Assemble, test and refine systems
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can assemble and test a system to inform evaluations and modifications.
Key learning points
- Prototype testing can be used to inform evaluations and modifications.
- There are a variety of methods to test prototypes.
- Whilst testing, design decisions or modifications may be identified.
- Evaluations are judgements based on the findings of testing.
- 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.
Teacher tip
Pupils could get peers to conduct testing or focus on testing one aspect of their prototypes.
Equipment
Pupil prototypes. Access to Fusion.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of testing in the design process?
Q2.A is an early model used to develop and test a design idea.
Q3.When designers make modifications, what are they doing?
Q4.Match each term to its description:
measuring a prototype against design requirements
making judgements based on testing results
making improvements based on those judgements
Q5.Why do designers collect feedback after prototype testing?
Q6.Making small, targeted changes to improve a prototype is called a ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main reason for prototype testing?
Q2.An is a judgement based on the findings of testing.
Q3.Match each activity to its purpose:
measures how well the prototype meets requirements
analyses test results and identifies strengths or weaknesses
applies changes to improve performance or usability
Q4.When making modifications, what should designers use to justify their decisions?
Q5.The process of repeatedly improving a design based on testing and feedback is called ...
Q6.Why must evaluations be based on testing results rather than personal opinion?
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Assemble, test and refine systems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Assemble, test and refine systems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 design and technology lessons from the Systems approach to design: Sustainable Futures unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.