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This document is a textbook for the AQA GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology course, published by PG Online Limited. It covers the entire specification in 12 sections, providing comprehensive content, exercises, and questions, with teacher resources available separately. The book has been approved by AQA for use in the qualification and emphasizes the integration of new and emerging technologies in design and manufacturing processes.
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AQA GCSE (9-1)
Design and Technology
M.J. Ross
Published by
PG Online Limited
‘The Old Coach House
35 Main Road
Tolpuddie
Dorset
DT2 7EW
United Kingdom,
sales@[Link]
[Link]
2017 PG ONLINEAcknowledgements
We are grateful to the AGA Examination Board for permission to use questions from past papers.
‘The answers in the Teacher's Supplement are the sole responsibilty of the authors and have neither been
provided nor approved by the examination board.
Every effort has been made to trace and acknowledge ownership of copyright. The publishers will be happy
to make any future amendments with copyright owners that it has not been possible to contact. The author
‘and publisher would Ike to thank the following companies and individuals who granted permission for the
use of their images in this textbook
Cover
Cover picture © ‘Stony Sunrisat
Paper and acrylic on masonite board 90 x 45 x Som
produced with the kind permission of Amy Genser
‘[Link]
‘wvew [Link]
Section 1
LLunatk watch: © MINIMAL
Fairtrade logo: © Fairtrade Foundation
BigLite" stove: © BioLito™
Plopp chocolate: Cloetia AB
“The New Fiver: © Bank of England
Key turner: courtesy of OTS Lia
Easi-Grio Trowel with Arm Support courtesy of Peta (UK)
Limitec
Section 2
\Windup Radio: © Freeplay Eyeliax Racko
Elastic band toy: Pitsco Education, USA,
‘www [Link]
Wooden balloon car courtesy of Tobar Group Trading Ltd
Floxiblo mdf: Matchboard Lid
Foamed aluminium components: Havel Metal Foam GmbH
‘Metal foam: @ Apichart Jinnapat and Andrew Kennedy,
licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland
‘Thermochromic sheet: SFXC Good Life Innovations Ltd
Photochromic beads with torch: Ecucational Innovations
‘wwowcteachersource,com
Polymorph and GTC strips: [Link]
Conductive thread courtesy of SparkFun Electrorics
Cornmon input components courtesy of
RS Components Limited
‘Girouit Wizard screenshot: © New Wave Concepts
Section
Foam core board: © GPM Ltd
Section 4
Cardboard furniture: © Philippe Nigro - Sktsch Build Up
Eureka Jeens deta: © Raoul Breugelmans
{[Link])
Poang Chair: Inter Ikea Systems B.V.
Hany Thaler Pressed Chair: © Jager & Jéger
Desatifieation: © Detence,pk
Davvik open pit mine: © 2016 Rio Tinto
Made in Britain logo: Made in Britain
Assured Food Standards logo:
Red Tractor Assurance
Peppy cak dining table courtesy of Jim Tory Furniture
‘wre [Link]
Section 5
Paper detail: © Phenom World
‘Maun safety rule: Maun Industries Ltd
Paper Shears: © Dahle
Rotary cutting too! and perforating tool courtesy of Otta,
Creasing machine: © Punehbind - UK Distrioutors of
‘Cyklos Creasing Machines
Maun safety rule with cutting mat courtesy of Axminster
“Tool Centre Lid
Fuse Creativity System, courtesy of Fiskars
Ratchet Rivet courtesy of GBK UK Ltc
Slide Binder courtesy of JFK Binding Supplies Lid
‘Tamper proof sticker courtesy of StickerYou inc.
FSC logo: © The Forest Stewardship Counc
PEFC laga: © PEFC UK Lid
Bobbin Sander courtesy of Axminster Tool Centre Ltd
New Sling: Design and photography: © David Trubridge
‘Quality Control go / no go gauge: © Yorkshire Pression
Gauges Lic
‘Metal band saw courtesy of Axminster Too! Centre Ltd
Polymorph: [Link]
Plastic door hinge courtesy of SDS London
Disc sander courtesy of Axminster Tool Centre Lid
Bresso: Reckitt Benckiser Group ple
Flame resistant fabric: © Firlam Technical
Piping courtesy of By Hand London Sewing Pattoms
Coppi: Clad ere oarc: © Yoonseo Kang, OpenStax
ch
PCB Scrub biock courtesy of RS Components Limited
Fume extractor courtesy of RS Components Limited
Section 6
Adidas X Parley Shoe made using Parlay Ocean Prastic!™
Harry Bock map: © Tf. from the London Transport
Museum collection
Issigonis Sketch, Miri Overview: © British Motor Industry
Heritage Trust
‘Anna G Corkscrew, Designer Alessandro Mendini
‘© Assi S.p.a,, Crusinalo, Italy
Jhicy Salt, Designer Philippe Stark: © Alessi, S.p.a.
‘Crusinallo, lily
Honda Robotics: © Honda Motor Go. Lid
Designers skaton: © Robert Bronwasser (2007)
Fashion sketch: Leonora Sheppard
Section 7
‘Maun safety rul: Maun industries Lic.
Rotary cutting tool courtesy of Otfa
Soribing tool courtesy of Axminster Too! Centre Lid
All Sections
Photographic images: © Shutterstock and © ‘Stock
End of Section exercises coninbuted by Bary LambertPreface
‘This is a brand new book that provides comprehensive yet concise coverage of all the topics covered
in the new AQA 8552 Design and Technology (9-1) specification, written and presented in a way that is
accessible to teenagers and easy to teach from. It can be used both as a course text and as a revision
guide for students nearing the end of their course.
Its divided into 12 sections covering every element of the specification. Sections 5A to SF of the
textbook cover each of the specialist technical areas. These sections would complement practical
classroom experience.
Each chapter contains exercises and questions, some new and some from past examination papers.
Anawers to all of these are avallable to teachers only in a Teacher's Supplement which can be ordered
from our website [Link].
Approval message from AQA
This textbook has been approved by AGA for use with our qualification. This means that we have
checked that it broadly covers the specification and we are satisfied with the overall quality. Full details of
‘our approval process can be found on our website.
We approve textbooks because we know how important itis for teachers and students to have the right
resources to support their teaching and learning. However, the publisher is ultimately responsible for the
editorial control and quality of this book.
Please note that when teaching the GCSE Design and Technology course, you must refer to AQAS
‘specification as your definitive source of information, While this book has been written to match the
specification, it cannot provide complete coverage of every aspect of the course,
‘[Link] range of other useful resources can be found on the relevant subject pages of our
website: [Link],
Graphics: Paul Raudner / PG Online Ltd
Design and artwork: PG Online Lid
First edition 2017, reprinted June 2017, January 2018
‘[Link] entry for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN: 978-1-910523-10-0
Copyright © MJ. Ross, 2017
Allights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written
permission of the copyright owner.
