantiated final designs

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•In written responses, explicitly link design decisions to user feedback or ergonomic data
•For coursework, include photographic evidence of usability testing and prototype iterations
•Use case studies of real products to illustrate successful and failed user-centred design examples
•Ensure you can discriminate between materials based on their performance characteristics for specific applications.
•Be prepared to apply scientific knowledge regarding material properties to explain their suitability for products.
•Ensure you can discriminate between materials based on their performance characteristics for specific applications.
•Be prepared to apply scientific knowledge regarding material properties to explain their suitability for products.
•Ensure you can discriminate between materials based on their performance characteristics for specific applications.

Specification Topics

17 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic focuses on user-centred design principles, ensuring products meet the needs, capabilities, and expectations of end-users. Students explore iterative design processes, incorporating ergonomic and anthropometric data, usability testing, and stakeholder feedback to create inclusive and effective solutions. Practical application includes conducting user research, developing personas, and prototyping to refine designs for real-world scenarios.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Topic 4: Digital technologies

Performance characteristics of materials including woods, metals, polymers, smart and modern materials, papers, boards, textiles, and composites, focusing on their properties to enable discrimination and appropriate selection.

0 objectives2 tips

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Design and Technology

Ready to practise?

Key Features

Assessment Objectives

What Gets Top Grades

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

Top Examiner Tips

Specification Topics

E2E stub topic

Topic 4: Digital technologies

Topic 5: Factors influencing the development of products

Topic 6: Effects of technological developments

Topic 7: Potential hazards and risk assessment

Topic 8: Features of manufacturing industries

Topic 9: Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment

Topic 10: Current legislation

Topic 3: Processes and techniques

Topic 12: Further processes and techniques

Part 1: Identifying and outlining possibilities for design

Part 2: Designing a prototype

Part 3: Making a final prototype

Part 4: Evaluating own design and prototype

Topic 1: Materials

Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials

Topic 11: Information handling, Modelling and forward planning

Ready to master Design and Technology?