OCR · GCSE
Your journey to excellence inDesign and Technology
By Revision Genie
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GCSE Design and Technology is about solving real-world problems through creative design and practical making. You’ll learn how to design solutions, understand materials, and use tools and techniques to create prototypes. The course combines technical knowledge, creative thinking, and practical skills to prepare you for further study or careers in design, engineering, and manufacturing.
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Start with the first Design and Technology lesson.
Understanding the Design Context
1Understanding the Design ContextRead next2Where and How Products Are UsedRead next3Identifying User and Stakeholder NeedsRead next4Social, Cultural, Moral, and Economic FactorsRead next5Usability and User-Centred DesignRead next6Impact on User LifestyleRead next7Ease of Use and InclusivityRead next8Ergonomics and Anthropometric DataRead next9Aesthetic Considerations in DesignRead next10Exploring Existing DesignsRead next11Materials, Components, and Processes in ProductsRead next12Influence of Fashion and TrendsRead next13Marketing and Branding in DesignRead next14Social and Usability Impacts of DesignRead next15Environmental Impacts of DesignRead next16Lifecycle Assessment BasicsRead next17Work of Past and Present DesignersRead next18Emerging Technologies and Their InfluenceRead next19Ethics in Design DecisionsRead next20Environmental Considerations in DesignRead next21Future Scenarios in DesignRead next22User Interaction with Design SolutionsRead next23Critiquing Existing DesignsRead next24Fashion and Style in DesignRead next25Marketing and Branding ImpactsRead next26Social and Environmental ImpactsRead next27Lifecycle Assessment in PracticeRead next28Industry and Enterprise ImpactsRead next29Lifestyle, Culture, and Society in DesignRead next30Sustainability in Design ContextsRead next31Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy SourcesRead next32Fair Trade and Ethical AwarenessRead next33Global Sustainable DevelopmentRead next34Using Graphical Techniques in DesignRead next35User-Centred Design ApproachRead next36Systems Thinking in DesignRead next37Collaboration in Design ProjectsRead next
What Is the Iterative Design Process?
1What Is the Iterative Design Process?Read next2Exploring Needs in DesignRead next3Identifying StakeholdersRead next4Task Analysis for StakeholdersRead next5Researching Stakeholder EnvironmentsRead next6Understanding Stakeholder GoalsRead next7Evaluating Social, Environmental, and Economic ImpactsRead next8Generating Creative IdeasRead next9Avoiding Fixation in DesignRead next10Conceptual Combination in CreativityRead next11Sketching for Idea GenerationRead next12Presenting Final Design SolutionsRead next13Creating Functional PrototypesRead next14Evaluating Stakeholder NeedsRead next15Testing Ideas Against RequirementsRead next16Iterating When Needs Are Not MetRead next17Communicating Creative ThoughtsRead next18Evaluating Sketches and ModelsRead next19Documenting the Creative JourneyRead next20Systematic Evaluation of IdeasRead next21Repeating the Iterative ProcessRead next22Techniques for Testing SolutionsRead next23Using Specialist Tools and EquipmentRead next24Marking Out and Minimising WasteRead next25Refining Designs Through FeedbackRead next26Design Optimisation from FeedbackRead next27Writing a Unique Design BriefRead next28Justifying Changes to a Design BriefRead next29Outlining Stakeholder RequirementsRead next30Narrowing Down Design IdeasRead next31Solving Technical and Design ProblemsRead next32Experimenting with Processes and TechniquesRead next33Using Digital Design and ManufactureRead next34Creating a Technical SpecificationRead next35Documenting Final PrototypesRead next36Analysing Stakeholder OpinionsRead next37Evaluating Prototypes in ContextRead next38Authenticating the Design ProcessRead next39Recording Practical Work EvidenceRead next40Managing External Inputs in DesignRead next41Applying Explore, Create, Evaluate FrameworkRead next42Critical-Creative Thinking in Iterative DesignRead next43Problem Spotting and Problem SolvingRead next44Connecting Design to Social and Moral ContextsRead next45Autonomy in the Iterative Design ChallengeRead next46Reflecting on Design PrinciplesRead next47Exploring Contextual ChallengesRead next
