1. Research section Introduction to the task Introduction –
From the outset we would like to point out, that what is presented here are the PowerPoint presentations and teaching methodologies that we have used in our school. We undertake the task in Year 9, some of aspects are set to challenge the most able pupils and would be suited to GCSE level. Hopefully the project will be helpful for anyone wanting to have a look at what someone else is doing – to pick and mix from, jumble sale of ideas, in the hope you will find something useful! It is like all the projects in the series, they are not complete solutions, just the work from a group of teachers who are willing to share their thoughts and experiences. The format of the presentations, have been left in a way that it will enable you to modify them to your own needs.
The first slide sets the outline of the task, the next an outline of the aspects of the designing and making likely to be covered in the cushion task. Slide 3 aims to give pupils a broad outline of the numerous features that could be considered when analysing a cushion product. For the cushion project we have identified cost, target group, style - colourways as the main aspects for analysis. Other aspects are included in the mind map, but are not key objectives – these are dealt with in other projects e.g. bags or hats e.g. function, target groups, seasons etc. Slide 4 – defines the difference between primary and secondary research styles.

2. Research section Trends
The first slide is a duplicate of the mind map in the introduction section, this acts as a link from the introduction of the task to the research aspects. The key area to be investigated in this series of slides is highlighted by the red rectangle. The second slide is planned to engage and involve the pupils in expressing what they know and understand by the term interior trends – the slide continues to expand aspects that can change as a result of trend aspects. Slide 3 reaffirms the primary and secondary research definitions and possible ideas for research sources. As teachers in Wales we have found the Adra site very helpful and inspiring for its content and informative regarding regional designers and makers.

3. Research section Product analysis
For the task of product analysis, pupils are asked to critically evaluate a range of cushions designs. They are encouraged to use technical terms and clear descriptors of their opinions – slide 2. The teacher character answers are justified, as an exemplar of the justification level required. For example pupils will often give an answer of colour as a reason why they think a product is successful, but pupils are asked to further justify it i.e. because of the bright colours or contrasting colours used etc. Slide 3 and 5 serve as a starter for a digital image bank.
In slide 4 pupils are asked to select a range of cushion, these could be from a handling collection or digital display. Sketching or drawing three cushions focuses pupils begin to develop understanding of what makes a product successful.

4. Research section Colourways & style
Slide 1 - The importance of colour in the design and development of products. Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. discussion about why colour is such an important aspect of any product we buy. Colours having mood influences, gender biases etc. A short introduction to colour prediction and their awareness of colour trends. The importance of combining colours that work well together. A guide to using contrasting colour in proportion to each other e.g. one contrasting colour can dominate with the other colour used in a smaller quantity. Or the safer route of using complementary colour and where they are found on the colour wheel. In slides 2 and 3 Pupils are given an opportunity to evaluate pre-prepared colour combinations. Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. discussion of which of the exemplar digital samples on the presentation slide follow or break with the colour guidelines previously discussed. Pupils are encouraged to place various colours together and develop an intuition of which colours “go” together. Slide 4 is again a starter digital image bank of cushions that used a range of colour or pattern combinations for pupils to evaluate.

5. Research section Target group
The first slide is a duplicate of the mind map in the introduction section, this acts as a link from the introduction of the task to the research aspects. The key area to be investigated in this series of slides is highlighted by the red rectangle. Slide 2 and 3 is a series of questions to encourage pupils to consider what the needs of their target group are and ways to investigate these needs.

6. Research section Cost Design specification
The first slide is a duplicate of the mind map in the introduction section, this acts as a link from the introduction of the task to the research aspects. The key area to be investigated in this series of slides is highlighted by the red rectangle – cost. Slide 2 is to give pupils an indication of the aspects that are included in the costing or pricing of a product – fabric, production, transport, marketing etc. In slide 3 pupils are encouraged to identify aspects that add addition costs to the manufacture of a product. Slide 4 is a task to encourage pupils to apply the knowledge gained in slide 2 – costing and slide 3 - addition costs and make decisions based on this.
Design specification
Slide 1 is a series of questions to encourage pupils to apply the knowledge gained as a result of their primary or secondary research. Slide 2 guides pupils in the writing of an effective design specification using appropriate headings.