Cambridge AS Level Design & Technology: Exam Revision Guide

This revision guide helps you prepare for the Cambridge AS Level Design & Technology exam (9705/01 Written Paper 1). This material covers the new Cambridge syllabus, examined for the first time in 2025 and acts as a digital textbook. It links to detailed explanations and sample questions to help you learn this material.

Examination Format

The AS Level Written Paper is 2 hours 15 minutes long.

There are 100 marks available and you must answer all questions.

Based on the sample exam paper provided, it is organised into approximately the following sections:

DescriptionMarks
1Materials & Components8
2Communication / Drawing methods / CAD8
3Graphic products20
4Hard materials20
5Electronics / energy / emerging technology20
6Inclusivity / accessibility (design modification question)12
7Cultural, economic, environmental, social factors, design movements, fashions/trends (extended response question)12
TOTAL 100

The examination is worth 50% of your final AS Design & Technology grade.

Bring to the exam

  • Black or dark blue pen for written answers
  • HB pencil (plus a backup pencil)
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Eraser
  • Colouring pencils

Answer format  – general tips

Exam questions are typically formatted using a few key phrases. These indicate the type of answer that is required. Cambridge examiners have provided sample answers to help you familiarise yourselves with the layout of the new paper.

“Name…” questions

Example of a short-answer DT question
An example of a short-answer “name” question. (A smart material is one that changes properties when exposed to a change in the surrounding environment. For example, a photochromic pigment is a pigment that changes colour in response to a specific wavelength of light, such as UV light – learn more about smart materials here.)

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • These are short answer questions
  • No further details are necessary (check to see if this the question is worth 1 mark to confirm)
  • Precise names must be given (i.e. acetate sheet ✓ rather than plastic X)
  • Acronyms are accepted (i.e. MDF ✓, although examiners prefer the full name such as medium density fibreboard ✓)

“Explain…” questions

Example of an "explain" question in Design & Technology
Note that this example begins with a “name” question, and then follows with an “explain” question.
Health & Safety question in Design & Technology exam
Note: A pillar drilling machine is another name for a drill press – see more information about woodworking tools here. Swarf is a fancy name for wood chips or metal filings produced during drilling / machining. A machine vice is a vice that is mounted to a machine, rather than to a bench or table – if items are not held securely when being drilled, they can spin around and cause serious injury.

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Justify comments, providing reasons and further explanations. In other words, don’t just state facts, but provide the evidence or justifications for this. For example, “Two point perspective drawings are very realistic” [stating fact] “as objects that are further away appear smaller” [further explanation providing evidence/justification]
  • In the health and safety question, a health and safety procedure is identified [1 mark] with explanation of how this applies to the manufacture of the child’s trolley [1 mark]. In other words, the point is stated, followed by more evidence / explanation.
  • If you have a choice of possible areas to discuss, choose methods that you are most familiar with (for example, if you have used an orbital sander, but not using the drill press, focus on examples like that).
  • Check number of marks available – often one reason is asked for, but two marks are available. This is because you must demonstrate knowledge/understanding [1 mark] and then explain why [1 mark]
  • In questions where you are asked to name and then explain something, even if the name is incorrect, you can be awarded marks for the explanation, if that part is correct, so make sure you answer the whole question

“Use sketches and notes to describe…”

Sample production process question in AS Design & Technology
This type of question often represents a production process, showing how something is made. See more examples of production process diagrams here.

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Organise the answer in a clear step-by-step format
  • Ensure the sequence is spaced nicely across the page, rather than crammed up (make it easy for the examiner to follow)
  • If some time of net is involved, sketch nets accurately with glue tabs and fold lines (long dash, two short-dashes)
  • Ensure accurate names of tools are used and accurate material / component names
  • Ensure methods of cutting, joining, fixing, and finishing are clear (if required)
  • Ensure steps are in a logical sequence
  • If a net – don’t forget scoring lines and folding up the box (commonly forgotten step – and is missing from the example above, hence why it was awarded only 7/8 marks)
  • Choose a process you are familiar with (common, simple processes explained well are better than complicated processes explained poorly)
  • Hand methods or CAD methods are usually acceptable, but check whether the question specifies a one-off / batch / or mass produced item
  • Include safety precautions – make sure these are specific and appropriate
  • Important notes: If sketches and notes are required, you should produce sketches and then add a few notes, rather than write lots of notes and add a few sketches (in other words, it should be a good balance of sketches and notes)

“Justify…” questions

metal finishing methods exam question
Note: Although there are many other possible finishing methods for metals, such as powder coating or galvanising, a simple and common method is chosen. It is wise to choose an appropriate method that you are very familiar with, so you can describe it accurately and in detail. (This sample answer was awarded 4/4.)

