VCE Product Design And Technologies key terms

A short written statement that sets out the problem to be solved, the target user, the constraints and the criteria the finished product must meet.

The specific measurable requirements a product must satisfy, used to judge whether design ideas and the final outcome are successful.

Limits placed on a design solution, such as budget, available equipment, time, safety rules, standards or user abilities, that restrict which ideas are workable.

The stage of generating many possible solutions using techniques such as brainstorming, sketching, mind mapping and morphological analysis before judging or narrowing ideas.

A physical or digital early version of a product built to test function, form, ergonomics or manufacture before committing to final production.

Systematic judging of a design against its criteria using testing, user feedback and comparison, producing evidence that guides further improvement.

A detailed document translating the brief into precise technical, functional and aesthetic requirements plus tolerances, used to guide and check development.

A cyclic approach in which designing, making, testing and refining repeat so each version improves on the last rather than following one straight sequence.

A polymer that softens when heated and hardens on cooling, and can be reshaped repeatedly, making it suitable for recycling and heat-forming processes.

A polymer whose molecular chains cross-link permanently during curing, so it cannot be remelted or reshaped and resists heat and chemicals.

A material made from two or more distinct constituents, such as fibres in a resin matrix, that combine to give properties neither part has alone.

A measurable characteristic of a material, such as density, tensile strength, hardness, conductivity or elasticity, that predicts how it behaves in use.

Choosing materials by matching required properties, cost, availability, appearance and environmental impact against the demands of the product and its users.

A metal made by combining a base metal with other elements to improve properties such as strength, corrosion resistance or workability; steel and brass are examples.

Controlled heating and cooling of a metal to alter its internal structure, changing hardness, toughness or ductility without changing its shape.

A manufacturing process in which melted polymer is forced under pressure into a closed metal mould, then cooled and ejected to produce identical parts quickly.

A slight taper built into moulded or cast surfaces so the part can be removed from the mould without dragging or damaging the cavity walls.

The acceptable amount by which a dimension may vary from its stated size, balancing how precisely parts must fit against the cost of achieving accuracy.

Planned inspection and testing of materials and products during and after production to confirm they meet specifications and to catch defects early.

A work-holding device that locates and guides a tool, such as a drill, so repeated operations are accurate and consistent across many parts.

A device that holds and positions a workpiece securely during machining or assembly without guiding the tool itself, improving repeatability and safety.

Computer-aided design: software used to create precise two- and three-dimensional models and technical drawings that can be edited, tested and shared digitally.

Computer-aided manufacturing: using software to convert design data into instructions that control machines, linking the digital model directly to production.

Computer numerical control machining, where coded instructions drive cutting tools along precise paths to remove material and form parts accurately and repeatably.

Fast production of a physical model directly from digital data, often by additive manufacturing, allowing designs to be handled and tested early.

Building objects layer by layer from a digital model, typically by depositing or fusing material, which suits complex or customised shapes with little waste.

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, by limiting resource use, emissions and waste across a product's life.

A structured method of estimating environmental impacts at every stage of a product's life, from raw material extraction through manufacture, use and disposal.

A system in which materials are kept in use through reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling, so waste becomes a resource rather than a disposal problem.

Designing products so parts can be separated easily for repair, upgrade or recycling, using reversible fasteners and clearly grouped materials instead of permanent bonds.

Deliberately designing a product with a limited useful life or unfashionable styling so consumers replace it sooner, raising ethical and environmental concerns.

The total greenhouse gas emissions, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent, caused directly or indirectly by a product, activity or organisation.

Applying knowledge of human body dimensions, strength and movement to design products and workplaces that are comfortable, efficient and safe to use.

Measurements of human body size and proportions, such as reach and stature, used to size products so they suit the intended range of users.

The extent to which a product can be used effectively, efficiently and with satisfaction by its intended users in their real setting.

An approach that studies the needs, abilities and context of real users and involves them in testing, so decisions are guided by evidence rather than assumption.

Legally protected rights over creations such as inventions, designs, brands and written works, covering patents, registered designs, trademarks and copyright.

An agreed published specification for safety, performance, dimensions or terminology that products are tested against to show they are fit for purpose.

A documented process of identifying hazards in a task, judging the likelihood and severity of harm, and recording controls before work begins.

A written document describing how a high-risk task will be carried out, listing the hazards, the control measures and the sequence of steps.

Clothing and gear such as goggles, gloves, aprons and hearing protection worn to reduce exposure to hazards, used after higher-level controls where risk remains.

Planning and controlling scope, tasks, time, cost and resources so a design project is completed to specification, using tools such as schedules and Gantt charts.

The longest sequence of dependent tasks in a project schedule, which determines the shortest possible completion time and shows where delays matter most.