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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can apply the design principles of aesthetics, function and interactivity.

      Key learning points

      1. Design is the process of planning and creating things to solve problems or to meet a need.
      2. Designers use design principles to help them in their work and to design solutions.
      3. Design principles include aesthetics, function and interactivity.
      4. Curiosity about the world around us is vital in design and designers use this to push boundaries.

      Keywords

      • Design - the process of planning and creating things to solve problems

      • Aesthetic - refers to the visual appeal of a piece of design

      • Function - refers to how the design piece works

      • Interactivity - a two-way experience where the person using the design can change or influence it

      Common misconception

      Design is about making things that have never been made before.

      Design is about planning and making something. It doesn’t need to be something that has never been done before, it can be to improve an existing object to make it work or look better.

      Teacher tip

      It will be useful to have examples of iconic designs to support pupils in their learning.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which statement is not true for a sketchbook? A sketchbook is a ...

      place for artists and designers to explore their creativity.
      tool for capturing inspiration and ideas.
      Correct answer: tool for creating highly polished, finished artworks.
      visual diary for artists and designers.

      Q2.
      True or false? Art and artefacts can be found in public and private locations.

      Correct answer: True
      False

      Q3.
      What is the term given to the gathering of art or artefacts by public institutions?

      Correct Answer: collection, collection

      Q4.
      What is the term given to artworks that are returned to their country of origin?

      restoration
      acquisition
      conservation
      Correct answer: repatriation

      Q5.
      Which is an example of an art discipline?

      clay
      Correct answer: painting
      composition
      form

      Q6.
      Which discipline is often three dimensional?

      photography
      painting
      Correct answer: sculpture
      drawing

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Which statement about design is most accurate?

      Design is about always making something innovative.
      Design is about making something new.
      Correct answer: Design can be about improving an existing design.

      Q2.
      Complete the sentence. Fashion is an example of a design .

      Correct Answer: discipline, Discipline

      Q3.
      What is the name of the design principle related to visual appeal?

      functionality
      interactivity
      Correct answer: aesthetics
      texture

      Q4.
      Which design principle relates to how a design piece works.

      aesthetics
      Correct answer: function
      interactivity
      composition

      Q5.
      What is the design principle associated to creating a two-way experience between the design piece and the person using it?

      Correct Answer: interactivity, Interactivity, Interactiveness, Interactive

      To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: Defining design, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...