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      Design development with CAD: communal areas

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use 3D computer-aided design to develop ideas.

      Key learning points

      1. Virtual modelling is an alternative to physical modelling that brings different benefits to the designer.
      2. Virtual modelling is the creation of digital 3D representations of objects or designs.
      3. Virtual modelling using CAD can be useful for testing ideas.
      4. Designers test their designs to find out what works, what doesn't, and how to make them better.

      Keywords

      • CAD - computer aided design

      • Virtual modelling - the creation of digital 3D representations of objects or designs

      • Development - improving and building on design ideas to make them better

      • Testing - trying something out to see if it works well

      Common misconception

      Modelling only takes place with physical materials.

      Virtual modelling using 3D drawing software can help to see ideas in 3D and enables quick and easy iteration.

      Teacher tip

      Students may benefit from some flipped learning homework such as tutorials to remimd them or teach them how to use your chosen software prior to the lesson to enable a more productive lesson.

      Equipment

      Access to a 3D CAD application.

      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.
      The process of refining and improving a design is called?

      duplication
      repetition
      preservation
      Correct answer: iteration

      Q2.
      What can be used to help lead developments and iterations of our designs?

      evaluation
      impulse
      presumption
      Correct answer: analysis

      Q3.
      What is it called when you think about what you did and suggest any changes or improvements?

      Correct Answer: evaluation

      Q4.
      Which ways could a model of a design idea be evaluated?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: testing of the model
      Correct answer: evaluate against the design brief
      adding decorations to the model
      Correct answer: gather direct feedback from user
      choose the design that looks the most colourful

      Q5.
      Which of these are evaluative comments?

      the storage unit has three shelves and a sliding door
      Correct answer: the storage unit is sturdy, but could use deeper compartments
      Correct answer: easy to access, but the product could be more compact in size
      it is made from plywood and painted blue

      Q6.
      Why do we use evaluations of our designs to develop further iterations?

      to reduce the time spent on thinking
      to avoid receiving any feedback
      Correct answer: to make informed decisions that lead to effective improvements
      to finish the project faster without changes

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Virtual modelling is ...

      the creation of paper based 2D drawings.
      Correct answer: the creation of digital 3D representations of objects or designs.
      the creation of videos of objects or designs.

      Q2.
      What benefits does virtual modelling using CAD have over physical modelling?

      takes time to learn the CAD application
      Correct answer: accurate
      Correct answer: easy to fix mistakes and iterate
      Correct answer: saves money
      expensive to buy the CAD application

      Q3.
      CAD files can be easily with users or team members.

      Correct Answer: shared

      Q4.
      In some CAD applications, your design can be tested in a simulation. Which of these are examples of tests that could be simulated?

      Correct answer: stress testing
      Correct answer: structural buckling
      how the user interacts
      Correct answer: thermal stress
      how the product is manufcatured

      To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Design development with CAD: communal areas, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...