AQA GCSE Design and Technology key terms

The clearing or loss of forests, for example when trees are removed for timber or farming and the forest is not replaced.

Changing the shape of existing material by force, for example bending sheet metal.

Changing the shape of existing material, for example by bending, pressing or heating and forming it.

Mass per unit volume: a low-density material has less mass than a high-density material of the same volume.

An adjustable device that limits how far a drill or other cutting tool can travel.

A statement outlining the design problem and what the proposed solution must achieve for the client.

Becoming attached to an idea too early and failing to consider alternatives or respond to evidence.

Creating or adapting a product to meet the physical, sensory or cognitive needs of disabled users.

Designing a product so that its components and materials can be separated for repair, reuse or recycling.

Designing a product so that servicing, repair and replacement of parts are straightforward, helping it remain usable for longer.

The beliefs and priorities that guide a designer's or company's design decisions.

A difficulty experienced by a user that a new or improved product could address.

A need or want that a product must meet to be successful for its intended user and purpose.

A list of research-based criteria stating what a product must do, be or have, used to guide design decisions and evaluate its success.

A method used to generate, explore or improve ideas for solving a design problem.

A feature that would improve a product but is not necessary for its basic success.

A shaping tool with an opening through which material is forced; in extrusion, its profile determines the product’s cross-section.

A process that presses a specially shaped die against paper or board to repeatedly produce the required cuts, creases or perforations.

A dual in-line integrated circuit package, with connection pins arranged in two parallel rows.

How closely a component’s measurements match its specified dimensions and permitted tolerances.

The ability of a material to retain its shape and dimensions rather than warp or distort.

Coating a cleaned, preheated metal part by dipping it into fluidised polymer powder, which melts and adheres to its surface.

A taper on the sides of a mould or former that allows the formed product to be removed more easily.

The boring of holes into the ground or seabed to obtain resources such as oil and gas.

The output gear that receives movement from a gear train.

The input gear that supplies movement to a gear train.

The ability of a material to be drawn out into wire without breaking.