Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology key terms

A force of attraction or repulsion between electric charges.

Pressing a raised design or texture into paper or board using shaped tools or rollers.

Decorating fabric with stitches made by hand or machine.

Completely enclosing paper or board between plastic films that seal together beyond all its edges, protecting both its faces and edges.

An outer casing that houses and protects a product’s internal components.

The surface exposed when timber is cut across its fibres, such as the end of a board.

The amount of energy stored per unit mass of a fuel.

Using less energy to provide the same useful function.

Obtaining useful energy from waste, for example by burning suitable waste timber to produce heat.

Removing material from a surface to create a recessed pattern, image or lettering without cutting through the whole component.

The development of an idea into a business proposal for a product that has the potential to succeed commercially.

The effects that an activity or product has on the environment, including pollution, habitat damage and resource use.

An issue concerning a product’s effects on the natural world, including resource use, emissions, pollution and waste.

A textile designed to protect the environment or reduce environmental impact, for example through filtration or biodegradability.

A two-part adhesive in which mixing resin and hardener starts a chemical reaction that causes the adhesive to set.

The consideration of how people interact with products to make them comfortable, safe and easy to use.

The removal and movement of soil, for example by rainwater or wind.

A chemical that removes exposed, unprotected material during etching. Ferric chloride can be used to remove unwanted copper from a PCB.

Making responsible design decisions by considering their effects on people, society and the environment.

A consideration about whether a design decision is morally responsible, including its effects on people and resources.

A viewpoint that considers whether decisions and actions treat people fairly and protect their rights and wellbeing.

A duty to consider how decisions affect other people and the environment, rather than considering only cost or profit.

The consideration of whether decisions are fair and responsible towards people and the environment.

A group within a population whose ethnic background or heritage differs from that of the majority.

Discarded electrical or electronic equipment and components.

A drawing showing components separated but positioned in the correct relationship for fitting together.

Unfairly taking advantage of someone, for example by paying workers poorly while requiring them to work in unsafe conditions.