Printed on FSC® certified paper
Printed and bound in Great Britain by Bell & Bain LimitedContents
Core technical principles
Section 1 New and emerging technologies 1
Chapter 1 Industry and enterprise 2
2. Sustainability and the environment 7 7
3 People, culture and society * 13
4 Production techniques and systems “ ee ee
5 Informing design decisions =~ ae 26
Section 2 Energy, materials, systems and devices 31
Chapter 6 Energy generation / 32
7 Energystorage “SS 38
"8 Modern materials / eee 43
9 Smart materials Bee ae
10 Composite materials and technical textiles 7 qe 85
11. Systems approach to designing : final: 60
12 Electronic systems processing “64
13 Mechanical devices i estas 70
Section 3. Materials and their working properties 79
Chapter 14 Papers and boards _/ a
45 Natural and manufactured timbers 7 Ef 84
16 Metals and alloys 7 fe 88
17 Polymers 7 ane =
18 Textiles / Fee aoe HEHEBe wads:
Specialist technical principles
Section 4. Common specialist technical principles 101
Chapter 19 Forces and stresses on materials and objects “ 102
20 Peete 105
21 7 1
22 Tho six As eae _ 119
23 Scales of production / Eee
Section 5A Papers and boards 130
Chapter 24 Sources, origins and | roperties 130
25 Working with papers and boards 193
26 Commercial manufacturing, surface treatments and fi finishes . f 144
Section 5B. Timber based materials
Chapter 27 Sources, origins and properties ~
28 Working with timber based materials “
29 Commercial manufacturing, surface treatments and finishes “ 159
Section SC Metal based materials
Chapter 30 Sources, origins and properties
31 Working with metal based materials and fixings
32 Commercial manufacturing, surface treatments and finishes 176
Section 5D Polymers 180
Chapter 38 Sources, origins and properties“ 180
34 Working with polymer based materials and fixings 185
35 Commercial manufacturing and quality control 7 194
Section 5E Textile based materials 199
Chapter 36 Sources, origins and properties 199
37 Working with textile based materials and fixings 204
‘8 ne ait
Section 5F Electronic systems 216
Chapter 39. Selection of materials and components 216
40 Working with electronic components He 220
41 Commercial manufacturing and quality control 228wi
Designing and making principles
Section 6 Designing principles #
Chapter 42 Investigation, primary and secondary data /
43
44
45
The work of others
Design strategies 7
Communication of design ideas and orototype development “
Section 7 Making principles
Chapter 46
47
48
49
50
Index
Selection of materials and components
Tolerances and allowances
Material management and marking out
Specialist tools, equipment, techniques and processes
Surface treatments and finishes
237
238
245
254
259
270
273
276
“281
284Section 1
New and emerging technologies
In this section:
Chapter 4
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Industry and enterprise 2
Sustainability and the environment 7
People, culture and society 13
Production techniques and systems at
Informing design decisions 25
Section 1 New and emerging technologiesSECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
2
Chapter 1 - Industry and enterprise
Objectives
* Understand how new and emerging technologies have changed the way we live and how
they continue to shape the modern world
* Se aware of how computers and automation have impacted upon the design and
organisation of the workplace through the use of robotics
'* Understand how innovation can drive product development
New and emerging technologies
Design technologists have always looked very closely at the world of science in order to utilise
New discoveries. They turn these discoveries into new ideas, materials and products that fulfil a
human need.
Design and technology is often thought of as the practical application of science; some would
say itis the point at which science meets art, The role of a technologist is to embrace change
and to tum inspired ideas into reality. This is done by exploring, creating and refining - making
lots of mistakes along the way. The ability to take risks and experiment, and then learn from the
issues that arise, is an essential quality of a good design technologist.
It is human instinct to strive for a better and easier life, This is the driving force behind new
Inventions. From early man using simple tools to help hunt and farm, to astronauts exploring
space; itis the risk takers, inventors and creators who have helped shape the modern world,
To stay at the cutting edge, designers and manufacturers have to keep up-to-date with the latest
inventions and ideas in areas such as materials development, electronics and design.
The industrial revolution, which began around 1760, was assisted by the discovery of how to
harness water power to drive machinery. The invention of the steam engine then led to greater
‘automation. Since then, an ever-increasing number of new technologies has helped shape the
way we live, Think of the discovery of electricity, and the invention of the light bulb, the telephone,
the internal combustion engine, the computer and the Internet.
ALS,
‘The first personal computer was built more than 40 years ago in 1975, but it was not until the
mid-1990s that a significant number of people had access to one on a regular basis. The last 20
years have seen a massive change in how computers have been integrated into our lives, not
least with the introduction of the smartphone. People in the developed world use computers in
so many aspects of their daily ves that it is almost impossible to imagine how our society could
exist without them,
Section 1 New and emerging technologiesWhich inventions do you feel have significantly changed the way we live our lives?
Justify your responses and compare with other students.
Industry
Before the industrial revolution, most people lived in the countryside outside cities and towns,
working on the land. As automation led to larger workshops, mills and factories, more people
moved away from the countryside to find work. Towns and cities grew up around areas of
manufacturing and flourished. Gradually, a society based on consumerism and enterprise
developed. People now had money to buy goods and services and manufacturing boomed. This
same society exists today, although there have been a number of changes along the way.
Which technological developments in agriculture have led to fewer people being
needed to work the land to produce food?
Automation and the use of robotics
Greater demand for products originally created jobs as machines needed manual labourers,
machine operators and engineers to keep them running. More recently, with the introduction of,
inteligent machines and robotic production lines, many of these jobs have been lost. The latest
fully automated production lines only require a few highly skilled engineers to ensure that smooth
running is maintained.
The way in which designers, architects and engineers work has dramatically altered since the
introduction of computers and specialist software,
‘Although sketching initial ideas and designs is still considered the best way to get thoughts onto
a page, the development of those designs almost always involves the use of computer aided
design (CAD), using specialist software packages. Detailed analysis and manipulation of the
designs can be achieved quickly and accurately, saving valuable time and money.
How might automation have affected the hierarchical structure of an
organisation's staff?
Chapter 1 Industry and enterprise
CHAPTER 1 INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE
3
1SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
4
‘Software can work out very complex tasks such as virtual stress testing, flow dynamics and the
manufacturabilty of a product. This process is known as computer aided testing (CAT).
