Design and technology – product design specialism overview
A level design and technology – product design is a creative and practical qualification that develops students’ ability to identify needs, solve problems and create innovative products. Through a combination of design, engineering principles and manufacturing processes, students gain an understanding of how products are designed, developed and manufactured in the real world.
The course encourages students to develop their creativity, technical knowledge and practical skills while considering the wider social, environmental and economic impacts of design decisions.
Why choose A level design and technology with product design specialism?
Product design is ideal for students who enjoy creative thinking, practical problem-solving and bringing ideas to life. By combining design creativity with technical understanding, students gain the knowledge and skills required to create innovative products that meet the needs of real users in an ever-changing world.
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Develop advanced CAD skills using Autodesk Inventor.
- Work with a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes.
- Undertake practical workshop projects and prototype development.
- Explore modern technologies, smart materials and programmable components.
- Build a portfolio of creative and technical work suitable for higher education and employment.
Course type:
A level
Exam board:
OCR
Entry requirements:
GCSE grade 5 in design and technology or BTEC M2 in engineering/design and technology and grade 5 in maths.
What will I study?
| Year 12 | Year 13 |
| Develop 2D and 3D design communication skills, including concept sketching, orthographic drawing, construction diagrams and design presentations | Complete the non-examined assessment (NEA), a substantial independent design-and-make project. |
| Use Autodesk Inventor to produce CAD models and digitally rendered design concepts. | Further develop materials knowledge and manufacturing techniques. |
| Explore design requirements, user needs, product analysis and design-thinking strategies. | Study commercial manufacturing methods, quality control and assurance. |
| Learn about health and safety, workshop practice and risk assessment. | Investigate additive manufacturing, CNC technologies and production systems. |
| Examine wider influences in design and manufacture, including sustainability, environmental issues, standards and regulations. | Evaluate products through physical testing, FEA analysis and commercial viability assessments. |
| Apply mathematical and scientific principles to design and technology contexts. | Consolidate learning through revision and preparation for A level examinations. |
| Study systems and electronics, including sensors, programmable devices, smart technologies and user interfaces. | Continue to refine CAD, modelling and product development skills through project work. |
| Investigate a wide range of materials, including timber, metals, polymers, textiles, composites, smart and modern materials. | |
| Explore manufacturing processes, scales of production and commercial manufacturing methods. | |
| Product design specialism: combining materials, functional properties, surface finishes, smart and modern materials, programmable components, textile materials and fabric construction, natural and synthetic fibres, structural integrity, model making, forces and stiffness of materials, and design solution viability. |
How will I be assessed?
| Component | Description | Weight |
| Principles of product design | Written examination assessing technical principles, materials, manufacture and wider influences on design. | 26.7% |
| Problem solving in product design | Written examination assessing design thinking, problem-solving and application of technical knowledge. | 23.3% |
| Non-examined assessment (NEA) | Iterative design-and-make project responding to a contextual challenge, demonstrating investigation, design development, manufacturing and evaluation skills. | 50% |
Future pathways and progression
This course provides a strong foundation for university study, higher apprenticeships and careers in:
- Product design
- Industrial design
- Design engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Furniture design
- Automotive design
- Product development
- Manufacturing and production
- Creative industries
Students develop transferable skills in creativity, problem-solving, communication, project management and technical design that are highly valued by employers and universities alike.
