Glossary

This glossary is based on the terms you will find in the National Curriculum Orders for Design & Technology or Information Technology in the Nuffield Primary D&T materials or in a range of other currently available texts / catalogues / websites.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ

data collection

the collection of information that is useful in understanding a design brief and developing design ideas. Questionnaires are structures used to collect data from potential users.

decoration

the application of colour, texture and pattern to a surface to improve its appearance

design brief

a summary of the aims of a design and the kind of product that is needed. A closed brief says what the product will be. An open brief leaves it for the designer to decide

design criteria

a list describing the standards that a design must meet if it is to be successful

design decisions

a product is the result of the design decisions made by the designer about things such as Why (is it needed?); Who (is the outcome meant for?, is to be involved in its production?); What (should the outcome do?, should it be made from?, shape/colour should it be?

design proposal

a response to a design brief, a description of the product to be made in sufficient detail that the designer and/or the client can decide whether it is worth developing the proposal further

design-related research

research to find information that is useful in understanding a design brief and developing design ideas

designer

any person who designs things

designing and making assignment (DMA)

an acfivity in which a pupils designs and makes a product; see big task

difference test

a test to find out if people can tell the difference between slightly different food products

disassemble

to look closely at or to take apart carefully so that the parts of a product may be inspected to find out their purpose

drill

a tool used for making small round holes in wood, plastic and metal

drill bit

the cutting tool used in a drill. It is held in the chuck and cuts into the material as it rotates

drill stand

a device for holding a drill so that it is easy to use and it drills perpendicularly