Designers can also use software to render their designs so that they look realistic and
three-dimensional, giving them different finishes so they can seek their clients’ and customers’
opinions before prototype production begins.
Buildings and the place of work
‘The development of the Internet, improvements in communication technology and the speed of
data transter right across the globe have enabled teams of people to collaborate remotely, rather
than in a single place of work. Software specifically developed to enable collaborative working
can allow teams of designers to work on one project simultaneously, even from different parts
of the world, 24 hours a day if necessary. Project designs can then be sent to machines to be
prototyped using computer aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques. These techniques include
computer numerical control (CNC) machines such as laser cutters and rapid prototyping
(RPT) machines such as 3D printers.
‘Amanufacturing company needs to consider the physical layout of its buildings. The worktlow
should be logically thought through and designed in a way to ensure each of the stages of
designing, manufacturing and delivering a product to market are as efficient as possible. This will
minimise unproductive time, unnecessary movement and waste materials, thereby making the
company as efficient and profitable as possiole.
Here is an example of a simplified production line that might produce wooden blocks.
Dalvery depot Workshop Sprayshop Packaging Distribution
Frew materials in Wood ut into Graphics appied Blocks are boxed Completed blocks
stock forms black shapes ta becxs fncwrapped are shipped
‘and sandec ‘and lacquered tecustemers
Section 1 New and emerging technologiesEnterprise
New and emerging technologies are routinely used by creative people to produce innovative
ideas. These ideas, nurtured sufficiently, go on to become viable products and businesses,
Enterprise is a word that encompasses many meanings, but in relation to design, it means that
an idea is cultivated into a business proposal that has commercial viability as a product.
‘There are many opportunities for creative people to get their ideas noticed by potential investors;
the Internet and the boom in sooial media sites allow creative people access to very large
audiences, These have provided a platform for designers to attract attention more readily than by
the traditional methods of sending proposals to existing companies or visiting their bank manager
for approval
There are a growing number of agencies looking for start-up businesses to invest in. A start-up
company is usually one that has come up with an idea that has the potential to grow into a profit-
making business. One of the biggest growth areas is in app design and development for smart
devices. Computer software has made development of apos more accessible and as a result,
more people are able to see their ideas come to life. The most important aspect is the idea itself.
CHAPTER 1 INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE
To ensure that original ideas, discoveries and inventions remain the intellectual
property of the person who invented them, a patent can be applied for. This is a
legal process of proving that you are the first person to have registered this idea
or invention. In theory, it should stop individuels and other companies using your
patented idea or design without applying for permission or paying a fee for the
right to use it. You may also see the registered logo next to a brand name which
signifies that a trademark or service mark has been registered
Crowdfunding
Crowatunding has become a popular way for designers and creative entrepreneurs to raise
enough money to enable the manufacture of thelr products. Crowaffunding is usually an Internet-
based way to gain small contributions from many investors who believe the product or idea
has a future. [Link] is a particularly interesting crowdfunding site for design and
technology based ideas.
Case study:
‘On November 17th 2010 Scott Wilson used
[Link] to launch his idea of converting
‘ld Apple iPod nanos into multi-touch watches.
He needed to raise $15,000 to get production of the
concept underway but astonishingly, raised nearly
$tmilion in one month.
He has gone on to make other innovative products.
and the business is thriving,
Image: LunaTik Multi-Touch watch
Chapter Industry and enterprise 5SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
6
Virtual marketing and retail
Virtual marketing and virtual retail includes the use of websites, social media, email and digital
marketing to reach a wider audience and potential client base in order to promote a product,
service or idea.
Virtual campaigns using social media to spread the word have become a very popular way to
launch products. Facebook and YouTube have become huge platforms to promote business
and enterprise ideas. Other social media platforms include the professional network Linkedin
\where business-minded people can share their ideas and services. Additionally, blogs and viogs
are targeted to appeal to new audiences, and small fortunes are being amassed by enterprising
People who have a large online following,
OHOGSs0e0
‘Amore subtle form of virtual marketing is search engine optimisation. Companies make efforts
to boost their website higher up internet search results then their competition. The goal is also
to make their website appear on the first page of search results for as many relevant keyword
requests as possible. Virtual marketing also includes paid-for advertisements that appear beside
search results.
Cooperatives
‘A cooperative is an enterprise that is commonly owned and run by its members who may
‘comprise its workforce or its customers. Cooperatives are formed to enable a group of people
with the same business interests to have greater protection and a stronger democratic voios,
Cooperatives can be a cost-effective way to sell goods and services and are frequently based
around a local community. They are set up to protect the rights of its members and ensure fair
and just terms and conditions apply to all members.
Fairtrade
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers
and workers in less econornically developed countries.
Fairtrade supports the development of thriving farming and worker communities that have more
control over their futures and protecting the environment in which they live and work
itis an alternative approach that is based on partnership; one between those who grow food and
those who consume it. When you buy products with the Fairtrade Mark, it means that the Fairtrade
ingredients in the product have been produced by small-scale farmer organisations or plantations
that meet Fairtrade social, economic and environmental standards. The standards inolude
protection of workers’ rights and the environment, payment of the Fairtrade Minimum Price and an
ditional Fairtrade Premium to invest in business or community projects. More than 1.65 milion
farmers and workers in 74 countries benefit from having Fairtrade certification for their products.
FAIRTRADE
FOUNDATION
‘Section 1 New and emerging technologiesChapter 2 - Sustainability and the environment
Objectives
Understand that new technologies need to be developed end produced in a sustainable way
* Be aware of the impact that resource consumption has on the planet
* Understand how the environment can be protected by responsible design and manufacturing
‘* Understand how waste can be disposed of with the least impact on the planet
‘© Understand the positive and negative impacts new products have on the environment
Sustainability
Our planet has to provide all of our basic human needs, such as food, shelter and warmth,
Humans have learned to use and manipulate many of Earth’s natural resources to help
provide these essentials and increasingly, many non-essential products as well. The jong term
sustainability of the planet's resources is very much in the forefront of responsible designers’
minds when new and emerging technologies are invented or discovered.
Designers now have a much better understanding of which materials are sustainable and which
are not, and the effect that overharvesting end overconsumption has on the planet. Each of the
specialist material sections in this book covers the sustainability of specific materials used in that
area of technology.
The general principle is that resources fall into two categories:
Finite resources are ones which are in limited supply or that cannot be reproduced. Use of
these should be avoided where possible or used only in small amounts for important reasons
where an alternative cannot be used.
