Criterion A: Investigate Investigation is an essential stage in the design cycle. Students are expected to identify the problem, develop a design brief and formulate a design specification. Students are expected to acknowledge the sources of information and document these appropriately.
Achievement level
Level descriptor
Task specific clarifications
0
The student did not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.
1–2
The student stated the problem. The student investigated the problem, collecting information from few sources. The student listed some specification points.
3–4
The student described the problem, mentioning its relevance. The student investigated the problem, selecting and analysing information from some acknowledged sources. The student described a test to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification.
5–6
The student explained the problem, discussing its relevance. The student critically investigated the problem, evaluating information from a broadrange of appropriate, acknowledged sources. The student described detailedmethods for appropriate testing to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification.
Notes
Design brief: The student’s response to the challenge, showing how they intend to solve the problem they have been presented with. This will guide their investigation as they work to develop a more detailed design specification.
Design specification: A detailed description of the conditions, requirements and restrictions with which a design must comply. This is a precise and accurate list of facts such as conditions, dimensions, materials, process and methods that are important for the designer and for the user. All appropriate solutions will need to comply with the design specification.
Investigation is an essential stage in the design cycle. Students are expected to identify the problem, develop a design brief and formulate a design specification. Students are expected to acknowledge the sources of information and document these appropriately.
The student investigated the problem, collecting information from few sources.
The student listed some specification points.
The student investigated the problem, selecting and analysing information from some acknowledged sources.
The student described a test to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification.
The student critically investigated the problem, evaluating information from a broad range of appropriate, acknowledged sources.
The student described detailed methods for appropriate testing to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification.
Notes