Design and Technology Flashcards

Which stage of the design process involves understanding user needs and gathering information about existing products?

Answer: Research and analysis

Research and analysis involves gathering information about user needs, existing products, and constraints before generating design ideas.

Which property of a material describes its ability to be drawn into a thin wire without breaking?

Answer: Ductility

Ductility is the property that allows a material to be drawn into thin wires, as seen with copper used in electrical cables.

When using a pillar drill in the workshop, which safety precaution is most important?

Answer: Securing the workpiece firmly with a clamp

Securing the workpiece with a clamp prevents it from spinning dangerously if the drill bit catches during operation.

Which type of wood joint is most commonly used to join two pieces of wood at a right angle in furniture frame construction?

Answer: Mortise and tenon joint

The mortise and tenon joint provides strong mechanical interlocking, making it ideal for furniture frames requiring right-angle connections.

Which of the following is an example of a thermoplastic material?

Answer: Polyethylene (polythene)

Polyethylene is a thermoplastic that softens when heated and can be remoulded repeatedly, unlike thermosetting plastics which permanently harden.

What information is typically included in a design brief?

Answer: The problem to be solved and the key requirements of the product

A design brief outlines the problem to be solved, the target user, and the key requirements the design must meet before work begins.

In an isometric drawing, at what angle are the two side axes drawn from the horizontal?

Answer: 30°

In isometric drawing, the two side axes are drawn at 30° to the horizontal, with the vertical axis going straight up, giving a consistent 3D appearance.