Non-finite resources are ones which are in abundant supply and are unlikely ever to be
exhausted, or ones that can be grown and replaced at the rate that they are being used
One of the most important factors is the impact that the use of resources has on the planet, both
in terms of the environment and its inhabitants. The impact can be measured in many different
ways which include the following:
CO, emissions - energy required to produce materials and whilst products are in use
Transportation methods and the distance travelled
Impact on the environment through mining or harvesting
Impact on availablity or scarcity
Maintenance and repair costs, appropriate use of material
Welfare of workers in the supply of the material, Fairtrade eto,
Ethical end moral issues
Chapter 2 Sustainability and the environment
CHAPTER 2 SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENTSECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES:
8
Life Cycle Assessment
Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a way for companies to assess the
environmental impact of a product during the different stages of the product's life. The LCA will
investigate the whole life of the product from ‘cradle to grave’
Although a major part of the investigation looks at the amount of energy used, measured by CO,
‘emissions, the LCA can also look at the ethics and provenance of the product.
‘There are five main stages to an LCA:
a
Lo
haa
End of Lite
Recycling
.
e
\—s
Operation °°” Distribution
Maintenance Logistes
Reuse Tansport
Extraction and processing: The amount of energy used to extract raw material from the earth,
or to produce it through farming or other methods, and process it ready for manufacturing
Manufacturing and production: The energy required to manipulate the raw and refined
materials into a product ready for sale
Distribution: The packaging and transportation of the product to the end user
In use: The energy that the product and any related consumables used during its working life or
useful lifetime
End of life: The energy that is required to recycle the product and/or dispose of any waste
‘The LCA can highlight a number of ethical questions to be considered by a company such as:
where can eneray be saved?
© where can working conditions be improved?
* where can emissions be reduced?
© where can material be saved?
* do our actions have a negative effect on communities or natural environments?
Responsible companies can then decide how to neutralise any negative effects by teking positive
action to counteract them, for example by planting trees or choosing more environmentally
friendly versions of a material
Section 1 New and emerging technologiWaste disposal
We are now living in a society where everybody should take responsibilty for recycling, This is
to ensure that the resources we have wil last as long as possible and that landfill sites do not fill
up too quickly. Manufacturing companies are also required to recycle as much as possible and
in many areas of manufacturing, strict mits are set by national and international organisations.
Areas such as consumer electronics and the automotive industry have very rigid requirements.
Careful planning of waste disposal within a company can have many positive effects including
the following:
© Less raw material is required
© Waste materials are reused internally for alternative parts and products
‘+ Some of the cost of materials is recouped through the sale of recyclable waste
‘+ Energy to heat and power a business may be generated
Most businesses are charged additional fees to dispose of waste materials, Any form of
reduction in waste is likely to save a company money, meaning that the products can be
manufactured more cheaply, with the reduced unit cost making the company more competitive
or profitable.
Environment
Ever since our early ancestors used simple tools to help feed, clothe and shelter themselves,
humans have placed a demand on the earth's natural resources in order to develop a modern
lifestyle. Until the industrial revolution, this demand was quite limited and was not considered to
severely affect the environment. However, historians have found evidence that, in some parts,
of the world, excessive use of wood for boat building and house construction caused
localised deforestation.
‘There has been a population explosion since the beginning of the 20th century which has led to
accelerated use of all natural resources. In 1920, just a century ago, the planet's population was
less than two billion, having taken well over 100 years to grow by one billion. It currently takes
just 12 years to increase by a billion. In spring 2017, the world population was 7.5 billion.
‘The consequences of such a large population are that resources are being used up at a very
fast rate, and the impact on the environment is becoming increasingly noticeable. Some new
technologies are being developed to try to reduce this negative impact, and are being adopted
by a number of forward-thinking designers and manufacturers.
Chapter 2 Sustainability and the environment
CHAPTER 2 SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT‘SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
10
Technologies that have a positi
pact often involve the following:
* using only renewable materials from managed sources
‘+ using renewable energy to power the production of products
© using recycled and recyclable materials,
‘* designing products to be repairable, reusable and fully recyclable
* producing products with low power consumption
* designing products with fewer components and less weight
* designing products that are upgradeable so their fe is extended
© creating products that are sourced, produced and sold locally
Case study: BioLite™
BioLite was founded by Alec Drummond and Jonathan Cedar after they met in 2006. They
were both passionate about sustainable design and focused their attention on wood burning
stoves that utlised thermal energy and converted it into electrical energy. The project took
on a greater dimension when they decided they wanted to improve the lives of thousands of
people in rural Africa and India by creating a cleaner cooking device that produced power for
light and the charging of phones and ther devices.
¢
a
& BioLite
>
BioLite fund their projects in the developing world by selling products to the western domestic
markets. As of summer 2016 they believe they have helped over $3,000 people breath cleaner
air, as the BioLife CampStove produces 90% less emissions than a normal fire and uses helt of
the wood normally required to cook @ meal. They have generated 31 milion watts of electricity
as a by-product of the cooking and have saved 86,000 tons of CO».
BioLite is an example of new technology being use to make a positive impact on the lives of
many, as well as being sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Technologies that have @ negative impact tend to rely on the following:
* overuse of finite and non-recycled materials
* use of many components that are hard to repair or recycle
* fossil fuels to power manufacture
* high power consumption on standby and in use
* products that have built in obsolescence that are not designed to be upgradable
‘+ component parts of the product which travel long distances and are shipped globally
Section 1 New and emerging technologiesContinuous improvement
The philosophy of making small but continuous improvements is adopted by most modern
manufacturers. It requires the whole workforce to work together to find any possible way to make
adjustments to working practices in order to save time, money and resources. The theory behind
the Japanese term Kaizen has helped to reduce waste and improve efficiency dramatically
around the world. Kaizen simply means change for the better. Under the Kaizen philosophy, an
employee that discovers a potential saving will be rewarded and celebrated for their actions.
This encourages a sense of teamwork and can lead to greater productivity and less waste in
the system
Kai Zen
oa
Change Good
Efficient working
Efficient working practices such as Just In Time and lean manufacturing methods (see Chapter 4)
are adopted by businesses in order to save money and gain a competitive edge over their
competitors. Some companies employ management consultants to find the most effective ways
to run a business, other larger companies have staff who continually laok for efficiency savings.
‘[Link] practice among many businesses is to operate an ‘energy walk’, This is a simple
concept where a trained member of staff goes around turning off unnecessary lighting, heating
and other appliances, It has proved to be cost effective and it lowers CO, emissions.
