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Lesson 1 of 16
  • Year 10

Systems approach to design

I can identify the inputs, processes and outputs in a control system.

Lesson 1 of 16
New
New
  • Year 10

Systems approach to design

I can identify the inputs, processes and outputs in a control system.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A context is the situation within which something exists and is the starting point for an interactive design process.
  2. Systems use inputs, processes and outputs, and can also include variables and feedback.
  3. Systems can be planned using flowcharts.

Keywords

  • Context - the situation within which something exists or happens

  • Design brief - a statement that explains what you are going to design and manufacture

  • Variable - something that can change

  • Feedback - a signal that is sent back in a loop, depending upon a condition

Common misconception

Systems are simple with just one input, process and output.

Systems can be complex with multiple inputs, processes and outputs, feedback and variables.


To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Systems approach to design, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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Teacher tip

Equipment

Access to tinkercad.

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which are examples of a context, the situation within which something exists or happens?

A tin opener
Correct answer: Cooking at home
Correct answer: Travelling
A suitcase
Correct answer: Nature

Q2.
A statement that outlines the requirements of a product is a?

Design fixation
Correct answer: Design brief
Design opportunity
Design challenge
Design idea

Q3.
Order these elements of a system approach to design.

1 - Input
2 - Process
3 - Output

Q4.
Which definition is correct for this component, a resistor?

An image in a quiz
a component that amplifies the flow of current
a component that stops the flow of current
Correct answer: a component that restricts the flow of current
a component that stores the flow of current

Q5.
A device that can be programmed to control how an electrical product operates is called a .

Correct Answer: microcontroller

Q6.
What are the benefits of virtually modelling a design before manufacture?

Correct answer: Less expensive than physical modelling
More expensive than physical modelling
Correct answer: Can be shared easily
Need to buy materials and components

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
When exploring a context, we are ...

creating design ideas.
Correct answer: identifying design opportunities.
manufacturing solutions.
Correct answer: identifying problems to solve.

Q2.
The micro:bit has several onboard inputs and outputs, additional offboard input and output components can be connected via the five .

Correct Answer: pins

Q3.
What is the diamond shape on a flowchart used for?

Outputs
Start
Correct answer: Decisions
End
Inputs

Q4.
Something that can change in a control system is called a .

Correct Answer: Variable