The Environment research must look directly at the environment in which your product will be used.  You should look how the function will be impacted by the environment and also the aesthetic considerations.

Research Plan

You are required to produce a research plan to demonstrate your planning of the research section of the criteria.  You should plan for the following;

• Context of the design situation.
• User research.
• Environment research.
• Existing Products
• Anthropometrics & Ergonomics
• material research
  

Design Situation & Brief - Existing Products research

Modern Manufacturing Processes and the Use of ICT in Manufacture

Now you have covered the following manufacturing styles;

JIT – Just in Time

FMS – Flexible Manufacturing Systems

QRM – Quick Response Manufacture   ‘Make to Order’

MPS – Master Production Schedule

Also the excessive use of ICT to support manufacture;

Telematics

Kanbans

Sequencing

POS

CNC

CAD

CIM

CAE

Virtual

Task

Conduct a case study of a major manufacturer explaining how these systems are used in the production of one of their products.

The case study needs to be 1000 words and supported using imagery.
If you complete the task and have extra time, please ensure the following is completed by Mondays session;
Context of the Design for the NEA
(Primary Research) - User research (Conducted survey or interview)
Ghantt Chart

Planning your time effectively

You need to illustrate how you will plan your project over the given time.  Look at the example below using the areas of the design process on one side and the time across the top.

Context of the Design Proposal

The start of the NEA (non examined assessment) is an essential stage of the design process.  Now that you have made initial contact with your client it is essential to record the whole conversation and analyse the outcome/s.  You must show a thorough understanding of the need for the product and also orbiting factors that need to be considered going forward.

Please ensure you have the following in place;

• Record the initial e-mail requesting a meeting.
• List the questions you used and the responses the client gave.
• Provide background information regarding the client and the possible users of the proposed design.
• Display photographs of the environment to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the context of where the design will be housed.

All information must be concluded to explain how the information collated will be considered going forward.

The deadline for the context section is Monday 19th February 2018.

Below is a fine example of a B Grade context to give you some inspiration.

Assignment 3 - Forming Metals - redistribution

Throughout the theory content of Metals we will be investigating the different forms of redistribution.  Much like the other materials we have looked at there are several forms of forming Metals to gain a required shape.  This assignment will allow you to cast a metal to gain a shape that you have designed for a specific purpose.

Westonbirt Arboretum is known as the National Arboretum and is situated less than 10 miles from JCA.  Thousands of visitors a year enjoy the spectacular range of trees and flora held within the grounds and use the space to enjoy family days.
Westonbirt have recently opened a gift shop and are looking for a range of Jewellery that is inspired and reflects the surroundings.
You are required to produce a piece of Jewellery of your choice through the process of pewter casting.

Criteria
Research the chosen client/surrounding etc    5 marks
A range of 2D sketches inspired by the forms collated in the research.  10 marks
A Pro Desktop design  5 marks
Manufacture of Former 5 marks
Manufacture & Finish 25 marks

Composite Case Study

Assignment 2 Forming Wood

There are two main forms of forming or shaping timber.  Both processes involve a former or jig that the wood is bent around.  The process that you will be following will include a male and female jig that will be clamped once the material has been laminated.

The Brief
(www.thelongsarms.com) has commissioned you to produce a gift that will be given to loyal customers following their 10th visit to the establishment.  The gift must be shaped in a form that requires timber to be shaped in an organic form and not cost more than £5 to manufacture.  The final design must also incorporate the client's identity.

The Task
You need to research possible products that could act as the gift to support you in the generation of ideas.  15 marks
You are required to produce a series of 2 point perspective sketches that show concepts for your proposals. 15 marks
You need to produce the CAD drawings to support the manufacture of the laminates and also the formers required. 20 marks
You need to manufacture the product and finish with an appropriate finish for the product.  50 marks

An example maybe:

Welcome to Product Design A Level

Bonjour and welcome to the Product Design A level Course 2017-19. This blog will be your first port of call for all the information required for the coursework element of the course. 
If you are not sure what makes up the A Level course;
Coursework (NEA)50% of the A Level qualification
A design and make assignment.
Two Examinations 25% Each of the A Level qualification
  
Why & What
• Imaginative practical work is at their heart. You will develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products. You will also explore, design, create and evaluate innovative solutions in response to realistic design contexts.
• You will develop knowledge and understanding of the core technical, designing and making principles for product design.


More information can be found here;
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/as-and-a-level/design-and-technology-product-design-7552/specification-at-a-glance





Influence your designing!

Assignment 1
Many designers use an influence to guide their thinking and creativity. Theses influences can be taken from any form, however they mainly relate to the product being designed.

Antoni Gaudi 1852 - 1926

A fine example of influential design is that of the infamous Antoni Gaudi, who used forms, found in nature and incorporated these to create designs in buildings.

The roof below, among other things, an innovative way to repel water was influenced by the form, and to some extent, the function of a stingray.
Concepts Influence
This assignment will help you understand that you’re not alone with your thoughts and that you should always look to use influence in your designing. Also it is equally important for you to have a good understanding of the History of Design and how the eras of design have steered the look and feel of every day life.

You are required to design and manufacture a concept model of a ‘scaled down’ child’s chair, influenced by a designer in an era of your choice.

The only specification is that you must design the chair so that it can be flat packed and be designed for the mass market.

Criteria

You are required to produce a mini e-portfolio that demonstrates your understanding of the chosen designers work and the era in which he/she or even a group of designers worked in.

You must research your chosen design era and designer
You must show a mood board of your chosen designers work.
You must show how your concepts have been derived through the use of the influence.
You must create a CAD illustration as a virtual prototype.
You must display how you have used modelling to assist in your development of the design. The concept model must be produced using 3mm Acrylic and should slot together with out the need of adhesive.

An example portfolio..........................

http://www.jonmulliganpd.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/project-2-high-tech-matt-black.html Assessment

10 marks awarded for your design work and the influence used.
10 marks are awarded for the use of modelling.
10 marks are awarded for the quality of your CAD illustration.
10 marks are awarded for the use of the CAM.
10 marks are awarded for the quality of the completed model.

The deadline for this assignment is 5th Oct 2017.  Please note that this assignment will be used as a suitability check for the Product Design course.