Pollution
[tis almost impossible to meke a product without causing some form of pollution, It may be
created directly through processing materials or indirectly through energy consumption in
manufacture or during the product's use. A business has a number of options to reduce the
levels of pollution caused by the manufacture of a product and these are discussed in detail in
Chapter 21. By conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a company will find out how much
pollution is being created and therefore enable them to plan a reduction strategy accordingly
Global warming
‘Owing to the worldwide population explosion since the industrial revolution mixed with the boom
in global manufacturing, unprecedented levels of carbon dioxide (CO,) and other greenhouse
gasses such as methane (CH,) and nitrous oxide (NO) have been released into the atmosphere.
Many scientists attrioute these, and other factors driven by human activity, as the main causes of
@ gradual rise in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
Global warming is becoming increasingly hard for sceptics to deny, as according to the National
Centre for Environmental Information, fifteen of the last sixteen warmest years on record have
occurred since 2000.
Chapter 2 Sustainability and the environment
CHAPTER 2 SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
"SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.
12
Carbon offsetting
Itis very unlikely that goods being produced will have no negative impact on the environment.
However, companies are able to consider their praducts sustainable and environmentally friendly
by offsetting their negative impact through investment in positive activities that reduce carbon
emissions. A product is considered to be carbon neutral fit produces zero net emissions when
the LCA has taken all actions into consideration,
nee
poet
The pyramid above shows what steps can be taken to reduce carbon emissions by companies
and consumers. When all reasonable steps have been taken, there may still be a carbon deficit
and the purchasing of carbon credits may be the only way to achieve zero net emissions.
A number of organisations sell carbon credits to companies and consumers to help them reduce
their carbon emissions. The money raised is invested in carbon-reducing activities such as mass
planting of trees and forest regeneration, development and production of renewable energy and
the conservation of finite resources.
7
2 | 18
Section 1 New and emerging technologiosChapter 3 - People, culture and society
Objectives
* Understand how technology push and market pull affect consumer choice and employment
* Understand changes in job roles due to the emergence of new ways of working
* Be aware of changes in fashion and trends and how they affect designers and manufacturers
* Understand how new products can have both a positive and negative impact on society
People
Developing a detalled understanding of the market place in order to launch new technologies
is one of the most difficult aspects for designers and manufacturers. Many aspects need to be
taken into consideration when launching a product, and many companies now employ specialist
management consultants who analyse data to see which products would be successful in
which areas.
People across the world can have very different needs and tastes, and products successfully
launched in one country can be @ complete failure in another. The reasons for this are discussed
in this chapter,
Consumer choice
The global manufacturing sector has grown substantially over the last century and the rapic
increase of international trade agreements has meant that products can be shipped all over,
the world. The Internet has helped to create a global marketplace where designers and
manufacturers can trade goods relatively freely with consumers. This has lad to a huge increase
in choice and also means thet prices are kept low through wider competition.
Technology push
When a new scientific discovery becomes public it is never long before designers, engineers
and technologists use it or turn it into a product, despite there being no consumer awareness or
demand for such a product. This is called technology push, as it drives forward ourrent thinking
and creates new and exciting developments. Large manufacturing companies employ teams of
designers to work in their research and development (R&D) departments.
RAD is one of the mest important areas for @ company, as they need to produce new and
exciting products to ensure they keep their market share. Being the first to market with a new
technology can be the difference between success and failure.
Chapter 8 People, culture and society
CHAPTER 3 PEOPLE, CULTURE AND SOCIETY
13SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
14
When a new technology first comes to the market itis usually very expensive. This is due to the
high R&D costs and there are normally a number of issues to correct in the first few models of
a new product. As the number of unit sales increases, the cost per unit is reduced. Consumers
who are early adopters of new technologies significantly help support their development
Touch screen technology has come a long way since its discovery in 1965. It was not until
11978 that it was first used in a product, and it was not used in phones until 1990. The amount
‘of R&D involved to bring products to market should not be underestimated. As a result of
ongoing R&D we now have reliable touch screen components in a huge number of products at
incredibly cheap prices
Market pull
Market pull describes consumer demand as the driving force behind new produets. Analysis
of the consumer market, along with an understanding of human needs and desires, enables
the ‘gap in the market’ to be filed. Market pull also puts pressure on companies to constantly
improve their products so that they keep their share of the market through brand loyalty as well
as attracting new customers.
The smartphone is a good example of market pull. Consumers once carried
numerous bits of electronic equipment with them; a phone, a pager, a diary, a
‘camera, an MPS player, a SatNav and so on. This was bulky, inconvenient and
very expensive.
‘The technologies for all of these products already existed, and so through
‘demand the smartphone was developed. Improved battery technology and the
miniaturisation of electronic components also helped.
The next market pull for smartphones seems to be around flexibility and wearabilty, and there is
an increasing demand for very low power consumption and fast wireless charging
This market pull combined with the technology push of new discovery (for example graphene, a
fiexiole and incredibly strong, conductive material) should continue to bring some very interesting
and exciting products to market.
Section 1 New and emerging technologiesCHAPTER 3 PEOPLE, CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Changing job roles
The pace of development of new technologies and in particular, the growth in digital and social
media, means that some of the traditional jobs of the last century cannot be relied on to last. As
‘ever-increasing automation leads to a reduction in the need for manual labour, a change in job
roles and working conditions is inevitable. Rather than creating mass unemployment, itis widely
believed that the human workforce will become ‘up-skilled’, which means people will be trained
‘or jobs that have a higher value. The workforce of today will need to be flexible: workers may
well be performing important jobs that just do not exist today, working in ways that are driven by
technological change.
Culture
Culture is an amalgamation of the ideas, beliefs, customs and social behaviours of a society
or group of people. It often manifests itself through ritual, art and fashion, It is important for
designers to be aware of the society around them and to try to understand the different cultures
‘that exist within it
Some parts of the world are still dominated by one type of culture, especially where a
government or a particular religious belief has a very powerful hold over the population. Designing
products for these countries may be considered easier, as there is less diversity and the majority
of people have similar lifestyles. The downside of this, from a manufacturer's point of view, is that
they may require a limited range of products.
In the United Kingdom, and especially in large cities, there is a very diverse mix of cultures, and
selling a product to this type of market can be quite challenging as so many factors need to
be considered.
Fashion and trends
Different cultures, influences and beliefs combined with a consumer driven economy result in
a product design market that is invariably influenced by the ‘latest thing’. It is quite natural for
‘consumers to want to be part of @ group and to ft in or buy into a particular lifestyle.
Designers and manufacturers can play to people's insecurities by designing and making
products thet people feel they must have. Fashion clothing is a prime example, where the
latest design is only cutting edge for one season at best. Other products also succumb to
fashion or trends.
