DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY - PRODUCT DESIGN

What is the course about?
Design and Technology is about designing things and then making either
the artefact itself or a prototype. Graphic Products is the part of D & T which deals mainly with things which are essentially 2-dimensional, although there is a requirement to be able to work with a small selection of resistant materials as well.

Which skills and/experience would be useful or essential?

Obviously you will need to become well acquainted with the Design Process. An ability to sketch freehand is very useful but not necessarily essential. You will need to become, after training, fairly proficient in using ICT particularly design based software such as CAD and CAM (2D Design and ProDesktop are available in School) but also other graphic packages such as Paintshop Pro, Publisher and even Word.
You will learn about a variety of materials and processes, you will need to be able to apply this knowledge to your own design work.

Most important is a genuine interest in how things have been designed, how they have been made and what it is about something that makes it successful.

How will I learn and be assessed?
For most of the course you will be required to work on a design project; this requires careful organisation and time management. The basic structure of the project will be carefully explained to you but you will need to make sure that every section is completed thoroughly.
Aspects of ICT will be taught and you will then be given opportunities to practice your skills on small tasks.

Some aspects of the subject will be taught in a formal classroom setting.

What opportunities are available to me?
Most design based careers but in particular Graphic Design, Advertising even Architecture.