Exploring Design and Technology Concepts

Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable design?

• Maximising resource consumption

• Minimising waste and pollution

• Prioritising aesthetics over functionality

• Using non-renewable resources

Answer explanation

Minimising waste and pollution is a key principle of sustainable design, as it focuses on reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency, unlike the other options that contradict sustainability.

What property of a material describes its ability to return to its original shape after deformation?

• Ductility

• Elasticity

• Hardness

• Brittleness

Answer explanation

Elasticity is the property of a material that allows it to return to its original shape after being deformed. Unlike ductility, which refers to stretching, or brittleness, which indicates breaking, elasticity specifically describes this reversible behavior.

Which step is NOT typically part of the design process?

• Identifying the problem

• Generating ideas

• Ignoring feedback

• Evaluating solutions

Answer explanation

Ignoring feedback is not part of the design process, as effective design relies on incorporating feedback to improve and refine solutions. The other steps, such as identifying the problem, generating ideas, and evaluating solutions, are essential.

Which of the following is an example of a technological advancement in design?

• Using hand-drawn sketches

• Implementing 3D printing

• Relying solely on traditional methods

• Avoiding digital tools

Answer explanation

Implementing 3D printing is a clear example of technological advancement in design, as it utilizes modern technology to create objects, unlike hand-drawn sketches or traditional methods that do not incorporate new technologies.

What is the primary purpose of safety in design practices?

• To increase production speed

• To reduce costs

• To protect users and workers

• To enhance aesthetic appeal

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of safety in design practices is to protect users and workers from harm. This ensures that products and environments are safe to use, prioritizing health and well-being over other factors like speed or cost.

Which project management technique involves breaking down a project into smaller, manageable tasks?

• Brainstorming

• Gantt chart

• SWOT analysis

• Mind mapping

Answer explanation

The Gantt chart is a project management tool that visually breaks down a project into smaller, manageable tasks, allowing for better planning and tracking of progress. It helps in organizing tasks over time.

What is the main advantage of using renewable materials in design?

• They are always cheaper

• They are unlimited in supply

• They reduce environmental impact

• They require no processing

Answer explanation

The main advantage of using renewable materials in design is that they reduce environmental impact. Unlike non-renewable materials, renewables help minimize pollution and resource depletion, promoting sustainability.

Which material property is crucial for designing a product that must withstand high temperatures?

• Conductivity

• Thermal resistance

• Flexibility

• Transparency

Answer explanation

Thermal resistance is crucial for high-temperature applications as it measures a material's ability to resist heat flow. This property ensures that the product can maintain its integrity and performance under extreme temperatures.

In the evaluation phase of the design process, what is the primary focus?

• Generating new ideas

• Assessing the effectiveness of the solution

• Ignoring user feedback

• Increasing production costs

Answer explanation

In the evaluation phase, the primary focus is on assessing the effectiveness of the solution. This involves analyzing how well the design meets the intended goals and user needs, rather than generating new ideas or ignoring feedback.

Which of the following is a benefit of using computer-aided design (CAD) software?

• It limits creativity

• It increases manual errors

• It allows for precise measurements

• It is only suitable for simple designs

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'It allows for precise measurements', highlights a key benefit of CAD software, enabling designers to create accurate and detailed designs, which enhances overall quality and efficiency.