High school Design and Technology students are often required to construct developments (nets) of simple geometric objects, such as cubes, prisms, cylinders, and cones. This article introduces how to draw a development using a drawing board, set squares, T-square, and compass.
What is a development (net)?
A development or net is what an item would look like if it was made from a thin sheet and folded out flat.
Guidelines for drawing developments (nets)
- If it is a box or needs to be folded up and constructed, glue tabs and other tab and slot joining methods should be shown as needed
- Glue tabs should have angled sides and be an appropriate size
- Arrange ‘faces’ of card sensibly to avoid waste and make it easier to draw and make (i.e. all pieces in a row etc.)
- Draw fold lines as long dash/short dash lines
- Cut lines should be represented as a solid black outline
Sample examination questions (AS Design & Technology)
Examiner comment: A very well answered question.
Examiner comment: When candidates understood how the one-piece development net should function allowing some structural integrity, they answered very well. However, some candidates were unable to give such levels of detail and found the question challenging.
Examiner comment: This was generally a well-answered question, with candidates understanding the structure of a one-piece development net. Some answers omitted the double wall aspect.
Examiner comment: Generally, this was a well answered question, with candidates understanding the shape of the one-piece development net.
Examiner comment: Most candidates answered this question well showing an understanding of the shape of the one-piece development net.
Examiner comment: Generally, this was a very well answered question with candidates understanding how to show the shape of the one-piece development net which included fold lines, cut outs and the correct number of surfaces.
Amiria has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. She is a CIE Accredited Art & Design and Design & Technology Coursework Assessor. Amiria now teaches Art, Design & Technology at ACG Parnell College.