Design optimisation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply optimisation to a design.
Key learning points
- Design optimisation is the process of improving a product without losing quality or purpose.
- Designers can optimise by adjusting materials, safety or function to better meet user needs and be more sustainable.
- Optimisation is part of design development and helps ensure a product is the best version before manufacture.
Keywords
Design optimisation - the process of improving a design to make it as efficient as possible, while still meeting all requirements
Refine - the process of making small improvements to something
Design for manufacture (DFM) - the process of designing products in such a way that they are easy, cost effective, and efficient to manufacture
Common misconception
Design optimisation is the same as design development.
Design development is the bigger process of taking an idea and turning it into a final product. Optimisation is the specific part of development where you focus on preparing the design for making, creating the best version of your existing design.
Teacher tip
When completing the process of design optimisation with puplis, allow more time than you think is needed. Pupils may need longer thinking time, time to revisit or create models and prototypes and seek further feedback.
Equipment
Sketching equipment and access to previously completed project work, like design requirement and ideas.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the stages of design in order.
Q2.Designers need to ensure that any design developments are justified based on the user’s __________.
Q3.The iterative process is how designers __________ ideas to develop a successful design solution.
Q4.Which stage is missing from the iterative process. > Prototype > Test > Refine
Q5.What is the process of making small improvements to something?
Q6.What is DFM an abbreviation of?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Design refines designs to improve factors like efficiency and effectiveness, whilst still satisfying the design requirements.
Q2.A reusable nappy is an example of improving what factor when optimising designs?
Q3.Design for (DFM) is the process of designing products in such a way that they are easy, cost effective, and efficient to manufacture.
Q4.Match the term to the key factor when considering DFM.
production processes
material waste
manufacturing costs
end products
manufacturing techniques and materials
Q5.Which criteria are part of simplify/minimise/reduce for design optimisation.
To help you plan your 9 design and technology lesson on: Design optimisation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 design and technology lesson on: Design optimisation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 design and technology lessons from the Developments in new materials: supporting new parents unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.