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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify standardised components and can explain the benefits of using them in a design.

      Key learning points

      1. Standardised components can be mass produced which lowers cost.
      2. Standardised components allow manufacturers to specialise on the product rather than the individual parts.
      3. Standardised components are components that are produced in a set size for a range of uses.
      4. Standardised components are more cost efficient due to the products being able to be mass produced.

      Keywords

      • Standardised components - parts made to a set size and design for easy use and compatibility

      • Mass production - the process of making large quantities of identical products quickly and efficiently

      • Knock down fittings - connectors used to easily assemble and disassemble furniture without special tools

      Common misconception

      Using standardised components limit creativity and originality in design.

      Standardised components can actually enhance innovation by allowing designers to focus on customisation, functionality, and efficiency while reducing costs and production time.

      Teacher tip

      It would be good to have a selection of real examples of standarised components for the students to see in real life and interact with.

      Equipment

      Examples of standardised components and prodcuts that contain standardised components.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
      When designers look into something carefully to find out the truth or facts it is called?

      analysing
      Correct answer: investigating
      evaluating

      Q2.
      A product disassembly is a type of research.

      Correct Answer: primary

      Q3.
      When furniture comes in pieces and is assembled at home it is called?

      Correct Answer: flat pack, flatpack, flatpack furniture, flat pack furniture

      Q4.
      What is not found out from doing a product disassembly?

      manufacturing processes
      materials it is made out of
      Correct answer: cost of the product
      how it functions

      Q5.
      What pieces of equipment do you need during a product disassembly?

      band saw
      Correct answer: camera
      Correct answer: safety glasses
      pillar drill

      Q6.
      What must a designer do once they have taken the product apart and recorded the process?

      Correct answer: analyse
      design
      test

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a standardised component?

      Correct answer: components produced in a set size for a range of uses
      components that change size depending on the product
      unique parts made for one specific product

      Q2.
      What standardised component is shown in the picture?

      An image in a quiz
      split pin
      Correct answer: rivet
      woodscrew

      Q3.
      What are the standardised components called that are used in flatpack furniture?

      knock together fittings
      knock once fittings
      Correct answer: knock-down fittings

      Q4.
      When identical products are made in large quantities quickly and efficiently it is called?

      Correct Answer: mass production, mass produce, mass produced, mass manufacture

      To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Standardised components, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...