Understanding Material Categories
1Understanding Material CategoriesRead next2Properties of Papers and BoardsRead next3Properties of TimbersRead next4Properties of MetalsRead next5Properties of PolymersRead next6Properties of TextilesRead next7Understanding Composite MaterialsRead next8Stock Forms of Papers and BoardsRead next9Stock Forms of TimbersRead next10Stock Forms of MetalsRead next11Stock Forms of PolymersRead next12Stock Forms of TextilesRead next13Standard Components for Papers and BoardsRead next14Standard Components for TimbersRead next15Standard Components for MetalsRead next16Standard Components for PolymersRead next17Standard Components for TextilesRead next18Understanding Corrosion and OxidisationRead next19Conditions Causing CorrosionRead next20Protecting Materials from CorrosionRead next21Energy Stored Internally by MaterialsRead next22Composition and Properties of AlloysRead next23Forces Acting to Deform MaterialsRead next24Differences Between Solids, Liquids, and GasesRead next25Using Carbon to Extract MetalsRead next26Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of MaterialsRead next27Durability and Toughness of MaterialsRead next28Elasticity and Plasticity of MaterialsRead next29Hardness and Malleability of MaterialsRead next30Understanding the Rock Cycle and Material SourcesRead next31Impact of Human Activity on Material AvailabilityRead next
Understanding Structural Integrity
1Understanding Structural IntegrityRead next2Reinforcing and Stiffening MaterialsRead next3Triangulation in StructuresRead next4Boning and Darts in TextilesRead next5Layering Techniques in TextilesRead next6Plastic Webbing for ReinforcementRead next7Processes to Ensure Structural IntegrityRead next8Surface Treatments for DurabilityRead next9Surface Treatments for AestheticsRead next10Cutting and Punching Paper and BoardsRead next11Sawing, Drilling, and Turning TimberRead next12Sawing, Drilling, and Shearing MetalsRead next13Sawing and Drilling PolymersRead next14Cutting and Shearing Design Engineering MaterialsRead next15Adhesion and Laminating Paper and BoardsRead next16Adhesion, Joining, and Laminating TimberRead next17Welding, Brazing, and Riveting MetalsRead next18Adhesion and Heat Welding PolymersRead next19Sewing, Bonding, and Laminating FabricsRead next20Soldering in Design EngineeringRead next21Perforating and Folding Paper and BoardsRead next22Steaming and Pressing TimberRead next23Pressing, Bending, and Casting MetalsRead next24Moulding, Vacuum Forming, and Line Bending PolymersRead next25Heat Treatments, Pleating, and Gathering FabricsRead next26Moulding Processes in Design EngineeringRead next
Types of Rotary Motion
1Types of Rotary MotionRead next2Types of Linear MotionRead next3Types of Oscillating MotionRead next4Types of Reciprocating MotionRead next5Understanding Load in ForcesRead next6Understanding Effort in ForcesRead next7Understanding the Fulcrum in ForcesRead next8How Cams Change MotionRead next9How Gears Change MotionRead next10How Pulleys and Belts WorkRead next11How Levers Change ForcesRead next12Understanding LinkagesRead next13Introduction to Sensors in SystemsRead next14Using Light Dependent Resistors (LDR)Read next15Using Infra-Red SensorsRead next16Using Tilt SwitchesRead next17Using Push-to-Make SwitchesRead next18Using Time-Delay SwitchesRead next19How LEDs Produce LightRead next20Using Speakers for Sound OutputRead next21Using Buzzers for Sound OutputRead next22Using Motors to Produce MotionRead next23Introduction to MicrocontrollersRead next24Programming MicrocontrollersRead next25Embedding Functionality with MicrocontrollersRead next26Customising Products with MicrocontrollersRead next
What Are Iterative Models?
