AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design specification covers 24 topics with 1775 learning objectives (7552). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 24 topics
- 1775 learning objectives
Course 7552Official specification (opens in a new tab)
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 1,647
- verified practice questions
- 591
- verified teaching notes
- 71
- topics
This course is being built. Practice is AI-generated until checked.
Your exams
- Paper 1Monday, 24 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2Friday, 11 June 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Technical principles | 150 min | 120 | 30% |
| Paper 2: Designing and making principles | 90 min | 80 | 20% |
| Non-exam assessment: Substantial design and make project | - | 100 | 50% |
Explore your topics
24 topics
Technical principles14 topics
Materials and their applications
Technical principles 3.1.1 Materials and their applications6 specification points covering Students are expected to be able to name specific materials for a wide range of applications.18 objectives- Technical principles 3.1.1 Materials and their applications - Classification of materials8 specification points covering Students should know and understand the classifications of the following materials and be able to name examples that belong…25 objectives
- Technical principles 3.1.1 Materials and their applications - Methods for investigating and testing materials7 specification points covering Students should be able to describe how workshop and industrial tests are set up and what will be tested, measured and…21 objectives
Performance characteristics of materials
Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards21 specification points covering Students should be able to name different types of papers and boards.63 objectives- Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards - Performance characteristics of polymer based sheet and film18 specification points covering Students should be able to name different types of polymer based sheet and film.54 objectives
- Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards - Performance characteristics of woods45 specification points covering Students should be aware of the different stock forms of timber, including:, rough sawn, planed square edge (PSE) and…135 objectives
- Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards - Performance characteristics of metals52 specification points covering Students should be aware of the different stock forms of metals, including:, sheet, plate and related ideas.156 objectives
- Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards - Performance characteristics of polymers36 specification points covering Students should be aware of the different stock forms of polymers, including:, sheet, film and related ideas.108 objectives
- Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards - Elastomers11 specification points covering Students should be able to explain the suitability of elastomers for given applications making reference to relevant…33 objectives
- Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards - Biodegradable polymers11 specification points covering Students should be able to explain the suitability of biodegradable polymers for given application making reference to…33 objectives
- Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards - Composites13 specification points covering Students need to know and understand how materials are combined to make composites with enhanced properties.39 objectives
- Performance characteristics of materials Performance characteristics of papers and boards - Smart materials11 specification points covering Students should know and understand the term smart material.33 objectives
12 of 49 shown
Designing and making principles10 topics
Design methods and processes
Designing and making principles 3.2.1 Design methods and processes - Iterative design process13 specification points covering Students should be aware of, and able to explain, different approaches to user centred design.39 objectivesDesign theory
Design theory Design influencesThis criterion asks learners to know and discuss how historical design styles, design movements and influential designers have shaped product design and…3 objectives- Design theory Design influences - Design styles and movements5 specification points covering Students should be aware of, and be able to discuss, key design styles and movements and their principles of design,…15 objectives
- Design theory Design influences - Designers and their work7 specification points covering Students should be aware of, and be able to discuss, the work of influential designers and how their work represents the…21 objectives
How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers
How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers - Socio economic influences6 specification points covering Students should be aware of, and able to discuss, how socio economic influences have helped to shape product design and…18 objectives- How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers - Major developments in technology5 specification points covering Students should be aware of, and able to discuss, how major developments in technology are shaping product design and…15 objectives
- How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers - Social, moral and ethical issues9 specification points covering Students should be aware of, and able to discuss, the responsibilities of designers and manufacturers, including:, products…27 objectives
- Product life cycleThe product life cycle describes the stages a product passes through: introduction, when a new design first reaches the market; evolution, when early…3 objectives
Design processes
Design processes The use of a design process10 specification points covering Students should be aware of, and able to discuss and implement, the stages of a range of design processes in order to apply…30 objectives- Design processes The use of a design process - Prototype developmentPrototype development turns a design proposal into a physical or digital model that can be tested and refined.3 objectives
- Design processes The use of a design process - The iterative design process in industrial or commercial contextsCommercial design is rarely a lone designer's straight line from brief to shelf.3 objectives
- Critical analysis and evaluationCritical analysis means judging a product against criteria rather than just describing it.3 objectives
12 of 22 shown
About this course
About AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design
This AQA A-Level in Design and Technology: Product Design encourages students to be creative, innovative, and critical thinkers. You will develop a deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and design principles, while also exploring the wider impact of design on society, the environment, and the economy. The course is structured into two main components: a written exam and a substantial design and make project, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a practical context.