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Choose processes you are most familiar with (as long as these are appropriate)
  • Check how many marks are awarded (note in this example, three marks are given for the justification, hence three separate points are needed)
  • CRITICAL POINT: The examiners note that the response has “justified why paint is a good finish for the mild steel handle by incorporating into their answer the wider issues in design and technology. For example, an environmental factor (ease of recycling), a social factor (giving customers a colour choice to make the product more popular) and an economic factor (cost of the paint).” “Candidates must incorporate cultural, economic, environmental and social factors into their justification, if they are to be awarded the higher marks” ***Note that they did not mention wider issues in this question, yet still expect it in the answer.***
  • Each point should include the statement of fact, followed by further evidence / explanation / justification. To receive full marks for this type of question you need a fully developed response with at least two reasons fully justified.

Design modification question

design modification question in AS Design & Technology exam
Design modification question: examiner example (awarded 11/12)

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Clearly name the chosen product
  • Analyse the existing product, identifying the problems with the design in terms of the specified user group, discussing how it could be modified
  • This question should have at least two main drawings (the original product, plus the modified / improved product) plus additional enlarged details, other small drawings using a range of graphical techniques (i.e. exploded drawings, sectional drawings), as necessary to communicate the new design
  • Add annotations around drawings, noting technical details (including specific material names), with brief notes justifying and explaining choices
  • Analyse the new improved design, discussing whether it would function as intended and be more accessible to the target users. (Also consider how this might affect affordability and usability by other users etc – for example, by making it more accessible to one group, are you making it less accessible to another?)
  • Link comments to wider issues (sustainability, cost, social issues etc) i.e. “modifying an existing tap would be less expensive than fitting a new tap that is designed for a person with limited hand movement” or “replacing the taps would not be environmentally friendly unless the old taps were recycled” or “producing a product, such as a device to help people with limited hand movement to use a tap, would be expensive as the volume of sales is likely to be low” or “one social impact of producing a device to help people with limited hand movement to use a tap would be that they may become more independent.”
  • To prepare for this question, you should practise modifying a suitable product for all of the relevant categories: users with limited mobility, hearing impaired users, vision impaired users, neurodiverse users, users with language needs, children and young families, elderly users, users of a specific culture, and a diverse multicultural community.
  • ***The product may be modified in other ways too. For example, you may be asked to modify the product so that it is more sustainable / easily repaired / energy efficient.***
  • You can choose the product you wish to modify. The chosen product might also relate to your own coursework product improvement project (this would mean you are extra familiar with it).
  • Note that this question begins: “Use sketches and notes to describe…” so it should be a balance of sketches and notes, not mainly writing.

Extended response question

Extended written answer example in Design & Technology
Extended response question: examiner example (awarded 11/12)

IMPORTANT TIPS

  • Write in full sentences, with paragraphs, thoroughly analysing the situation
  • Ensure you include appropriate examples (these might be of specific products, designers, design movements etc) to use as detailed supporting evidence for your arguments
  • Ensure you link your discussion to wider issues in design & technology (including cultural, economic, environmental, and social factors). This means you should consider the impact of [the topic] on wider society. Examples from the sample answer above, as noted by the examiners:
    • The use of natural materials, such as pine, would be good for the environment as they could easily be recycled (one wider issue)
    • Design movements can create an increased demand within society for a new style of products (second wider issue)
    • Mass-produced flat-packed products are very affordable (third wider issue)
  • Three or more comments linking to wider issues must be included to gain high marks

View sample essay topics here.

Topics to Revise for AS Design & Technology (9705)

To prepare for this exam, revise the 12 separate topics listed below, working through each link on this page.

1. The design process

2. Design principles

  • What is meant by Dieter Ram’s concept of “Good Design“.
  • Key features of common design movements (Art Deco, Arts & Crafts, Bauhaus, Scandinavian, Minimalism, Modernism, and Postmodernism) and how these influence the design of products.
  • The difference between a fashion and trend, and how these impact product design.
  • Different scales of production (individual/one-off, batch, mass production), when these are suitable, and why they are chosen.
  • How different economic factors influence material and production costs, including the availability of materials and the impact of new manufacturing technologies.
  • How changing customer requirements, cultural changes, and other social factors influence design (including ways that design can have a positive impact on society).

