Pancyprian Design & Tech study plan

Map the full design process from problem identification to evaluation, listing the inputs, outputs, and decision points of each stage.

Apply at least three creative ideation techniques (e.g., brainstorming, morphological analysis, SCAMPER) to a given design brief and record the outputs.

Write a concise design brief for a real-world problem, including constraints, target user, and success criteria.

Distinguish between linear and iterative design models and justify which suits a given scenario.

Produce a set of user research notes (interview or observation) and translate them into three prioritised user needs.

Develop three distinct design concepts using annotated freehand sketches that communicate form, function, and key dimensions.

Select and justify a preferred concept using a weighted decision matrix with at least four criteria.

Create a basic orthographic projection (front, top, side) of the chosen concept to scale.

Classify at least 10 common materials (woods, metals, polymers, composites) by source, key properties, and typical applications.

Match material properties (strength, hardness, ductility, thermal/electrical conductivity) to specific design requirements in a comparison table.

Explain the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary manufacturing processes with one example of each.

Describe three specific manufacturing processes (e.g., injection moulding, CNC milling, vacuum forming) including their capabilities and limitations.

Produce a production plan for the chosen concept, sequencing operations, selecting tools, and estimating time and cost.

Create a dimensioned working drawing (third-angle projection) with tolerances, surface finish notes, and a parts list.

Build a physical or digital scale model of the concept and photograph it from multiple angles.

Evaluate the model against the design brief and record at least three improvements.

Analyse a simple structure (beam, frame, or truss) by identifying loads, supports, and reaction forces, and sketch the force flow.

Calculate mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, and efficiency for at least two mechanisms (e.g., lever, gear train, pulley system).

Explain the difference between open-loop and closed-loop control systems and identify sensors and actuators in a given system.

Design a simple control sequence (flowchart or pseudocode) for a mechanism in the chosen concept.

Conduct a lifecycle assessment (cradle-to-grave) for the chosen concept, identifying energy use and environmental impact at each stage.

Propose three specific design changes to reduce environmental impact and quantify their effect where possible.

Evaluate the concept against ethical, social, and legal considerations (safety, inclusivity, sustainability, intellectual property).

Apply a product evaluation framework (e.g., ACCESS FM or similar) to the concept and score it.

Sit a timed 90-minute mock exam covering all domains, using original questions you write or source from official past papers.

Identify the three weakest areas from the mock and list the specific knowledge gaps.

Re-study each weak area using targeted notes and worked examples.

Summarise key formulas and definitions for structures, mechanisms, and energy on a single reference card.

Complete a second timed mock exam and compare results with week 7 to measure improvement.

Refine the design portfolio into a concise, exam-ready presentation (digital or physical) that demonstrates the full design process.

Practise answering extended-response questions on ethics and product evaluation with structured arguments.

Create a final one-page revision checklist covering all domains and tick off each item.