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Year 11

Testing

I can test my design solutions throughout my iterative journey.

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New
New
Year 11

Testing

I can test my design solutions throughout my iterative journey.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Testing is carried out throughout the iterative design journey.
  2. Prototype testing can be used to inform evaluations and modifications.
  3. There are a variety of methods to test prototypes.
  4. Whilst testing, design decisions or modifications may be identified.

Keywords

  • Design requirements - something which is needed or wanted to make a product successful

  • Design decisions - a deliberate choice to meet a requirement or solve a problem

  • Testing - measuring against design requirements

  • Modifications - making changes or adjustments to improve

  • Manufacturing specification - outlines the materials, dimensions, and processes required to produce a product accurately and consistently

Common misconception

Testing only happens when the final prototype has been made.

Testing should happen throughout the iterative journey, so that design decisions are made to meet design requirements and produce a successful design solution.


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

Remind students about successful testing throughout their iterative design journey. Testing should be relevant to the design requirements for the design solution.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment
  • Risk assessment required - outdoor learning

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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.
Why is it important to document safety procedures during manufacturing?
to slow down the process
to increase the price of the product
Correct answer: to demonstrate legal and professional standards
to decorate the page
Q2.
Match the type of evidence to what it demonstrates.
Correct Answer:risk assessment checklist,shows safety planning

shows safety planning

Correct Answer:photo of drilling stage,documents the process

documents the process

Correct Answer:annotated materials list,justifies material choices

justifies material choices

Correct Answer:final product evaluation,reflects on quality and outcome

reflects on quality and outcome

Q3.
Order the points where evidence should be gathered.
1 - pre-production safety checks and material decisions
2 - production stage showing tools and processes
3 - in-process quality checks
4 - final evaluation and outcome review
Q4.
Written or visual proof that supports how a product was made is called ...
Correct Answer: evidence
Q5.
What does documenting a design decision during manufacture show?
that you changed your mind
Correct answer: how a choice affected the product’s function or quality
that you forgot to follow your plan
that your idea was copied from someone else
Q6.
Which of the following is the most complete way to communicate evidence of manufacture?
writing a brief sentence at the end
creating a moodboard of inspiration
Correct answer: combining notes, photos, checklists, and reflections
sharing your idea verbally

Exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
A prototype is a testable model used to explore and develop ideas.
to check colour preferences
Correct answer: to measure performance against design requirements
to start final production early
to take a break from planning
Q2.
A is a change made after testing to improve the product.
requirement
specification
evaluation
Correct answer: modification
Q3.
Match the activity to its purpose.
Correct Answer:testing against requirements,checks how well the prototype performs

checks how well the prototype performs

Correct Answer:modification,improves the design based on test results

improves the design based on test results

Correct Answer:evaluation,reflects on what worked and what didn’t

reflects on what worked and what didn’t

Correct Answer:design decision,a choice made to meet a specific requirement

a choice made to meet a specific requirement

Q4.
Order the stages in an iterative design cycle.
1 - Manufacture a prototype.
2 - Test the prototype.
3 - Evaluate results.
4 - Make modifications.