Implications of Wider Issues

The 'Implications of Wider Issues' topic in OCR A-Level Design and Technology requires students to critically evaluate how design decisions impact society, the environment, and the economy. This includes understanding sustainability, ethical sourcing, cultural influences, and legal frameworks such as intellectual property and product liability. By exploring these dimensions, students learn to balance user needs with global responsibilities, preparing them to become conscientious designers who consider the full lifecycle of products.

This topic is integral to the course as it connects technical design skills with real-world consequences. For example, selecting materials involves assessing their carbon footprint, recyclability, and social implications of extraction. Students must also analyse how design can address issues like planned obsolescence, inclusivity, and cultural appropriation. Mastery of this area demonstrates a holistic understanding of design's role in shaping a better future, which is highly valued in both exams and industry practice.

Wider issues are assessed across all components of the A-Level, including the NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) where students must justify their design choices with reference to ethical, environmental, and economic factors. In the written exams, questions often require evaluation of trade-offs, such as cost versus sustainability. A strong grasp of this topic enables students to argue persuasively and score highly in higher-order thinking questions.