Chapter 3 People, culture and society 15‘SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
16
EE
—_—_
Rete
When the Apple iMac G3 first came out in 1998 it wes considered to be a ground-breaking piece
‘of design. It had a transparent casing and came in a range of contemporary colours. The trend
then became to show the Inner workings of a product in a modem and stylish way. Within weeks
of the launch, a range of related and non-related products popped up everywhere. The Apple
design had a huge influence over mainstream culture and still remains so today, due to relentless
R&D and clever marketing
—l
+
ge"
Designs influenced by fashion and trends are commonplace. The style of a font used in an
advertisement may be chosen to give the impression of an expensive or exclusive product, or a
rival company may use a font to imitate a brand leader. Marketing a product to the right audience
in the right way is vital
It is not always easy for companies to pitch their products correctly as there are a number of
considerations to take into account before the launch of a new product. Religion, culture, history,
language and many other factors need to be thoroughly thought through before @ product is,
trialled, Then, throughout the testing process, a wide group of users should be consulted to
ensure the product is nat only fit for purpose, but also that it does not offend any potential users
or other members of the community.
Products can fail for a number of reasons; some avoidable and some not so easy to predict. One
of the easiest mistakes for a company to make is the use of a brand name that means something
else in a different country.
Plopp chocolate has been a Swedish favourite since 1949
Another potential pitfall is a brand name that when turned into a web address, creates a word
with a quite different meaning, such as ‘[Link]’. This type of error has caught a few
‘companies out over the years and proves why market testing is so important,
Ensuring that cultural influences and sensitivities are considered is essential. It would not be good
for a company's image if a product was inappropriately placed — a roulette game being sold in a
country where gambling was illegal could be disastrous,
Sootion 1 New and emerging technologies‘Some companies happen to get their products
right first time and the design actually becomes
part of the culture. Companies have been
known to upset their loyal customers by trying
to make improvements that have gone on to
be rejected, and the original design kept. Even
when improvements are essential, the essence
of the product remains, as in these two Italian
design classics, the Bialetti "Moka Express” and
the Vespa scooter,
Faiths and beliefs
‘A designer has to be responsible for considering the wider implications of a product launch
within certain communities. Cosmopolitan and mixed communities are perhaps more difficult to
prepare for because of the wide range of faiths and beliefs. There are many more potential pitfalls,
in mixed communities; however, they can be more understanding and tolerant of other views
than some, where one faith or belief is followed by the majority.
CHAPTER 3 PEOPLE, CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Case Study: £5 note
Hindu, Sikh and some other faith-based communities may choose to follow a vegetarian diet,
and this is part of their culture. In addition to not eating meat, many followers of these faiths,
as well as vegans and vegetarians, take every opportunity to avoid using animal products in
their day-to-day lives.
The revelation in 2016 that the new polymer Bank of England &5 note contained tallow, an
animal fat-based substance, upset a number of communities. There was a prompt call for the 1
Bank of England to find an alternative way to produce the note and in the first two days of an
official petition well over 100,000 signatures were received.
Shortly after the Bank of England admitted that the
new polymer £5 note contained the animal by-product,
some establishments refused to take the notes as a
method of payment. One café owner was repulsed by
the idea that the note contained tallow and believed
that her customers supported her view. They received,
no complaints.
‘The Bank of England say they currently have no plans to change the manufacturing process.
Chapter 3 People, culture and society 17‘SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
18
Society
At the forefront of responsible design are companies that consider the environment before profit.
‘The areas of design that are considered to be responsible include one or more of the following:
* Products that are produced by carbon neutral means
* Products that are made from renewable materials
* Products that reduce carbon emissions and/or other greenhouse gasses in use
* Products that reuse existing materials or use recycled materials
* Products designed to be 100% recyclable
* Products that are designed to help or ease sutfering or that promote fair trade
'* Products that are made and sold locally to avoid transportation costs and
associated pollution
‘+ Organisations that are not-for-profit and where all money is reinvested to support good causes
Many forward thinking companies try to achieve one or more of these targets and as a result they
are considered to be more ‘eco-friendly’ or more responsible than some of their competitors.
‘This may give them an advantage over their competitors, as some consumers will usually take
the greener option as long as they feel the additional cost of the goods or service is worth it.
Unfortunately, if the greener option is too expensive, then the advantage is easily lost.
Positive and negative aspects of new products
‘When new products are launched they can be judged against the criteria above. This enables the
positive or negative impacts that a particular product may have on society to be evaluated. Some
products have obvious positive effects and others have the opposite.
If somebody were to choose a new car for the commute to work, would it be wise to choose
‘a modern electric car? Currently, these are very expensive to purchase and have a fairly short
range (e.g, 200 miles), but have very low running costs and produce almost zero emissions in
use. Alternatively, would it be better to purchase a petrol or diesel car that is much cheaper to
bbuy, but more expensive to run? If frequent long journeys are made, this might be a sensible
choice, but it will create more greenhouse gases. Consumers make this type of decision every
day and the collective impact that these decisions have on society is significant.
Design for the disabled and the elderly
Most developed and developing countries are striving to become more inclusive and to cater
for the disabled and the elderly. New and emerging technologies have allowed designers and
manufacturers to create products and designs ranging from simple tools and household
gadigets, to transportation methods and access to buildings, that dramatically improve the lives
‘of many.
Inclusive design is important for any new product. A designer should maximise the number of
People a product will appeal to, whilst being aware of whom it may exclude and whether any
design modifications can be made to make it accessible for all.
Section 1 New and emerging technologies‘There are four main ways for designers to produce products so that the majority of the population
are catered for. However, there is often a small, but equally important, group of potential users
who may be left out
[Type of production Example
Door frames
One size fits all
ne size fits al oa
A range of sizes to cover all lies
eee Clothes
Car seats
Adjustabilty to allow use by all
Shower head height
| Children’s booster seats
| Car roof bars
Adaptability to suit location or user
CHAPTER 3 PEOPLE, CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Despite these methods being adopted by most responsible designers, some members of the
Population find themselves falling outside the range of those being catered for. Door frames are
traditionally six foot six inches (1981mm) tall. As an increasing number of the population is now
reaching and even exceeding this height, the one-size-fts-all approach to door frames needs to
be reconsidered and @ metric standard of 2040mm has been introduced
Modification of products is an area that offers inclusivity, as specialist equipment and adaptations
can be made to help those who find themselves outside the normal range.
Modern technologies play an important role in ths field of design, making products lighter, tougher
and more adaptable than ever before. The use of carbon fibre and other light modern materials
has allowed disabled people to take part in all sorts of activities that would have been virtually
impossible before their discovery and invention. For example, equipment for Paralympians is
frequently at the cutting edge of inclusive design and utilises the most up-to-date materials.
