Selecting a suitable problem for A2 coursework

Criterion 1 Mark Band – Context and Objectives Context and Objectives 5 Detailed and perceptive understanding of the context which is then used to determine the objectives of the design and manufacture activity 4 Sound understanding of the context which is used to determine the objectives of the design and manufacture activity 3 Some understanding of the context which is used to determine objectives of the design and manufacture activity 2 Little understanding of the context with few objectives of the design and manufacture activity stated 0 – 1 Minimal or no understanding of the context. Only basic objectives of the design and manufacture activity are recorded The Assessment Criteria

Criterion 2 Mark Band – Plan of Action and Clarification of Problem 7 – 8 A detailed and realistic plan of action to meet stated objectives Uses an extensive range of appropriate investigative techniques, including practical activities (where relevant) Perceptive analysis of gathered information A comprehensive, well-reasoned and explained design specification taking into account the research information gathered 5 – 6 A detailed plan of action to meet stated objectives Uses a wide range of appropriate investigative techniques, including practical activities (where relevant) Good analysis of gathered information A well-reasoned and explained design specification taking into account the research information gathered 3 – 4 A plan of action which meets some of the stated objectives Uses a range of appropriate investigative techniques, including practical activities (where relevant) Some analysis of gathered information A design specification with some explanation taking into account some of the research information gathered 2 A simple plan of action Uses several investigative techniques including practical activities (where relevant) Little analysis of gathered information A simple design specification with one or two points explained 0 – 1 A limited plan of action Uses basic investigative techniques including practical activities (where relevant) Minimal analysis of gathered information A limited design specification The Assessment Criteria

What mark will I achieve? Example of assessment Criterion 2 Mark Band – Plan of Action and Clarification of Problem 7 – 8 A detailed and realistic plan of action to meet stated objectives Uses an extensive range of appropriate investigative techniques, including practical activities (where relevant) Perceptive analysis of gathered information A comprehensive, well-reasoned and explained design specification taking into account the research information gathered 5 – 6 A detailed plan of action to meet stated objectives Uses a wide range of appropriate investigative techniques, including practical activities (where relevant) Good analysis of gathered information A well-reasoned and explained design specification taking into account the research information gathered 3 – 4 A plan of action which meets some of the stated objectives Uses a range of appropriate investigative techniques, including practical activities (where relevant) Some analysis of gathered information A design specification with some explanation taking into account some of the research information gathered 2 A simple plan of action Uses several investigative techniques including practical activities (where relevant) Little analysis of gathered information A simple design specification with one or two points explained 0 – 1 A limited plan of action Uses basic investigative techniques including practical activities (where relevant) Minimal analysis of gathered information A limited design specification 4/8

Selecting A Suitable Problem You are interested in. ( The project lasts 8 months!!) Challenging. Not designed for you. Not too overly ambitious. That meets the assessment criteria. That is a real need and has market potential. Is feasible and you are capable of finishing it at school. Will allow scope for a wide range of research. Will allow you to explore a wide range of ideas. Can be physically tested.

Suitable or Not? Bicycle Theft Coffee table storage Play Shelter for children Musical therapy for children with autism A guitar stand A laptop case Outdoor seating Childrens Toys - Morocco

Criterion 1 Detailed and perceptive understanding of the context which is then used to determine the objectives of the design and manufacture activity. How to satisfy this criterion Choose a suitable problem to investigate, make sure the problem has enough scope and difficulty to be able to achieve full marks. Record this in detail with evidence in the form of photographs, news articles, product analysis. Identify a client/user group for your project so that you can gain useful information on the problem and evaluate ideas, development modelling and the final outcome. Conduct market research and make observations to justify it is a viable problem. Use Survey Monkey! Find a suitable forum on which to share the questionnaire. Identify the user needs. Get a letter/ as proof and use annotations to identify key issues. Identify issues that will need further research (Analysis of the Problem) Write a detailed Brief that identifies some constraints, the user, feasibility, the design goal and success criteria.

Deadline – 28 th June 2014 for September return. 1.Summarise all problems considered and explain your decision of choice 2.Complete detailed Problem – Identifying a need 3.Complete a detailed Design Brief. 4.Outline a detailed plan of action to meet the interim deadline of 2 nd December Complete a detailed analysis of the problem Holiday work – Collect data relevant to the problem