1What Are Iterative Models?Read next2Processes for Early PrototypesRead next3Using Toiles in DesignRead next4Marking Out Reference PointsRead next5Measuring for AccuracyRead next6Using Templates in PrototypingRead next7Jigs and Patterns in PrototypingRead next8Understanding TolerancesRead next9Efficient Cutting TechniquesRead next10Minimising Waste in PrototypingRead next11Introduction to 2D Digital ToolsRead next12Introduction to 3D Digital ToolsRead next13Rapid Prototyping TechniquesRead next14Image Creation Software in DesignRead next15Using Digital Manufacture ToolsRead next16Interpreting Plans and ElevationsRead next17Using CAD in PrototypingRead next18Using CAM in PrototypingRead next19Using CAE in PrototypingRead next20Planning a Prototype: Basic StepsRead next21Planning a Prototype: General SupportRead next22Planning a Prototype: Detailed ApproachRead next23Planning a Prototype: Comprehensive PlanRead next24Evaluating Prototype AccuracyRead next25Improving Prototype FinishingRead next26Achieving High-Quality PrototypesRead next27Creating Stakeholder-Ready PrototypesRead next28Specialist Techniques: Basic UseRead next29Specialist Techniques: Sufficient UseRead next30Specialist Techniques: Good PracticeRead next31Specialist Techniques: Advanced UseRead next32Using Hand Tools in PrototypingRead next33Using Machinery in PrototypingRead next34Digital Design and Manufacture BasicsRead next35Advanced Use of Tools and EquipmentRead next36Effective Use of Digital ToolsRead next37Assessing Prototype Viability: Limited LinksRead next38Assessing Prototype Viability: Some PotentialRead next39Assessing Prototype Viability: Good PotentialRead next40Assessing Prototype Viability: Market ReadyRead next
One-Off, Bespoke Production
1One-Off, Bespoke ProductionRead next2Batch ProductionRead next3Mass ProductionRead next4Lean Manufacturing PrinciplesRead next5Just-in-Time (JIT) MethodsRead next6Offset Lithography for Paper and BoardsRead next7Screen Process Printing for Paper and BoardsRead next8Digital Printing for Paper and BoardsRead next9Vinyl Cutting for Paper and BoardsRead next10Die Cutting for Paper and BoardsRead next11CNC Routers for TimberRead next12Sawing and Steam Bending TimberRead next13Using Lathes with TimberRead next14CNC Milling for MetalsRead next15Turning MetalsRead next16Sheet Metal Folding TechniquesRead next17Pressing and Stamping MetalsRead next18Die Casting MetalsRead next19Compression Moulding for PolymersRead next20Injection Moulding for PolymersRead next21Vacuum Forming for PolymersRead next22Rotational Moulding for PolymersRead next23Extrusion for PolymersRead next24Blow Moulding for PolymersRead next25Band Saw Cutting for Fibres and FabricsRead next26Flatbed and Rotary Screen Printing for FabricsRead next27Digital Lay Planning for FabricsRead next28Industrial Sewing Machines and OverlockersRead next29Automated Presses and Steam Dollies for FabricsRead next30Laser Cutting in Design EngineeringRead next313D Printing in Design EngineeringRead next32Economies of Scale in ManufacturingRead next33Disruptive Technologies in ManufacturingRead next34Impact of Robotics on ManufacturingRead next35Cost of Materials and System ComponentsRead next36Commercial Viability in ManufacturingRead next37Calculating Quantities of MaterialsRead next38Calculating Costs of MaterialsRead next39Calculating Sizes of MaterialsRead next
What Is Sustainability?
1What Is Sustainability?Read next2Defining Lifecycle AssessmentRead next3Stages of a Lifecycle AssessmentRead next4Selection of Materials in DesignRead next5Ethical Factors in Material ChoiceRead next6Ecological Footprint of MaterialsRead next7Social Footprint of MaterialsRead next8Ecosystems and Material ImpactRead next9Interactions Between Organisms and MaterialsRead next10Gases in the Atmosphere and DesignRead next11Composition of the Earth and MaterialsRead next12Structure of the Earth and Material SourcesRead next13Understanding the Rock CycleRead next14Impact of the Rock Cycle on MaterialsRead next15Understanding the Carbon CycleRead next16Carbon Cycle and Material SustainabilityRead next17Composition of the Atmosphere in DesignRead next18Recycling BasicsRead next19Types of Recyclable MaterialsRead next20Processes for Recycling MaterialsRead next21Benefits of Recycling in DesignRead next22Challenges in Recycling MaterialsRead next23Designing for RecyclingRead next24Ecological Impact of RecyclingRead next25Social Impact of RecyclingRead next26Reducing Waste Through DesignRead next27Renewable vs Non-Renewable MaterialsRead next28Material Durability and SustainabilityRead next29Energy Use in Material ProductionRead next30Water Use in Material ProductionRead next31Transport and Material SustainabilityRead next32End-of-Life Considerations in DesignRead next33Circular Economy in DesignRead next34Designing for LongevityRead next35Biodegradable Materials in DesignRead next36Innovative Sustainable MaterialsRead next37Case Studies in Sustainable DesignRead next38Global Impact of Material ChoicesRead next39Ethical Trade and Material SourcingRead next40Fair Trade Principles in DesignRead next41Balancing Cost and SustainabilityRead next42Consumer Awareness of SustainabilityRead next43Legislation Supporting Sustainable DesignRead next44Future Trends in Sustainable DesignRead next
