Amiria Gale 
This article summarises the topics to revise for Cambridge IGCSE Design & Technology, Paper 1: Product Design (0445/01). This exam involves producing freehand sketches, annotation, and written answers in response to a single design question. Please note: This revision guide prepares you for answering the lightweight materials / graphic products question (typically Question 2). You … Read more
Elderly individuals often have unique needs when it comes to product design. These users may have a diverse range of needs, including vision impairment, hearing loss, motor skill challenges, hearing loss, and cognitive changes. These have been discussed elsewhere on this website, however there are a few other issues should be be considered. Opportunities for … Read more
In our increasingly global marketplace, products frequently encounter users who may not share the designer’s language, while millions of adults worldwide have limited literacy skills due to educational circumstances, learning differences, or cultural factors. This article outlines strategies for creating more inclusive designs that communicate effectively across language barriers and literacy levels, ensuring products can … Read more
Neurodiverse individuals – such as those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia – sometimes have cognitive and sensory needs that are overlooked in traditional product design. This can result in products that contribute to sensory overload, confusion, or which are unsuitable for use. This article outlines ways that designers can create more inclusive products for neurodiverse … Read more
Babies, toddlers, and young children have needs that are not always considered by designers. This can mean certain products present safety risks or are unsuitable for families with young children. This articles outlines ways in which designers can be more accommodating of very young users. Opportunities for Product Modification
Many people face daily challenges with fine motor control due to various conditions, such as arthritis, which causes joint stiffness and reduced dexterity. This can make simple tasks like opening jars or buttoning clothes difficult. Similarly, individuals using wheelchairs, managing tremors from Parkinson’s disease, or recovering from stroke also encounter products designed without their needs … Read more
Cambridge AS Design & Technology students produce a coursework project that improves an existing product. This article includes a list of ways that products can be modified to be more inclusive for users with deafness and hearing impairments. Boost visual communication: Use vibration to communicate Make audio adjustable Reduce background noise The core aim is … Read more
Thermoplastics that generally accept finishes well: Thermoplastics that are notoriously difficult to finish:
Acetone solvent welding – safest solvent for acetate. You brush the acetone onto the joint surfaces, press them together, and the acetone partially dissolves the acetate surfaces so they actually fuse together as it evaporates. This creates joints that can achieve 80-100% of the strength of the original material Include ways of joining to card … Read more
Cambridge Design and Technology students have to be familiar with how to shape and form plastic using a range of different methods. This article introduces various plastic forming processes, including vacuum forming, blow moulding, injection moulding and so on, helping students prepare for examination questions on this topic. Vacuum forming Shrink wrapping Laser cutting and … Read more