UK · Subject guide
Design and Technology
A-Level Design and Technology (AQA Product Design 7552), anchored on the broadest D&T title; technical principles plus designing and making principles.
01 · Overview
Design and Technology
A-Level Design and Technology (AQA Product Design 7552), anchored on the broadest D&T title; technical principles plus designing and making principles.
- Subject guide
- A-Levels
- Topics mapped
- 18
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Materials and their applications
Papers and boards, woods, metals, polymers and composites, with testing to justify selection.
- 02
Performance characteristics of materials
Physical and mechanical properties, and smart, modern, composite and biodegradable materials.
- 03
Enhancement of materials
Treating and modifying polymers, woods and metals through alloying, seasoning and additives to improve properties.
- 04
Forming, redistribution, addition processes and finishes
Manufacturing processes, adhesives and fixings, jigs and fixtures, and surface finishing.
- 05
Modern industrial and commercial practice
Scales of production, efficient use of materials, computer systems and sub-assembly.
- 06
Digital design and manufacture
CAD, CAM, virtual modelling, rapid prototyping, electronic data interchange, and production planning and control.
- 07
Requirements for product design and development
Product development and improvement, and inclusive design.
- 08
Health and safety
Safe working practices in manufacture and safety in products and services.
- 09
Protecting designs and intellectual property
Patents, trademarks, copyright and registered designs.
- 10
Design for manufacture, maintenance, repair and disposal
Designing for manufacture, repair, disassembly and end-of-life disposal.
- 11
Feasibility studies and enterprise and marketing
The viability of proposals, and enterprise, marketing and financial considerations.
- 12
Design communication
Sketching, drawing techniques, modelling and presentation methods.
- 13
Design methods and processes
The iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating in cycles.
- 14
Design theory and history
Design influences, styles and movements, and key designers and their work.
- 15
Technology and cultural change
Socio-economic influences, technological developments, ethical issues and the product life cycle.
- 16
Critical analysis and evaluation
Testing and evaluating commercial products, and using third-party feedback.
- 17
Tools, accuracy and project management
Selecting tools and processes, working to precision and tolerance, and planning with quality assurance and control.
- 18
Responsible design and standards
Environmental issues, resource and energy conservation, and BSI and ISO standards.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Pathways and specifications
AS-Level
Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).
A-Level (A2)
The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.
Nations and regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.
2
Public references
UK · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.