What is Design and Technology?
"All the things we use every day have been designed."
The study of design and technology provides the student with an understanding of how these things have been designed, and with the ability to analyse how well they have been designed and manufactured.
Through product analysis students learn how designers such as Dyson or Bayliss have produced new designs for established products: the vacuum cleaner and the radio respectively. Students learn to understand how design works and how to design marketable products.
What other subjects go well with Design and Technology?
Design and Technology is a broad-based discipline which combines well with a number of subjects, including Physics, Media Studies, Communication Studies, ICT, Psychology and Art.
What will I gain from studying the subject?
Students develop an appreciation of designing and marketing to produce attractive end products. The critical methods of analysis and other skills can easily be transferred to other areas of study.
Students develop an awareness of the responsibilities of designers and technologists to mankind and to the environment. Also studied are: graphical and technical communication; design movements in recent history; an understanding of materials - plastics, wood, metals and composite materials; manufacturing systems and control. The study of Design Technology can lead to degree courses and careers in product or fashion design, engineering, architecture or graphical design.
Do I have an aptitude for the subject?
You should have a critical interest in how things work: - Do they look good? Do they feel right? Do they work well? Could you suggest a better design? Experience of Design and Technology or Physics is useful but not essential. You should be able to complete practical work with care, attention to detail and accuracy.