The specification is divided into core technical principles, specialist technical principles, and designing and making principles. You will study topics such as material properties, manufacturing techniques, design communication, and the work of influential designers. The non-exam assessment (NEA) gives you the freedom to choose your own design context and create a prototype that solves a real-world problem, showcasing your skills and creativity.
Assessment Structure
The AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design is assessed through two components. Component 1 is a written exam (2 hours 30 minutes) worth 50% of the qualification, covering core technical, specialist technical, and designing and making principles. Component 2 is a non-exam assessment (NEA), a design and make project worth 50% of the qualification, where you produce a substantial design portfolio and prototype. Both components are marked out of 120, giving a total of 240 marks.
Why Choose AQA?
- AQA offers a clear and well-structured specification that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it ideal for students who enjoy both learning and making. The exam papers are straightforward and assess understanding in a logical progression, with a mix of short-answer and extended-response questions.
- The NEA provides excellent flexibility, allowing you to choose a design context that genuinely interests you, whether it's sustainable design, inclusive products, or emerging technologies. AQA also provides a wide range of support materials, including past papers, mark schemes, and exemplar projects, which are invaluable for revision and coursework guidance.
- AQA is a popular choice among schools and colleges, meaning there is a wealth of resources and teacher expertise available. The specification is regularly updated to reflect current design practices and technological advancements, ensuring your learning remains relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between AQA A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design and other exam boards?
AQA's specification is known for its clear structure and emphasis on iterative design. Unlike some boards, AQA places a strong focus on the iterative design process in the NEA, encouraging you to refine and develop your ideas through feedback and testing. The exam also includes a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-writing questions, which suits students who prefer a variety of assessment styles.
How much coursework is there in AQA A-Level Product Design?
The non-exam assessment (NEA) makes up 50% of your final grade. It involves a single design and make project that you choose, typically starting in Year 13. You will produce a design portfolio (around 20-30 pages) and a final prototype. The project is marked out of 120 and assesses your ability to investigate, design, make, and evaluate.
What topics are covered in the AQA A-Level Product Design exam?
The exam covers three main areas: core technical principles (e.g., materials, manufacturing, energy), specialist technical principles (e.g., design for manufacture, sustainability, commercial practice), and designing and making principles (e.g., user-centred design, prototyping, critical analysis). You will also need to know about design movements and key designers. The exam is 2 hours 30 minutes and worth 50% of the qualification.
Is AQA A-Level Product Design hard?
Like any A-Level, it requires dedication and consistent effort. The theory content is substantial, but it builds on GCSE knowledge and is applied to real-world contexts. The NEA is demanding but rewarding, as it allows you to pursue your own design interests. With good time management and a genuine interest in design, most students find it manageable and enjoyable.
What can I do after A-Level Product Design with AQA?
This A-Level is excellent preparation for degrees in product design, industrial design, engineering, architecture, and related fields. It also develops transferable skills such as creativity, problem-solving, project management, and communication, which are valued in many careers. Some students progress directly into apprenticeships or employment in design and manufacturing.
Assessment and exam guidance
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
AQA
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
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Naming only a broad family such as 'plastic' instead of a specific material such as polypropylene; correction: give the specific material and then justify it.
- •Stating that a material is 'strong' or 'good' without linking to a named property; correction: name the property and explain why the application needs it.
- •Treating a combination of materials as a single material; correction: explain the role of each component separately.
- •Assuming one material must meet every demand; correction: show how a combination shares the demands between components.
- •Confusing physical and mechanical properties; correction: classify the property and check whether it concerns response to force.
- •Using vague words such as 'strong' or 'durable' as if they were properties; correction: name the precise property such as tensile strength or toughness.
- •Describing a property without linking it to an application; correction: state the demand the property satisfies.
- •Ignoring manufacturing behaviour; correction: consider working characteristics such as machinability when justifying a choice.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Read the application carefully and decide which property is decisive before choosing a material.
- •Structure the justification as material, property, application demand, so the reasoning is explicit.
- •When a combination is involved, justify each component separately and then explain the combined benefit.
- •Decide first whether the property concerns force response or not, then label it physical or mechanical.
- •Use precise property vocabulary rather than everyday adjectives.
- •Always finish by connecting the property to the specific demand of the application.
- •Read the question for the specific product or component, then state its function before choosing a material.
- •Always pair a material with a named property and explain the link to the function in one sentence.
Ready for a little practice?
Create your account to start practising Design and Technology: Product Design.
Start free
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge