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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can test the functionality of a product, gather and analyse data.

      Key learning points

      1. Different methods are used to test products.
      2. Qualitative and quantitative data is gathered when testing products.
      3. Qualitative and quantitative data is analysed to influence designs.

      Keywords

      • Non-destructive - testing without destroying the material or product

      • Qualitative - data recorded using words

      • Quantitative - data recorded using numbers

      • Variables - something that can change and affect test results

      • Control measures - keeps conditions consistent to ensure a fair test and accurate results

      Common misconception

      Data always involves numbers.

      Data is information and can be recorded using both numbers and words.

      Teacher tip

      Prepare for the test with relevant resources. The lesson uses citrus fruit juicers, but you could substitute with other available kitchen equipment. If using citrus fruit juicers, you will also need chopping board knives, citrus fruit, measuring jugs and juicers.

      Equipment

      See additional materials.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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.
      All design and technological practice takes place within a context. What is a context?

      Correct answer: the situation within which something exists or happens
      a time and place
      an environment

      Q2.
      Why do designers analyse existing products?

      Correct answer: to consider successful features
      Correct answer: to influence designs
      Correct answer: to identify features which could be improved
      to choose the best colours

      Q3.
      When analysing products we use the most suitable subheadings to frame our thoughts. Match the subheading to its definition.

      Correct Answer:environment,How will this product affect the Earth?
      Correct Answer:materials,What is this product made from?
      Correct Answer:manufacture,How is this product produced?
      Correct Answer:ergonomics,How well does this product fit the user?
      Correct Answer:life cycle,What is the environmental impact before, during and after use?
      Correct Answer:aesthetics,What does this product look like? Colour, shape, texture, style?

      Q4.
      What does the subheading 'function' mean when analysing products?

      Correct Answer: the purpose, its job, what it does, how it works, purpose

      Q5.
      Primary research is ...

      Correct answer: conducted by the researcher
      available in books or the internet
      existing information
      conducted by others

      Q6.
      Secondary research is ...

      Correct answer: conducted by others
      Correct answer: existing information
      Correct answer: available in books or the internet
      conducted by the researcher

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Why do manufacturers test products?

      Correct answer: to test for quality
      to find faults
      to count the products
      to check the colours

      Q2.
      When testing, we collect data. Which type of data is recorded using numbers?

      Correct Answer: Quantitative

      Q3.
      When a survey has been conducted, which is the most effective way to present the data?

      table
      a copy of each completed survey
      a spreadsheet with all the survey results
      Correct answer: pie chart
      paragraphs of writing summarising the results

      Q4.
      When testing a product, there are lots of factors which could change. What are these factors called?

      variants
      variety
      Correct answer: variables
      changes
      changeables

      Q5.
      Aesthetics is concerned with the appearance of a product. How could we research the aesthetics for a product we are designing?

      Correct answer: analyse an existing product
      record the cost of existing products
      Correct answer: interview the client
      consider anthropometric data for the user group
      Correct answer: survey a group of people from the target market

      Q6.
      What is data analysis?

      recording the data
      measuring the data
      Correct answer: interpreting the data
      reporting the data

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