Design and Make Project (Non-exam assessment) — WJEC-CBAC A-Level Manufacturing & Engineering Revision

    This element focuses on the foundational stages of the design and make project, where learners define the problem, establish design requirements through a

    Topic Synopsis

    This element focuses on the foundational stages of the design and make project, where learners define the problem, establish design requirements through a brief and specification, and gather relevant data from both primary and secondary sources. Effective planning and thorough research are critical to underpinning a successful design proposal and ensuring the final outcome meets user and technical needs. Assessors expect clear evidence of how research directly informs the design direction and project planning.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Design and Make Project (Non-exam assessment)

    WJEC-CBAC
    A-Level

    This element focuses on the foundational stages of the design and make project, where learners define the problem, establish design requirements through a brief and specification, and gather relevant data from both primary and secondary sources. Effective planning and thorough research are critical to underpinning a successful design proposal and ensuring the final outcome meets user and technical needs. Assessors expect clear evidence of how research directly informs the design direction and project planning.

    5
    Objectives
    5
    Exam Tips
    5
    Pitfalls
    6
    Key Terms
    5
    Mark Points

    Subtopics in this area

    Project Planning and Research

    Topic Overview

    The 'Design and Make Project (Non-exam assessment)' is a core component of the WJEC CBAC A-Level in Manufacturing & Engineering, accounting for a significant portion of your final grade. This project requires you to independently design and manufacture a functional product or system, demonstrating your ability to apply the entire design process—from identifying a need and generating ideas, through to planning, production, testing, and evaluation. It is your opportunity to showcase creativity, technical competence, and problem-solving skills in a real-world context.

    This project is not just about making something; it is about proving you can manage a complex, iterative process. You must produce a portfolio of evidence that documents your journey, including research, design sketches, CAD models, manufacturing plans, risk assessments, and a final evaluation. The project is internally assessed and externally moderated, so attention to detail and adherence to the specification are critical. Success here demonstrates your readiness for higher education or apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing.

    The project integrates all aspects of the course: materials science, manufacturing processes, quality control, and project management. It mirrors industry practice, where engineers must balance functionality, cost, sustainability, and safety. By completing this project, you develop transferable skills such as time management, critical analysis, and communication—all highly valued by employers and universities.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Design Process: Understand and apply the iterative cycle of analysis, research, specification, ideation, development, prototyping, and evaluation.
    • →Manufacturing Planning: Create detailed production plans including Gantt charts, material lists, tooling requirements, and quality control checkpoints.
    • →Risk Assessment: Identify hazards in the workshop and during manufacturing, and implement control measures to ensure safety.
    • →Quality Assurance: Use techniques like tolerance analysis, inspection, and testing to ensure the final product meets specifications.
    • →Evaluation: Critically assess your design against the original brief, considering functionality, aesthetics, cost, and sustainability, and suggest improvements.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Develop a clear and justified design brief that responds to a real-world problem or need
    • Produce a detailed design specification with quantifiable and measurable criteria
    • Apply appropriate primary research techniques to gather user and stakeholder requirements
    • Critically evaluate secondary research sources to inform design decisions and validate findings
    • Plan project timelines and milestones to manage the design and make process effectively

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award credit for a design brief that clearly articulates the problem, target user, and context.
    • Specification must include measurable parameters such as dimensions, materials, aesthetics, cost, and sustainability.
    • Evidence of primary research should include surveys, interviews, or observations with analysis of findings.
    • Secondary research must reference credible sources such as academic papers, industry standards, or market reports.
    • Reference to how research directly influenced the design brief and specification is required for higher marks.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Start the project with a clear problem statement and ensure the brief is approved early to avoid scope creep.
    • 💡Use the specification as a dynamic document; update it as research progresses to reflect refined criteria.
    • 💡For primary research, plan questions carefully to elicit actionable insights, not just opinions.
    • 💡When using secondary research, evaluate sources for credibility and relevance, and cite them properly.
    • 💡In the final portfolio, explicitly map each specification point to evidence from research to demonstrate thoroughness.
    • 💡Use a structured approach: Break your project into clear stages (research, design, planning, manufacture, testing, evaluation) and label each section in your portfolio. This helps examiners see your logical progression.
    • 💡Show evidence of iteration: Include sketches that show development, not just final drawings. Annotate them to explain changes and why they improved the design. This demonstrates critical thinking.
    • 💡Quantify your evaluation: When testing your product, use measurable criteria (e.g., 'load capacity of 50 kg' or 'assembly time under 10 minutes'). Compare results to your specification and discuss discrepancies.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Writing a design brief that is too vague or generic, lacking a specific user or problem.
    • Creating a specification that is purely descriptive without measurable targets, making evaluation difficult.
    • Conducting primary research with a very small sample size or bias, reducing validity.
    • Over-reliance on unverified online sources without cross-checking or acknowledging limitations.
    • Failing to link research findings explicitly to design decisions, leading to a disjointed project.
    • Misconception: The portfolio is just a diary of what you did. Correction: The portfolio must show your thinking process—why you made decisions, how you overcame problems, and how you applied technical knowledge. It should be analytical, not just descriptive.
    • Misconception: You can start making immediately after choosing a design. Correction: You must fully plan the manufacturing process, including risk assessments and quality checks, before starting production. Rushing leads to errors and lost marks.
    • Misconception: The final product is the most important part. Correction: The portfolio carries equal weight. A perfect product with a weak portfolio will score poorly. Both must demonstrate depth of understanding and skill.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Understanding of materials and their properties (e.g., metals, polymers, composites) and how they affect manufacturing processes.
    • •Basic workshop skills and knowledge of health and safety procedures, including use of tools and machinery.
    • •Familiarity with CAD software and technical drawing conventions to produce accurate design representations.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Design brief formulation
    • Design specification criteria
    • Primary research methods
    • Secondary research sources
    • Project planning and management
    • Research ethics and validity

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic

    Related Topics in WJEC-CBAC A-Level Manufacturing & Engineering

    Materials and Components

    View Topic

    Designing and Innovation

    View Topic

    Designing and Innovation

    View Topic

    Design and Market Influence

    View Topic