A2 Coursework

EdExcel

Deciding on a project

• Do a thought shower of different ideas for a theme:– Don’t worry about what is possible at this stage– Think about hobbies / interests– Subjects at school you enjoy– Places you like to go– Etc

Deciding on a project

• Now think about projects:– A specific product (like a game)– A promotional pack for a company– A point of sale display for a specific product

(including packaging design)– A product redesign– Architectural project

Choosing a project

– Should be a mixture of 2D & 3D– Challenging– Range of materials– Specific client / user group– Have an existing problem (something is missing,

something currently doesn’t look or work well etc)

– Now think about who the user / client would be and why.

Coursework overview• Problem / brief• Research• Analyse research [4]• Specification [6]• Ideas [14]• Development [16]• Final design• Planning [6]• Making log• Making photos [34]• Testing & evaluating [10]

• Total = 90

Key points

• All pages must have a 10mm border• All pages must have your name, the title of the

sheet and a page number in the bottom right corner

• Maximum of 30 pages• Access to the user is VERY important

Page 1 – Problem & Brief

• Specify the problem / need• Analyse the problem / need• Identify and profile the user• Create a meaningful and detailed design brief

• Photos of current problem/product

Page 1 layout

Problem/Brief

NAME

Problem / Need

……

Product / relevant Photos

Analysis of Problem

…..Design Brief

To ….

Target market / client

…..

Architecture

Product

Point of Sale / Product redesign

Game

Page 1 layout

Problem/Brief

NAME

Problem / Need

……

Product / relevant Photos

Analysis of Problem

…..Design Brief

To ….

Target market / client

…..

Pages 2-4 - Research

• In rough write down what information would be useful.• You must include:

– Survey / interview with clients – for a justified reason– Similar products – for materials, construction methods in

commercial manufacture & other data / information– Materials, components & processes– Other research & influences (eg anthropometric data, images

to inspire etc)– Factual data (give an example and reference)

• Analysis of all of the research

Research

• For each part of the research write:– What you plan to do and why– Include the information you found out– Analyse & summarise the research ready to take forward to

the specification.

• Primary and secondary information• Unbiased• Factual

• Some could be completed throughout your design section.

PAGE 2 - Survey / interview with clients

– What you plan to do and why– The questions, with graphical results (for survey)– Summary of each question and why it was useful

to you– Analyse & summarise to take forward to the

specification.

– You may do one or both – it depends on your project

ExamplesSURVEY

INTERVIEW

SURVEY AND INTERVIEW

Page 2 suggested layout

SurveyNAME

What you plan to do and why

Analyse & summarise to take forward to the specification.

QuestionGraph

Analysis of question

Survey / interview with clients

– What you plan to do and why– The questions, with graphical results (for survey)– Summary of each question and why it was useful

to you– Analyse & summarise to take forward to the

specification.

– You may do one or both – it depends on your project

PAGE 3 - Similar Products– What you plan to do and why– Clear PHOTOS of each product (not internet images)– Analyse the product

• Materials (be precise, don’t say plastic, wood or metal!)• Construction (how it is put together)• Processes used• Function (what does it do, does it do it well etc)• Sustainability• Aesthetics• Suitability for the consumer (you can get consumer opinions – a little

survey of thoughts)

– Analyse & summarise the research ready to take forward to the specification.

Examples

Page 3 suggested layout

SurveyNAME

What you plan to do and why

Analyse & summarise to take forward to the specification.

Photos of product

ANALYSE:Materials (be precise, don’t say plastic, wood or metal!)Construction (how it is put together)Processes usedFunction (what does it do, does it do it well etc)SustainabilityAestheticsSuitability for the consumer (you can get consumer opinions – a little survey of thoughts)

PAGE 3 - Similar Products– What you plan to do and why– Clear PHOTOS of each product (not internet images)– Analyse the product

• Materials (be precise, don’t say plastic, wood or metal!)• Construction (how it is put together)• Processes used• Function (what does it do, does it do it well etc)• Sustainability• Aesthetics• Suitability for the consumer (you can get consumer opinions – a little

survey of thoughts)

– Analyse & summarise the research ready to take forward to the specification.

PAGE 4 – Other information

– What you plan to do and why– Gather the data– Analyse & summarise the research ready to take

forward to the specification.

– Anthropometrics, size data, factual data, photo research, materials research, building regulations etc

– THIS COULD BE TWO PAGES

Examples

PAGE 4 – Other information

– What you plan to do and why– Gather the data– Analyse & summarise the research ready to take

forward to the specification.

– Anthropometrics, size data, factual data, photo research, materials research, building regulations etc

– THIS COULD BE TWO PAGES

Research• Survey

– Variety of sources– Likes / dislikes / desires– Ask target audience

• Interview– Text based– Photo of person being interviewed

• Similar products– Photos - several (no internet based pictures)– Analyse the aesthetics, material, construction, function, sustainability

• Information– What information do you need? Factual? – Reference all sources

• Materials research / testing• Anthropometric or other size data

• For each part of the research write:• What you plan to do and why• Include the information you found out• Analyse & summarise the research

ready to take forward to the specification.

Coursework overview• Problem / brief• Research• Analyse research [4]• Specification [6]• Ideas [14]• Development [16]• Final design• Planning [6]• Making log• Making photos [34]• Testing & evaluating [10]

• Total = 90

Page 5 - Specification

• Must be meaningful and measurable and informed by the research.

• Use the headings:– Purpose, form, function, user requirements, performance

requirements, materials & components, size, safety, quality, scale of production, cost, sustainability.

• Each point must be justified• Check it with the user group

• Use 2 or 3 columns

Example

Page 5 - Specification

• Must be meaningful and measurable and informed by the research.

• Use the headings:– Purpose, form, function, user requirements, performance

requirements, materials & components, size, safety, quality, scale of production, cost, sustainability.

• Each point must be justified• Check it with the user group

• Use 2 or 3 columns