Chapter People, culture and society 19SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES:
20
>
iw
The world's population is becoming increasingly elderly as advances in medicine lead to people
living longer. Unfortunately, not all who live longer are as healthy or as strong as younger people,
and therefore any products that address particular difficulties or offer a better quality of lfe will
find an increasing market.
Different religious groups
A further issue for designers to consider is designing products that will not offend or have a
negative impact on different religious groups. Communicating honestly and openly with members
of religious groups during the design and development stage of a product will help to reduce any
potentially tricky issues.
There are some obvious areas that can be awkward for businesses to get involved in, such es.
products relating to alcohol, relationships out of marriage and gambiing, as laws and beliefs vary
dramatically from country to country and among different religions.
Case study: PUMA®
In 2011 the sportswear manufacturer Puma designed a pair
of trainers that was based on the colours of the national
flag of the United Arab Emirates, to celebrate the country’s
40th National Day.
Unfortunately, the shoes caused an outcry among Emiratis
who were unhappy at seeing their flag represented on
footwear, which is considered dirty, They saw it as an
insult to the nation. Puma responded by apologising and
withdrawing the trainers from sale,
Section 1 New and emerging technologiesChapter 4 - Production techniques and systems
Objectives
* Understand contemporary and potential future use of automation, Computer Aided Design
(CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
Be able to recognise and characterise the use of Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)
Understand how Just In Time (JIT) and lean manufacturing contribute to
manufacturing efficiencies
Production techniques and systems
The use of computers in industry has grown enormously over the last 30 years and as a
result, the way products are designed and manufactured has become increasingly automated.
Computers are now used in all areas of design and manufacture; this chapter looks at how
‘computers and digital integration have changed produetian lines and working practices.
‘Automation
(One consequence of the use of computers is that production lines flow more easily and have
far less need for human interaction. Manual production lines of the past were slower and more
expensive to operate than today's automated production lines.
CHAPTER 4 PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES AND SYSTEMS
Some traditional manufacturers stil rely on skilled manual labour. These products tend to be
bespoke, low volume and high cost items such as sports cars and high-end furniture. Their loyal
customer base prefers hand-built products and is happy to pay a premium for them.
‘Most manufacturing, however, is becoming increasingly automated. Automation involves 1
computers using complex software systems that have an overview of many, ifnot all, aspects of
production. Product data management (PM) is the term used for these software systems, in
‘which all information is stored centrally, updated live and is accessible by all employees that need
the most up-to-date information. POM reduces mistakes, ensures all teams within the company
work together and allows for accurate costing and forecasting of production progress.
Computer aided design and manufacturing
Within an automated production system, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided
manufacturing (CAM) are essential to ensure a smooth transition between the designing and
manufacturing of products.
‘Computer aided design is the design of new products using specialist software. Computer aided
manufacture uses CAD files to realise these designs into prototypes or finished products. CAD
software has a number of benefits over designs being produced entirely by hand, although many
designers prefer to start sketching an original idea using pen and paper as ideas can sometimes
be expressed more freely. Once the design is formulated it can be sketched accurately in CAD
software, where it can be manipulated and thoroughly tested until the design is finalised,
Chapter 4 Production techniques and systems 21SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
24
Section 1 New and emerging technologi
Just in Time and lean manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is based on an ethos of eliminating waste in manufacture, overburden
and bottlenecks. A growing number of responsible manufacturers now adopt this principle to
save money and resources. It was first witnessed in Japan during the 1990s and has grown in
popularity as manufacturers across the world are cutting down on the waste that they produce.
To do this, they have had to change the way they operate.
By using Just In Time (JIT) production methods, manufacturers are able to respond to customer
demands more effectively. JIT manufacturing ensures that customers get the right product at
the right time at the right price. A customer's order triggers the production process and the
manufacturer makes the product specifically to meet the order.
Many companies now seek to make constant improvements to their systems and they reward
‘employees if they find ways to cut waste even further,
Advantages of just in time:
* Products are made to order, so no products need storing whilst waiting to be sold, thus
saving on storage costs,
* Money is not tied up in unsold stock
* Orders are often secured on @ deposit or full payment, so money is in the bank before outlay
is needed on materials and production costs
‘+ Materials and components are supplied just when neadied, saving financial outlay on unused
materials and additional storage (very low stock levels are maintained)
* Improved competitiveness results from minimal waste of materials and time
* Stock does not become old, out of date or obsolete
* High reliance on making sure products are ‘right first time’ means less time is spent
correcting mistakes, or money wasted on faulty products
* Almost all waste is reused or recycled, meaning there is litle o no landfill waste produced
Disadvantages of just in timé
Relies on high quality, fast and reliable supply chain for raw materials and components
All production could stop if the supply chain breaks down
Stock is not ready to be purchased off the shelf; some consumers prefer not to wait at all and
some sales could be lost
Usually a deposit or the whole cost of the product needs to be paid upfront which could be
offputting for some consumers
Discounts from suppliers for bulk purchasing of materials may be not availableChapter 5 - Informing design decisions
Objectives
* Be able to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of planned obsolescence from
different perspectives
‘+ Understand how products can be designed to be repaired and recycled
+ Be aware of ethical and environmental concerns when designing with new technologies
Evaluating the use of new technologies
When designers first come up with ideas for a new project or product they will carry out a great
deal of market research. They need to fully understand the task and have a thorough knowledge
of the current marketplace.
CHAPTER 5 INFORMING DESIGN DECISIONS
During this process designers wil find out about the latest technologies and materials available
and evaluate their use against a number of criteria such as:
© cost
© reliability
© longevity
* sustainability
+ recyclability
Only after detailed analysis, testing and evaluation will a new material be used in a product. Any
potential long term issues may still remain unknown, and this is one of the risks with new and 1
emerging technologies.
Planned obsolescence
‘As consumers we expect some products to last a long time and others we throw away after only
‘one use. A sofa would be expected to last for many years, if not decades; a pair of headphones
perhaps a year or two at best; many ball-point pens will be disposed of once they run out of ink,
as they are not designed to be refilled. Ensuring a product only performs its task for a certain
length of time is known as planned or built-in obsolescence and is something designers and
manufacturers need to consider for a number of reasons,
Appropriately engineered quality - If a product only needs to last for a short period of time
then it would be @ waste of materials and energy to ensure that itis robust enough to last a long
time. A disposable razor has a plastic handle instead of a metal one because the non-tepiaceable
blade will be blunt after a few uses. Therefore, an appropriate polymer, e.g. polystyrene, is the
best material as it is much cheaper to produce.
