Design & Technology – The Importance Of Mock-Ups

Designers often come up with new ideas or create new products for clients or consumers. An important part of the syllabus for IGCSE Design and Technology is to be able to produce a new product or improve an existing one that was created by a need.

Once students have designed possible solutions or ideas, the next step is to make mock-ups or models. This is an important part of the design process as it allows the student to visualise their product as well as get a better understanding of its functions and capabilities. Importantly, mock-ups allow the students to test mechanical functioning of the product.

During this important process, students gain an understanding of construction techniques, the different materials available, sizing and proportions and assembly details, just to name a few.

Our Year 9 students recently did an activity where they had to design a chair and build a model from a single A4 page. This was a successful activity and putting their models to the test proved a lot of fun.

Julian Harrison
Design and Technology Teacher