Paper 2: Analysing and Evaluating Design Decisions — Using Technical Vocabulary

AQA GCSE D&T Paper 2 (Designing and Making Principles) requires you to analyse and evaluate design decisions in unfamiliar contexts. This lesson focuses on how to use technical vocabulary effectively to score maximum marks. Specification reference: AQA 8552, Section 3.3.

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What Does "Analyse and Evaluate" Mean in Paper 2?

Skill	What to Do
Analyse	Break down a design into its component factors and examine each one
Evaluate	Judge the effectiveness/suitability of a design decision and reach a conclusion

Paper 2 Section B presents a design context (e.g. "A company is designing a portable camping stool"). You must apply your knowledge to this context — generic answers will score low marks.

AQA Exam Tip: Always refer back to the specific product or scenario in your answer. Replace generic phrases with context-specific statements. Instead of "the material should be strong," write "the frame material must withstand a seated load of at least 100 kg without buckling."

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Technical Vocabulary You Must Use

Material Properties Vocabulary

Term	Definition	Example Use
Tensile strength	Resistance to being pulled apart	"The climbing harness webbing requires high tensile strength to support a climber's weight"
Compressive strength	Resistance to being crushed	"The chair legs need high compressive strength to support the user's weight"
Hardness	Resistance to scratching or indentation	"The worktop surface must be hard to resist scratching from kitchen utensils"
Toughness	Ability to absorb impact without fracturing	"The phone case must be tough to protect the screen if dropped"
Ductility	Ability to be drawn into wire or stretched without breaking	"Copper is ductile, making it suitable for electrical wiring"
Malleability	Ability to be hammered or pressed into shape without cracking	"Aluminium is malleable, allowing it to be deep drawn into a bottle shape"
Thermal conductivity	Ability to conduct heat	"Stainless steel has lower thermal conductivity than copper, keeping the handle cooler"
Electrical conductivity	Ability to conduct electricity	"Copper is used for PCB tracks due to its excellent electrical conductivity"
Corrosion resistance	Ability to resist deterioration from the environment	"Anodised aluminium resists corrosion, making it suitable for the outdoor lamp housing"

Design Vocabulary

Term	Definition	When to Use
Aesthetics	The visual appeal and style of a product	Discussing appearance, colour, form, texture
Ergonomics	How the product fits the human body and behaviour	Discussing comfort, usability, safety
Anthropometrics	Body measurement data used in design	Discussing sizing, fit, percentile data
Form	The 3D shape and structure of a product	Discussing the physical shape
Function	What the product does and how well it works	Discussing performance and purpose
Sustainability	Environmental responsibility in design	Discussing materials, end of life, carbon footprint
Inclusive design	Design that works for the widest range of users	Discussing accessibility, disability, diversity

Manufacturing Vocabulary

Term	When to Use
Tolerance	Discussing manufacturing accuracy and quality control
Batch production	Discussing production of 10–10,000 identical items
Mass production	Discussing production of 10,000+ items continuously
Just-in-time (JIT)	Discussing lean manufacturing and stock management
Quality control	Discussing inspection, testing and checking
CAD/CAM	Discussing digital design and computer-controlled manufacture
Jig/fixture	Discussing production aids for accuracy and consistency

AQA Exam Tip: Using correct technical vocabulary is not just impressive — it is actively rewarded in the mark scheme. AQA specifically states that "quality of extended response" considers "use of technical and specialist vocabulary."

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How to Structure an Evaluation Answer

The SEEC Framework