Topic 5.4 Stakeholders in invention and innovation P1&2

Explain the role of a product champion within an organization.

Answer explanation

Markscheme

an influential individual/has excellent business acumen/experience/knows the market;

working within an organization;

helps promote the product/develops an enthusiasm for a particular product;

Award [1] for identifying the role of a product champion within an organisation and [1] for each subsequent development of that physiological benefit up to [3 max].

The Echo Dot features the Alexa virtual assistant which enables users to carry out tasks such as controlling lighting, playing music, checking the weather or setting an alarm.

Complex products, such as the Echo Dot shown in Figure 11, have most likely been developed by:

• Multidisciplinary teams

• Lone inventors

• Product champions

• Entrepreneurs

Describe the subtractive technique that would be used to shape the cardboard used for the Refold standing desk.

Answer explanation

Markscheme

cutting;

(the outline of the desk and slots for assembly would be) cut using a blade/laser/die/stamp to subtract the material;

 or

die cutting;

(the outline of the desk and slots for assembly would be) pressed and cut out by a machine using a metal die;

 or

laser cutting;

(the outline of the desk and slots for assembly would be) cut using a high-powered laser;

Award [1] for identifying each part of a description of the subtractive technique used to shape the cardboard in the Refold Standing Desk and [1] for a brief explanation up to [2 max].

Do not award marks between clusters.

Explain how the Refold standing desk addresses clearance.

Answer explanation

Markscheme

clearance is the physical space between two objects;

the Refold desk provides clearance for the legs and feet;

this allows the user to stand at the desk comfortably/without affecting posture/causing fatigue;

Award [1] for identifying how the Refold Standing Desk addresses clearance and [1] for each explanation up to [3 max].

Explain how scale models and mock-ups would have been used in the development of the Refold standing desk.

Answer explanation

Markscheme

Scale model

a scale model of the desk can be a larger/smaller version of the design;

used to visualise the form/aesthetics/proportions (with an ergonome/mannequin);

and gather feedback from the design team/client;

Award [1] for identifying how scale models would have been used in the development of the Refold Standing Desk and [1] for each explanation up to [3 max].

Mock-up

a mock-up of the desk can be used to test ideas;

such as the folds/weight/size/positioning of the slots/tolerances of the slots;

to ensure the desk is stable/easy to assemble/easy to transport;

Award [1] for identifying how mock-ups would have been used in the development of the Refold Standing Desk and [1] for each explanation up to [3 max].

Mark as [3] + [3].

Explain how the Refold team are inventors, product champions and entrepreneurs.

Answer explanation

Markscheme

Inventor

an inventor is an individual who is committed to the invention of a (novel) product/ principle/technical advance;

based on constructive discontent/dissatisfaction of other products;

resulting in a cardboard desk that is simple/recyclable/easy to carry/assemble/disassemble;

Award [1] for identifying how Refold are inventors and [1] for each explanation up to [3 max].

Product Champion

a product champion develops enthusiasm for a particular idea or invention/champions an idea within the organisation;

Refold developed a clear philosophy that they used to champion the product/brand;

which went viral/gained global recognition;

Award [1] for identifying how Refold are product champions and [1] for each explanation up to [3 max].

Entrepreneur

an entrepreneur is an influential individual who can take an invention to market;

Refold set up a successful Kickstarter campaign to provide the funding/finance (for their first production run);

which decreased the financial risk (for the company);

Award [1] for identifying how Refold are entrepreneurs and [1] for each explanation up to [3 max].

Mark as [3] + [3] + [3].

Describe the subtractive technique that would be used to shape the cardboard used for the Refold standing desk.

• cutting; (the outline of the desk and slots for assembly would be) cut using a blade/laser/die/stamp to subtract the material; die cutting; (the outline of the desk and slots for assembly would be) pressed and cut out by a machine using a metal die; laser cutting; (the outline of the desk and slots for assembly would be) cut using a high-powered laser;

• folding; (the cardboard would be folded into shape without removing any material);

• gluing; (the pieces of cardboard would be glued together without subtracting any material);

• painting; (the cardboard would be painted to create the desired appearance without changing its shape);

Explain why products benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to innovation.

Answer explanation

Markscheme

multidisciplinary approach involves a range of people with different skills/expertise/taking on different roles/perspectives;

complex products require knowledge from many disciplines;

to be utilised at different stages of product development;

 

Award [1] for identifying why products would benefit from multidisciplinary approach to innovation and [1] for each subsequent development of that physiological benefit up to [3 max].

Outline one physical property that makes hardwood a suitable choice for the base of the Gramovox^® bluetooth speaker in Figure 13.

• Density; Higher mass/weight to aid stability;

• Low electrical conductivity;

• Transparency;

• High thermal expansion;

Answer explanation

Markscheme

Density;

Higher mass/weight to aid stability;

 

Award [1] for identifying one physical property that makes hardwood a suitable choice for the base for the Gramovox^® bluetooth speaker and [1] for a brief explanation up to [2 max].

Explain how retro-styling has been used in the design of the Gramovox bluetooth speaker.

Answer explanation

Markscheme

Retro-styling uses the decoration/style/appearance from a particular period of time;

The S-curve horn of the Gramovox^® mimics the shape of gramophones from the past (1920s);

Using bluetooth/up to date/new technology.

 

Award [1] for each distinct point in an explanation of how retro-styling has been used in the design of the Gramovox^® bluetooth speaker up to [3 max].

(Answer in brackets not required for the mark.)