Controlled Assessment

Students must complete a Design Project on either Element 1: Systems Design and Manufacturing or Element 2: Product Design and Manufacturing.

The design project carries a weighting of 40% and has a time limit of 30 hours. Students have a total of 5 hours to complete their preparation and research, which they complete under limited supervision. They then have a further 12.5 hours to produce their design portfolio, which they must complete under informal supervision. They also have another 12.5 hours to produce their manufactured product or system, which they must complete under informal supervision.

We issue up to three comparable tasks each year in September of the first year of study, for each of the two elements. Centres select the task that is best suited to their needs.

In each design project, the design portfolio is worth 20% and the manufactured product or system is worth 20%.

Design Portfolio (20%)

Element 1: Systems Design and Manufacturing Assignment

The design portfolio is an integral part of the design project. Each design project will have its own characteristics and relevant processes, but all design portfolios should cover all of the areas outlined below.

The design portfolio should include:

  • a description of the design opportunity or the problem identified, including a specification;
  • research and analysis of system(s) appropriate to the problem situation;
  • concept sketches or initial designs of system(s), whether mechanical, electronic, pneumatic or a combination of these;
  • development details communicating understanding of the proposed system(s), including modelling, assembly and display/housing details;
  • drawings explaining input–control–output, including diagrams that explain how the system(s) work; and
  • an evaluation and/or suggested modifications.

The portfolio size is limited to a maximum of ten A3 sheets or equivalent. There is a maximum text size; this size is comparable to a font size 14 using ICT.

Element 2: Product Design and Manufacturing Assignment

The design portfolio is an integral part of the design project. Each design project will have its own characteristics and relevant processes, but all design portfolios should cover all of the areas outlined below.

The design portfolio should include:

  • a description of the design opportunity or the problem identified, including a specification;
  • research and analysis;
  • concept sketches;
  • development of idea(s), including fabrication details;
  • a working drawing, including details of jigs/templates; and
  • an evaluation and/or suggested modifications.

The portfolio size is limited to a maximum of ten A3 sheets or equivalent. There is a maximum text size; this size is comparable to a font size 14 using ICT.

Manufacturing (20%)

The following requirements refer to both the Product Design and the Systems Design options.

Student’s work should show evidence of:

  • manufacturing techniques that reflect the standard and complexity expected at this level;
  • the use of appropriate materials, processes and techniques that satisfy the design specification;
  • the use of templates, patterns, jigs and formers to assist in production;
  • the quality of finish, accuracy and attention to detail;
  • having given consideration to the safety of the users of the product; and
  • working performance of the product or system under test conditions.

 

For more information, see the specification.