Product Design

Introductory DT Video
A Level DT Video
Course Details
A Level Product Design

What kind of student would enjoy this course?

Someone who is both creative and practical, who works independently and enjoys exploring ideas. Someone who is interested in design, materials and manufacture and the ways in which these combine to create good products. This subject works well with both Art and Sciences, as well as subjects such as Business Studies for budding entrepreneurs.

What will I study?

Students will work with a variety of materials such as timber and board, a range of plastics and casting media. The use of computers in designing and making is a key factor, with small scale computer design and manufacture as a possible part of individual projects. The course consists of in depth student-led coursework projects, arising from the student’s own research, and culminating in making and testing a product as well as producing in depth design folders. Theory work covers all aspects of materials science, environmental and consumer issues and leads towards a final written examination.

What skills will I learn?

The skills involved in the Product Design course range beyond simple making skills, as in addition to using tools and materials to manufacture products the students will develop the ability to think independently, to select and assess research, to present work well, and to think in a practical way in order to plan construction and manage deadlines.

What could I do at the end of my course?

Product Design leads directly to many areas of engineering and design, with students going on to study subjects as diverse as product or industrial design, graphics, automotive engineering, mechanical or civil engineering, and architecture.