Set the pupils a DMA that requires them to bring together their knowledge, skills and understanding of electronics with product design and modelling to meet a specific and appropriate purpose.
Example
This example DMA has been written so it can be copied and given directly to pupils. Further details and contexts can be added, as appropriate.
Taking care
Electronic products are everywhere,
eg in greetings cards, toys, safety devices, domestic devices. Some of these products are well designed and easy to use; others are less well made or are difficult to use because of their poor user interface. A good electronic product needs a high-quality and well-designed electronic circuit, and a casing to protect the circuit and make the product easy to use.
Design an effective and attractive electronic product that could be used to care for someone or something,
eg to control a pet's environment and keep it comfortable, or to help a parent check that a baby's bath water is the right temperature.
Think carefully about how to design the product so that it is suitable for its intended use, how the system will communicate with the user, and how the user will communicate with the system. If you have time, produce a simple user guide that describes what the product does, how it should be used, and how it should be cared for and maintained,
eg how to change the batteries. |
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- research the background to the setting, seeking the opinions of potential users of the product and using the information they collect to inform their own designing
- draw up a detailed design specification for an electronic product, in a setting that they choose, specifying criteria,
eg aesthetics, technical function, usability, reliability, maintenance, quality, health and safety implications
- carry out preliminary product and electronic modelling to explore and test their thinking and correct their working before deciding on a final proposal
- use a sequence of drawings, including PCB designs, to clarify and communicate detail before making
- make a compact casing that houses the product's components effectively
Some pupils can also be expected to:
- write a simple user guide for the product
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