Understanding Metric and Imperial Units
1Understanding Metric and Imperial UnitsRead next2Using Decimal and Standard FormRead next3Calculating Material Quantities in Standard FormRead next4Scaling Drawings with RatiosRead next5Using Percentages in Cost AnalysisRead next6Fractions and Percentages in Data AnalysisRead next7Calculating Surface Area for Material QuantitiesRead next8Calculating Volume of CuboidsRead next9Volume of Composite ShapesRead next10Applying Tolerances to DimensionsRead next11Constructing Frequency TablesRead next12Interpreting Pie ChartsRead next13Creating Bar Charts from DataRead next14Representing Performance Over TimeRead next15Plotting Graphs for Performance DataRead next16Interpreting Graphs for Decision MakingRead next17Surface Area of Right PrismsRead next18Volume of Right PrismsRead next19Surface Area of Spheres and ConesRead next20Volume of Spheres and ConesRead next21Understanding Triangle PropertiesRead next22Using Angular Calculations in DesignRead next23Marking Out Angles AccuratelyRead next24Symmetry in Tessellated PatternsRead next25Graphical Presentation of DesignsRead next26Translating 3D Dimensions into 2D DrawingsRead next27Creating Isometric DrawingsRead next28Calculating Area Without Full DimensionsRead next29Using Area Scale FactorsRead next30Determining Material Quantities from Surface AreaRead next31Volume Calculations for Space SuitabilityRead next32Volume Scale Factor ApplicationsRead next33Using Scientific Terms in Design BriefsRead next34Measuring Materials and Selecting ComponentsRead next35Observation and Problem-Solving Skills in DesignRead next36Understanding Material DensityRead next
Understanding Scientific Vocabulary in Design
1Understanding Scientific Vocabulary in DesignRead next2Appropriate Use of Scientific TermsRead next3Quantities, Units, and Symbols in DesignRead next4SI Units in Design ApplicationsRead next5Prefixes and Powers of TenRead next6Using Orders of MagnitudeRead next7Measuring Materials and ComponentsRead next8Observation Skills in DesignRead next9Modelling in Design ProjectsRead next10Problem-Solving in Design ContextsRead next11Understanding Metals and Non-MetalsRead next12Physical Properties of MetalsRead next13Chemical Properties of MetalsRead next14Classification of MaterialsRead next15Atomic Model and Material PropertiesRead next16Pure Substances in Material ScienceRead next17Melting and Boiling Points of MaterialsRead next18Chromatography in Material AnalysisRead next19Conservation of Mass in DesignRead next20Changes of State in MaterialsRead next21Chemical Reactions in MaterialsRead next22Atoms, Molecules, and CompoundsRead next23Density and Material StatesRead next24Temperature Effects on ParticlesRead next25Internal Energy Storage in MaterialsRead next
Submission Options for NEA
1Submission Options for NEARead next2Core Knowledge in Design and TechnologyRead next3In-Depth Knowledge of Materials or Design EngineeringRead next4Mathematics in the Written PaperRead next5Iterative Design Challenge OverviewRead next6Portfolio and Prototype RequirementsRead next7Release Date of Contextual ChallengesRead next8Carrying Forward NEA ResultsRead next
Examined and Non-Exam Assessment Content
1Examined and Non-Exam Assessment ContentRead next2Eight Topic Areas in the SpecificationRead next3Practical Activity in Design and TechnologyRead next4Minimum Requirements for Materials and ProcessesRead next5Mathematics and Science in Design and TechnologyRead next6Building on Key Stage 3 LearningRead next
Emerging Technologies and Design Decisions
1Emerging Technologies and Design DecisionsRead next2Electricity Generation and Energy TransferRead next3Overview of Material Categories: Papers and BoardsRead next4Overview of Material Categories: TimbersRead next5Overview of Material Categories: Metals and AlloysRead next6Overview of Material Categories: Polymers and TextilesRead next7Material Properties and Their UsesRead next8Physical and Working Properties of MaterialsRead next9Factors Influencing Material SelectionRead next10Sources and Origins of MaterialsRead next11Processes to Convert Materials into Workable FormsRead next12Ecological, Social, and Ethical Issues in Material ProcessingRead next13Material Lifecycles in ProductsRead next14Recycling, Reuse, and Disposal of MaterialsRead next15Forms and Units of Materials and ComponentsRead next16Standard Components in MetalsRead next17Standard Components in PolymersRead next18Standard Components in Fibres and FabricsRead next19Standard System Components in ElectronicsRead next20Mechanical Components in SystemsRead next
