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Lesson 16 of 16
  • Year 10

Assemble, test and refine systems

I can assemble and test a system to inform evaluations and modifications.

Lesson 16 of 16
New
New
  • Year 10

Assemble, test and refine systems

I can assemble and test a system to inform evaluations and modifications.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Prototype testing can be used to inform evaluations and modifications.
  2. There are a variety of methods to test prototypes.
  3. Whilst testing, design decisions or modifications may be identified.
  4. Evaluations are judgements based on the findings of testing.
  5. Successful modifications are justified and originate from evaluations.

Keywords

  • Testing - measuring against design requirements

  • Modifications - making changes or adjustments to improve

  • Evaluations - judgements based on testing findings

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 10 design and technology lesson on: Assemble, test and refine systems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils could get peers to conduct testing or focus on testing one aspect of their prototypes.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pupil prototypes. Access to Fusion.

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of testing in the design process?

to make a design look more appealing
Correct answer: to check if a design meets its requirements and performs as intended
to promote the final product
to identify users’ favourite colours

Q2.
A is an early model used to develop and test a design idea.

Correct Answer: prototype

Q3.
When designers make modifications, what are they doing?

creating a brand-new product
changing materials without testing
Correct answer: making adjustments to improve a design
reducing the cost of production

Q4.
Match each term to its description:

Correct Answer:testing,measuring a prototype against design requirements

measuring a prototype against design requirements

Correct Answer:evaluation,making judgements based on testing results

making judgements based on testing results

Correct Answer:modification,making improvements based on those judgements

making improvements based on those judgements

Q5.
Why do designers collect feedback after prototype testing?

Correct answer: to identify what works and what needs improvement
to confirm marketing decisions
to choose packaging materials
to finalise product colours

Q6.
Making small, targeted changes to improve a prototype is called a ...

Correct Answer: modification

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main reason for prototype testing?

to advertise a finished product
Correct answer: to collect data that informs evaluation and modifications
to reduce manufacturing costs
to improve marketing materials

Q2.
An is a judgement based on the findings of testing.

Correct Answer: evaluation

Q3.
Match each activity to its purpose:

Correct Answer:testing,measures how well the prototype meets requirements

measures how well the prototype meets requirements

Correct Answer:evaluation,analyses test results and identifies strengths or weaknesses

analyses test results and identifies strengths or weaknesses

Correct Answer:modification,applies changes to improve performance or usability

applies changes to improve performance or usability

Q4.
When making modifications, what should designers use to justify their decisions?

personal preference
marketing data
production deadlines
Correct answer: evidence gathered from testing and evaluation

Q5.
The process of repeatedly improving a design based on testing and feedback is called ...

Correct Answer: iteration

Q6.
Why must evaluations be based on testing results rather than personal opinion?

because testing looks better in reports
Correct answer: because testing provides objective evidence for design decisions
because opinions are not allowed in design
because testing is faster