WACE ATAR Design cheat sheet

Design process stages: identify need, research, ideate, prototype, test, refine, present; each stage produces documentation for the portfolio.

A design brief states problem, target user, constraints, and success criteria; a design specification lists measurable requirements derived from the brief.

Iteration is documented by comparing successive prototypes against the specification, not by showing only the final outcome.

Project management tools include Gantt charts for sequencing, critical path analysis for dependencies, and action plans for short-term tasks.

A design rationale records why a decision was made, what alternatives were rejected, and what evidence supported the choice.

Risk assessment identifies hazards in materials, tools, and processes, rates likelihood and severity, and records control measures before production.

Testing uses criteria linked to the specification; results are recorded as quantitative data or observed user behaviour.

The double diamond model alternates divergent thinking (discover, develop) with convergent thinking (define, deliver).

Design contexts include personal, domestic, community, commercial, industrial, and environmental settings; each imposes different constraints on cost, scale, and durability.

Human-centred design applies anthropometric data (reach, strength, sight lines) and ergonomic principles to fit products to users.

Universal design principles: equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, size and space for approach and use.

Sustainable design strategies include design for disassembly, material reduction, use of recycled or renewable materials, and design for repair and longevity.

Cultural and social context affects form, colour, symbolism, and acceptability; designs must be evaluated against the values of the intended user group.

Legal and standards context includes Australian Standards, safety requirements, intellectual property, and labelling obligations relevant to the product.

Economic context covers manufacturing cost, retail price, market positioning, and lifecycle cost to the user.

Orthographic projection shows front, top, and side views at true shape; first-angle and third-angle layouts place views differently on the sheet.

Isometric drawings show three axes at 120 degrees; dimensions are not true length along receding axes unless drawn on isometric planes.

Scale drawings state the ratio (e.g., 1:10); all dimensions on production drawings are in millimetres unless noted otherwise.

Section views reveal internal detail; hatching indicates cut material and standard symbols distinguish different materials.

Digital tools include CAD for accurate geometry and revision control, 3D modelling for visualisation, and rendering for material and lighting simulation.

Rapid prototyping methods include FDM 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC routing; each has tolerances and material limits that affect design decisions.

Presentation techniques include mood boards, annotated sketches, exploded views, and storyboards to communicate intent to different audiences.

Line conventions: visible outlines are thick continuous lines, hidden edges are dashed, centrelines are chain lines, and dimension lines are thin continuous lines.

Product analysis frameworks examine function, aesthetics, ergonomics, materials, manufacturing, cost, and environmental impact.

Evaluation compares actual performance against the design specification criteria using evidence such as test data, user feedback, and photographs.

Lifecycle analysis considers raw material extraction, manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal or recycling stages.

Critical response requires identifying strengths and weaknesses with evidence and proposing specific, justified improvements.

SWOT analysis organises strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for a design or project.

Comparative analysis uses consistent criteria across products so that judgements are fair and defensible.

Aesthetics analysis uses elements and principles of design: balance, contrast, proportion, rhythm, unity, and emphasis.

Evaluation should distinguish between constraints that were fixed and those the designer could have controlled.

A portfolio documents the full process: brief, research, ideation, development, production planning, making, testing, and evaluation.

Production planning includes a materials list, cutting list, cost estimate, workflow sequence, and quality control checkpoints.

Workshop safety requires risk assessment, correct personal protective equipment, machine guarding, and safe storage of hazardous substances.

Quality control uses tolerances, jigs, templates, and inspection at defined stages rather than only at final assembly.

Material selection considers properties (strength, hardness, workability, finish), availability, cost, and sustainability.

Joining and finishing methods must suit the material: adhesives, fasteners, welds, or interlocking joints each have different strength and appearance outcomes.

Portfolio annotation explains decisions and evidence; photographs should show stages of making, not only the finished product.

Final presentation includes the product, a design rationale, test results, and an evaluation against the brief and specification.