Forms and Components: Bolts, Rivets, and More
Applications of Standard Form in Design
1Applications of Standard Form in DesignRead next2Using Ratios, Fractions, and PercentagesRead next3Calculating Surface Area and VolumeRead next4Presenting Data with Charts and DiagramsRead next5Plotting and Interpreting GraphsRead next6Translating Between Graphical and Numeric DataRead next7Using Angular Measures in DesignRead next8Visualising 2D and 3D FormsRead next9Calculating Areas of Triangles and RectanglesRead next10Surface Area and Volume of CubesRead next11Basic Rules of Angular CalculationsRead next12Using Trigonometry for Marking OutRead next13Accurate Measurement of AnglesRead next14Marking Out Angles PreciselyRead next15Understanding Symmetry in DesignRead next16Creating Tessellated PatternsRead next17Graphical Presentation of Design IdeasRead next18Transferring 3D Dimensions to 2D DrawingsRead next19Creating Accurate Isometric DrawingsRead next20Calculating Areas Without Full DimensionsRead next21Applying Area Scale FactorsRead next22Calculating Surface Area of CuboidsRead next23Calculating Volume of Cuboids for FitRead next24Volume Scale Factor CalculationsRead next
Specialist Techniques for Prototyping
1Specialist Techniques for PrototypingRead next2Testing and Evaluating Design SolutionsRead next3Answering Section A QuestionsRead next4Answering Section B QuestionsRead next5Mathematics in the ExamRead next6Using Calculators in the ExamRead next7Overview of the Iterative Design ChallengeRead next8Considering Centre Facilities in DesignRead next9Following Iterative Design ProcessesRead next10Using Ideas from Others in DesignRead next11Assessing Design DevelopmentsRead next12Final Prototype AppearanceRead next13Guidance and Supervision During PrototypingRead next14Using Alternative Materials or MachineryRead next15Recording Support During PrototypingRead next16Secure Storage of Practical WorkRead next17Taking Practical Work Outside FacilitiesRead next18Access to Work Between Supervised SessionsRead next19Producing a Chronological PortfolioRead next20Supporting Portfolio EvidenceRead next21Secure Storage of Final PrototypesRead next22Teacher Evidence of Learner ProgressRead next23Assessment Objectives OverviewRead next24Limited Analysis of Sources in DesignRead next25Sufficient Analysis of Sources in DesignRead next26Good Analysis of Sources in DesignRead next27Comprehensive Analysis of Sources in DesignRead next28Superficial Evaluation of Design ProgressionRead next29Sufficient Evaluation of Design ProgressionRead next30Good Evaluation of Design ProgressionRead next31Comprehensive Evaluation of Design ProgressionRead next32Limited Reviews for Design IterationRead next33Infrequent Reviews for Design IterationRead next34Clear Reviews for Design IterationRead next35Comprehensive Reviews for Design IterationRead next36Limited Feasibility Analysis of Design SolutionsRead next37Sufficient Feasibility Analysis of Design SolutionsRead next38Good Feasibility Analysis of Design SolutionsRead next39Comprehensive Feasibility Analysis of Design SolutionsRead next40Superficial Evaluation of Final PrototypesRead next41Sufficient Evaluation of Final PrototypesRead next42Good Evaluation of Final PrototypesRead next43Comprehensive Evaluation of Final PrototypesRead next44Ensuring Unique Design Briefs with SupportRead next
Using OCR Exemplar Material
1Using OCR Exemplar MaterialRead next2Standardisation of Marking Within CentresRead next3Standardisation Across ConsortiaRead next4Additional Evidence for MarkingRead next5Storing Learner Work SecurelyRead next6Marking Criteria for Iterative Design ChallengeRead next7Guidance on Iterative Design ChallengeRead next8Assessment of Iterative Design Process StrandsRead next9Assessment of Graphical and Practical OutcomesRead next10Investigations of the ContextRead next11Design Brief Assessment CriteriaRead next12Investigations of Stakeholder NeedsRead next13Investigations of Existing ProductsRead next14Exploration of Materials and Technical RequirementsRead next
Applying Key Stage 3 Maths in Design
Understanding Metric Prefixes
Choosing Appropriate Energy Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Topics include design principles, material properties, manufacturing processes, energy sources, and iterative design techniques.
Assessment includes a written exam and a non-exam assessment (NEA), with the NEA focusing on iterative design and prototype creation.
The Iterative Design Challenge is expected to take approximately 40 hours, though this is a guideline rather than a strict requirement.
To revise effectively for GCSE Design and Technology, focus on understanding the iterative design process and the technical principles of materials and manufacturing. Practise applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios and use past papers to familiarise yourself with exam question styles. Organise your notes and portfolio clearly to demonstrate your design journey.