Design and Technology key terms

How readily a material can be processed and shaped using the available tools, equipment and skills.

The environmental impact associated with a material or product across its life, including resource use, pollution and waste.

A difficulty involving money or resources, such as production costs, material availability, affordability or profitability.

Using time, materials, energy and other resources effectively, with minimal waste.

The input force applied to a mechanism.

A pin that pushes a cooled injection-moulded component out of its mould after the mould opens.

The ability of a material to return to its original shape after a stretching or compressing force is removed, within its elastic limit.

How readily a material allows electric current to flow through it.

Pressing a design into paper or board so that part of its surface is raised.

A system that retains energy so that it can be transferred and used later.

Turning an innovative idea into a commercial product or service by organising the resources needed to develop and sell it.

A difficulty linked to the natural world, such as deforestation, pollution, resource depletion or greenhouse gas emissions.

The effects of a material, product or process on the natural environment, including resource use, emissions, pollution and waste.

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

A requirement that a product must meet to solve its design problem successfully.

Removing exposed material using a chemical solution; in PCB manufacture, it removes unwanted copper.

A consideration of what is right or fair, such as whether workers receive fair pay and are protected from exploitation.

Buying materials or components from suppliers whose practices respect workers, communities and the environment.

Moral principles used to judge whether decisions are responsible and fair towards people, society and the environment.

Judging how well a design meets its requirements, using evidence to identify strengths, weaknesses and improvements.

A drawing showing components separated but positioned to explain how they fit together.

A manufacturing process that continuously forces softened polymer through a shaped die to produce a length with a constant cross-section.

An additional layer attached to fabric to strengthen, stabilise or stiffen selected areas of a textile product.

An approach to trade that aims to give producers fair payment and workers decent, safe working conditions.

A certification system with standards intended to support fairer trading terms and better conditions for producers and workers.

A religious commitment that can influence a person’s values, choices and everyday life.

A style or appearance that is popular for a particular period.