An Introduction to A- Level Product Design

Welcome to A- Level Product Design, we are delighted that you are considering studying this with us

at MCA6.

This pack contains a programme of activities and resources to prepare you to start studying Product

Design in September. The activities introduce a range of key ideas before giving to a research

challenge. But remember, if you wish to really study the world around you it is important to have a

political awareness and to stay up to date with current affairs so read the news, also follow Science

and technology!

Please note, you do not need to print this pack and you can either handwrite or type your responses

to the activities.

Mr Matthew Daniels teaches A- Level Product Design at MCA6 so if you have any questions regarding

the course feel free to email him at Matthew.Daniels@mca.attrust.org.uk

Contents:

1. Structure of course

2. Why do you want to do this subject?

3. Create a Mood Board

4. Re-design a classic

5. Case Studying

1. Structure of Course

Why choose A-level Design and Technology: Product Design This creative and thought-provoking

qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a

number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social,

cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying

opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students

will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills

sought by higher education and employers.

Structure of Course

2. Why do you want to do this?

Using 80- 100 words please could explain why you would like to studying Product Design.

3. Create a Mood Board

Using the list of Designers below could you create a Mood Board by hand or using the computer.

Google examples of mood boards and watch video link below.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Creating+a+moodboard+in+Product+design&source=lnms&tbm

=vid&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi7mO3jkOvoAhU6QxUIHXurCnUQ_AUoAnoECA4QBA&biw=1366&bih=657

Choose from this list of Designers:

Jonathan Ive, 1967, UK

James Dyson, 1947, UK

Charles and Ray Eames, 1907 and 1912, USA

Dieter Rams, 1932, Germany

Achille Castiglioni , 1918, Italy

Marc Newson, 1963, Australia

Arne Jacobsen, 1902, Denmark

Marcel Breuer , 1902, Hungary

Philippe Starck , 1949, France

8 Tips for Creating and Working with Mood Boards 1. Aim for a genuine emotional response 2. Ensure mood boards work holistically with each other 3. Mood boards are tools for reference; only refer to something you can achieve 4. Look beyond the digital world 5. Curate your collection 6. Choose the right format 7. Give prominence to the key message 8. Collect the best images/textures from mood boards for future projects.

4. Re-design a classic

Using one of the designers you have looked at in task 3, could you re-design one of their

products. This can be completed by hand or computer (or both). Use colour, different views

and annotation in your response.

5. Case Studying

Below is two examples of case studies (please read)

Could you complete a case study for an aluminium can and plastic bottle of Coke. Compare and

contrast the two products. In depth research and response is required. Please include the following:

Materials and why?

Material advantages and disadvantages

Manufacturing process

Form and function

Must have picture

Personal views

Other areas you want to include.