BEC JCE Design & Tech study plan

Map the design cycle (brief, research, specification, ideation, development, testing, evaluation) into a one-page annotated diagram you can redraw from memory

Draft a full design specification from a supplied brief by ranking at least eight measurable criteria and justifying each priority

Practice three structured problem-solving methods (morphological analysis, SCAMPER, weighted decision matrix) on the same brief and compare outputs

Compile a workshop safety checklist covering hand tools, machine guards, PPE and risk assessment, then apply it to a described workshop scenario

Apply a weighted decision matrix to select between three competing concepts, recording scores and sensitivity notes

Classify ten common materials (hardwood, softwood, mild steel, aluminium, acrylic, ABS, GRP, carbon fibre, plywood, MDF) by structure, source and typical use

Compare mechanical, physical and working properties of those materials in a single comparison table

Match specific properties to design requirements, explaining why each material choice is fit for purpose

Sequence the stages of injection moulding, vacuum forming, die cutting and CNC milling, naming the key parameters at each stage

Distinguish one-off, batch, mass and continuous production, and match each to appropriate processes and cost profiles

Explain how scale, tooling cost, labour and quality control affect choice of process for a given product volume

Identify at least four quality-control checks used in a production run and state what defect each catches

Produce a dimensioned orthographic drawing (plan, front and side elevation) of a simple product with correct line types and a title block

Draw an isometric view of the same product and check it against the orthographic set for consistency

Apply British Standard conventions for third-angle projection, hidden detail, centre lines and dimensioning

Annotate a manufacturing drawing with tolerances, surface finish notes and material callouts suitable for a workshop

Build a physical or CAD scale model of the chosen product and record two design changes the model revealed

Evaluate the model against the week 1 specification and score each criterion with evidence

Analyse the product's life cycle across material extraction, manufacture, use and disposal, identifying the three highest-impact stages

Apply ergonomic data (anthropometric percentiles, reach, grip, posture) to justify at least three dimensional decisions

Evaluate the product against social, ethical and cultural factors, including accessibility and inclusive design considerations

Write a structured evaluation using primary and secondary evidence rather than opinion alone

Identify three realistic improvements to the product and justify each against cost, manufacture and user need

Produce a testing plan with at least five measurable tests and pass criteria linked to the specification

Complete two timed practice papers or question sets, logging every error by domain

Redo every logged error question from scratch without notes and confirm the corrected reasoning

Rehearse sketching under time pressure: one orthographic and one isometric sketch in 15 minutes each

Review tool selection and workshop safety rules until you can justify tool choice and safety control for five given scenarios

Consolidate the whole specification into a single revision sheet you can reproduce from memory in 20 minutes

Complete one full mock exam under timed conditions and score it against the mark scheme

Target the three weakest sub-topics from week 7 and close each gap with focused practice

Rehearse a full project walkthrough: brief, specification, concepts, manufacture, evaluation, improvements