AQA GCSE Design and Technology key terms

The extent to which a person can reach, understand and use a product, service or environment.

Rain made more acidic by atmospheric pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, which can damage trees and aquatic environments.

The temperature at which a specified thermochromic pigment changes colour.

A process that builds up material or joins components or layers, for example bonding, sewing or lamination.

A substance added to a material to change its properties or performance.

Making an object by adding material, usually layer by layer, rather than cutting material away.

The ability of a coating, ink or adhesive to bond to a surface.

A characteristic affecting a product’s appearance or sensory appeal, such as colour, gloss or texture.

The appearance and sensory qualities of a design, such as its colour, shape, texture and feel.

A battery using an alkaline electrolyte, normally designed for single use in products such as clocks, torches and toys.

Extra material or space deliberately provided for a later manufacturing process, such as sewing, trimming or sanding.

A mixture of a metal with one or more other elements, made to obtain useful properties.

Examining a design's features and explaining how they relate to its purpose, users and context.

A heat-treatment process used to soften a metal, relieve internal stresses and make it easier to shape.

An explanatory note attached to a drawing or image that communicates a feature, decision, reason or proposed improvement.

An electrochemical treatment that thickens the protective oxide layer on aluminium, improving its surface hardness and wear resistance.

The study and use of human body measurements to inform product dimensions.

The size of a two-dimensional surface, measured in square units such as mm² or m².

The release of harmful substances into the air.

The use of machines or computer-controlled equipment to carry out manufacturing tasks with limited direct human input.

Whether a material or component can be obtained in the required form, size and quantity when needed.

A person who contributes money to support a crowdfunding project.

The manufacture of a set quantity of identical products before equipment is changed or reset for another batch.

A textile decoration process in which wax prevents dye reaching selected areas of fabric, creating a pattern.

An electrochemical power source that transfers energy from a chemical store to an electrical circuit.

A conviction or principle held by a person that can influence how they live and which products they choose.

A pivoted, angled lever that changes the direction of an applied force or movement, often through $90^\circ$.