Chapter 5 Informing design decisions 25‘SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
26
Upgrading and function - Some products are designed to receive updates, be facelifted or
Upgraded wheteas others are not. Manufacturers need to decide how upgradable a product
should be. If itis continuously upgraded then the chance of new sales reduces as customers wait
for a significant upgrade before purchasing a new model. If it does not have enough potential for
upgrade, it may not appear to be value for money and again sales may be lost.
‘The smart phone is a good example as it can normally be upgraded a few times. After a while,
however, it will stop being able to receive updates, certain features will no longer work and it will
become inefficient or obsolete.
New technologies (technology push) ~ It is impossible for designers and manufacturers to
see 100 far into the future, but changes in materials, manufacturing techniques, technologies and
‘customer desires are inevitable. This is why most manufacturers avoid producing goods that will
last for a long time. As the technology moves on, customers will demand newer versions.
inis ech-L |
Fashion and trends ~ Many goods ate sold as novelty items and these are often governed by
trends in the market, seasons and fashion. The quality of goods will vary depending on how long
they are meant to last and the price point that they are manufactured to. Most Hallowe'en or
Christmas items are not designed to last, and if you get a few years’ use out of them then it is
considered a bonus.
‘To keep market share - Many large companies now produce new product ranges on a regular
basis. Unfortunataly, this is not always driven by new technologies, but by the need to keep
ahead of their competitors by oreating the latest ‘must have’ item. Regular customers wil feel the
need to have the latest version and this type of obsolescence is about companies trying to keep
their share of the market.
Section 1 New and emerging technologiesDesign for maintenance
‘An ever-decreasing number of products are designed to be repaired. Those that are repairable
often require specialist tools (see diagram above) and home repair is becoming increasingly
discouraged and harder to achieve. One reason is that many products, especially consumer
electronics and mechanical devices, have become very complex and beyond the ability of most
people to repair without specialist training,
CHAPTER 5 INFORMING DESIGN DECISIONS
‘Another reason is that companies want customers to buy a new product as soon as possible,
and if a product breaks after the guarantee has expired they may offer a discount on a new
version to keep their customers’ business.
Some companies have service contracts with repair firms and make a profit from organising
the repairs for their customers. This is another reason why specialist tools are needed to repair
certain produots; they do not want just anybody to be able to offer this service,
Ethics and the environment
Chapter 2 contains a discussion of the need for designers to consider the impact that new
products may have on the environment. Finding out whether @ new technology will have an
adverse effect on the environment is normally discovered through thorough research and by
conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA).
[tis becoming increasingly important for companies to show that they are environmentally and
socially responsible as consumers become more aware, through increased access to social
media and global news, of the issues surrounding global pollution of land, alr and sea, This has
made consumers more demanding and companies nead to closely monitor their social and
ecological footprints
Chapter 5 Informing design decisions 27‘SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
28
Considering end of working life disposal
How a product is dealt with at the end of its useful life needs to be considered when the product
is designed. How reusable or recyclable a product is will depend on the choice of materials and
‘the way those materials are joined or bonded together. If a product can be separated into its
component materials easily then it will be easy to recycle, taking less time and energy. It will also
be better if the product is completely made from recyclable materials, potentially meaning that
none of it would need to go to a landfill site, where it may cause contamination to the environment.
Some products, like glass milk bottles, are designed to be reused, whereas some are given a
new life by some very inventive people. Old car tyres ara used to build houses or used for swings
in children’s playgrounds; they are even being used to produce a high quality oll. Shipping pallets
are turned into all sorts of products including chic furniture, floorboards and sheds. Newspaper
can become insulation for cavity walls in houses end can even be compressed to form the walls
of houses themselves.
When a product is reused instead of recycled, it generally uses less energy and does not degrade
in quality due to the recycling process (see more on reusing and recycling in Chapter 22).
Ifa product is designed in such a way that the materials are dificult to separate or it contains,
non-recyclable material, then it is much more likely to find its way to a landfil site. This is because
itis not cost effective to reclaim the material if too much time and energy is required to do so.
Responsible end of life design should include:
* a3 few materials as possible
* recycled and recyclable materials where possible
‘* easy-to-separate materials avoiding permanent bonding methods
© built-in reusability where possible
Section | New and emerging technologiesExercises
Explain two disadvantages that automation and the use of robotics has had on employment. [4]
27s on
Explain what is meant by the term ‘crowdfunding’
Give two different platforms for virtual marketing and retailing.
Give three benefits of being part of a cooperative.
Explain the differences between finite and non-tinite resources.
2
(2)
(a
2
Once cars reach the end of their useful working life they must be disposed of safely.
Describe two ways in which different parts of a car can be disposed of safely.
(4)
It is estimated that the waste produced per person rose from 403kg in 2018 to 418kg in 2014.
Calculate the percentage increase of waste produced per person from 2013 to 2014
giving your answer to 1 decimal place. (2)
This question is about ‘market-pul’ and ‘technology-push’
You are advised to spend about § minutes on this question.
(@)__ Identity which of the following correctly describes ‘market-pul’ tt)
Description Tick
“There is a public demand for a product to be designed and made
‘A material that has a high tensile strength
‘An entrance to a shopping centre
(0) Identify which of the following correctly describes ‘technology-push ti]
Description Tick
(Old products are made obsolete
‘Advances in technology enable new products to be designed and made
‘A material that has a high compressive strenath
(6) On the diagram below, use straight lines to link the products to the most
suitable category. 6]
Product Categories
Microwave oven
Self-cleaning glass Maat pu
The latest mobile phone
Car booster seat Technology-push
Wind up radio
AQA Resistant Materials 4560 Unit
1 Qu 9 June 2014
Section 1 Exercises.
SECTION 1 EXERCISES
299 Explain one reason why consumers should be encouraged to buy goods and products
from a fair trade producer. 2]
10. Explain one advantage of using highly automated production lines. (2)
11, The picture below shows a wire frame CAD model of a new aeroplane.
SECTION 1 NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Explain two advantages of using CAD madels when designing @ new aeroplane. (4
12, The picture below shows a TV remote controller
Describe two ways in which the TV remote controller could be improved for visually
impaired users. l
48. Explain the advantages to a manufacturer of using CAD (Computer Aided Design] and CAM
(Computer Aided Manufacture) when producing products in batches.
You are advised to spend about 5 minutes on this question. a
AQA Systems and Control 4565 Unit 1 Qu 8 June 2014
30 Section 1 New and emerging technologies