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Year 11

Design specification

I can explain how and why design specifications are used in industry.

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New
New
Year 11

Design specification

I can explain how and why design specifications are used in industry.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Design specifications outline the product's purpose, user, and key features.
  2. Design specifications define the product's aesthetics, materials, and form to ensure it’s functional and appealing.

Keywords

  • Design specification - describes what a product has to do

  • Requirements - something which is needed or wanted

  • Justification - the reason or explanation for why something is done, or believed to be right

  • Aesthetics - how a product looks

Common misconception

Design specifications and technical specifications are the same.

Design specifications focus on the overall concept, user needs, and appearance. Technical specifications detail the materials and measurement requirements needed to build a product.


To help you plan your year 11 design and technology lesson on: Design specification, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Show students how tech companies use specifications to develop their products. This makes the concepts more relatable and helps students understand their practical application in industry.
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Equipment

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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
When designers ask customers for their opinions, they are collecting research.
Correct Answer: primary
Q2.
Why do companies analyse their products?
To make them more expensive
Correct answer: To improve quality and meet customer needs
To reduce competition
To create completely new products every time
Q3.
A design is a statement that outlines the requirements of a product.
Correct Answer: brief
Q4.
What is the main purpose of market research?
To guess what customers want
Correct answer: To gather information about customer needs and preferences
To create advertising campaigns
To reduce production costs
Q5.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a design specification in the product design process?
To choose the materials for the product
Correct answer: To outline the product's appearance and functionality
To advertise the product
To set the final price of the product
Q6.
Which of the following is NOT an example of a design constraint?
budget
materials
Correct answer: creativity
time

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is NOT a part of a design specification?
The product's aesthetics (appearance)
Correct answer: The advertising campaign for the product
The key features the product must have
Q2.
Match the element of a design specification to its correct description:
Correct Answer:Purpose,Explains what the product is meant to achieve or solve

Explains what the product is meant to achieve or solve

Correct Answer:User,Defines who the product is meant for

Defines who the product is meant for

Correct Answer:Aesthetics,Describes how the product will look and feel

Describes how the product will look and feel

Q3.
Order the following steps to create a design specification:
1 - Define the purpose of the product.
2 - Identify the user.
3 - Describe the product’s aesthetics, materials and form
Q4.
Which of the following materials would NOT be suitable for a child’s lunchbox?
BPA-free plastic
Stainless steel
Correct answer: Glass
Soft fabric
Q5.
A good design specification not only describes the appearance and materials, but also provides a clear that explains design decisions.
Correct Answer: justification, reason
Q6.
Why is it important to test a product against its design specification?
To check if the product is visually attractive
Correct answer: To ensure the product meets its intended function and user needs
To make sure the product costs less to produce
To verify the product's brand name