3. Communication

  • Common drawing methods, including exploded drawings, sectional views, isometric (including the construction of arcs and circles), orthographic projection / working drawings (including first angle and third angle and their symbols), one- and two-point perspective, assembly drawings, and planometric (45/45), and understand when these drawings may or may not be appropriate.
  • Rendering to enhance drawings to represents, materials, surface, colour, and tone (light and shadow) – particularly rapid rendering methods suitable for an exam.
  • Be able to draw nets, including fold lines, glue tabs and mechanical joining methods required to form prisms, cones, cylinders, and pyramids.
  • Appropriate symbols and conventions including dimensioning and use of scales.
  • Common planning charts including Gantt charts, flow charts, and cutting lists.
  • The impact of digital technology used to communicate including CAD software packages such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Teams and Mirovideo conferencing.

4. Design and technology in society

5. Sustainable design

  • Why designers and manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure products are sustainable, including legal requirements.
  • Factors that impact sustainability, including type of materials (locally sourced, recycled, biodegradable materials), amount of materials, reduction of waste (offcuts, packaging), method of processing raw materials, energy consumption across the lifecycle (included during manufacturing processes, maintenance, and reducing transport costs, such as by flat-packing), ease of repair, ease of replacing parts through use of standardised components, and ease of disassembly and disposal).
  • Labelling materials to aid separation for recycling (with the use of recycling symbols).

6. Health and safety

  • Common health and safety procedures in a school workshop, including wearing appropriate PPE (goggles / welding goggles, visor, face mask, gauntlet, spats, gloves, apron or lab coat), tying up hair, rolling up sleeves and removing loose clothing. keeping workspaces tidy, using the correct tool for the job and using tools safely (safety guards, training before use, working under supervision.
  • Standard risk assessment processes in design and manufacture, including identifying hazards and making risk assessments and understanding what to do if an accident occurs.

7. Aesthetics and ergonomics

  • The importance of aesthetics (line, colour, shape, light, shade, surface finishes, proportion and form) and how these affect visual and tactile senses.
  • The balance of form and function.
  • The importance of ergonomics – designing environments, products and systems to fit the people who use them – including an understanding of common anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, knee height, sitting height, body mass index (BMI), body circumference (arm, waist, hip and calf) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and how this can be interpreted.

8. Materials and components

  • The meaning of material properties (hardness, ductility, toughness, brittleness, elasticity, malleability, dimensional stability, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance).
  • The working properties, stock forms and sizes, common uses and environmental impact of:
    • Paper, cardboard, and other lightweight materials (copier paper, card, corrugated card, bleached card, mount board, duplex card, moulded paper pulp, foamboard, foil-backed and laminated card e.g. Tetra Pak®).
    • Modelling materials (extruded polystyrene foam, e.g. Styrofoam™, balsa wood, polymorph, plaster of Paris).
    • Wood and manufactured boards (softwoods, hardwoods, manufactured boards).
    • Metals (ferrous metals and their alloys).
    • Polymers / plastics (thermoplastics: acrylic (PMMA), nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), high and low density polyethylene (HDPE) (LDPE), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); thermosetting plastics: polyester resin, melamine formaldehyde (MF), urea formaldehyde (UF), epoxy resin; and elastomers: neoprene, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE); fibre reinforced materials: glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP); bioplastics: starch-based, sugar-based, cellulose-based).
  • Examples of composite materials and why these are made.
  • Examples of ‘smart’ materials (including polymorph; pigments: phosphorescent, photochromic, thermochromic; shape memory alloys (SMA): nickel, titanium; hydrogels; shape memory polymers).
  • Examples of ‘modern’ materials.
  • Examples of biodegradable materials (the working properties, common uses and environmental impact of polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) e.g. BIOPOL®, plastic made from corn/potato starch).  
  • Recognise and identify electronic components and symbols.

9. Stages in materials processing

10. Energy and control systems

  • The main sources of energy and why and how they are used in manufacturing products : fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal (finite); water, wind and solar (renewable).
  • Different forms of energy: kinetic, potential, thermal, electrical, chemical.
  • Practical methods of energy conversion from one to another through simple mechanisms, machines, engines, turbines and electric motors. (This content is discussed in the sustainability article).
  • Basic principles of manual, semi-automatic and automatic control using input, output, feedback and amplification.

11. Technology

  • The benefits of CAD (Computer Aided Design) for storing data and manipulating images.
  • Common features of CAM (computer-aided manufacture), particularly in the control/operation of machines.
  • How emerging technologies impact on designing and manufacturing products (understand the terms invention, innovation, and evolution), including 3D printing, rapid manufacture, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR).
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin