AQA_2024: A-level Design and Technology: Product Design - Paper 1
Technical Principles.
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
Please write clearly in block capitals.
Centre number Candidate number
Surname
Forename(s)
Candidate signature
I declare this is my own work.
A-level
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY:
PRODUCT DESIGN
Paper 1 Technical Principles
Wednesday 5 June 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
Materials For Examiner’s Use
For this paper you must have:
normal writing and drawing instruments Question Mark
a scientific calculator.
1–2
Instructions 3–4
Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Use pencil only for drawing. 5
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.
Answer all questions. 6
You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside 7– 8
the box around each page or on blank pages.
If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of 9
this book. Write the question number against your answer(s).
10–11
Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want
to be marked. 12
13–14
Information
The marks for questions are shown in brackets. 15–16
The maximum mark for this paper is 120.
17–18
19
20–21
TOTAL
,For A-level Design and Technology: Product Design Paper 1: Technical Principles, here’s a concise revision
guide to focus on the key areas:
1. Materials and Their Properties:
Types of Materials: Understand the properties of materials such as timber, metals, polymers,
ceramics, and composites. Focus on mechanical properties (e.g., strength, elasticity, malleability,
ductility) and physical properties (e.g., density, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity).
Sustainability: Know about the environmental impact of materials, including sourcing, recycling, and life
cycle analysis.
Material Selection: Understand how material properties influence design choices (e.g., choosing
lightweight materials for portable products, strong materials for structural components).
2. Manufacturing Processes:
Processes for Materials:
o Timber: Cutting, shaping, joining techniques, and finishes.
o Metals: Casting, forging, extrusion, machining, welding, and finishing techniques.
o Polymers: Injection moulding, extrusion, thermoforming, and vacuum forming.
Additive Manufacturing: Understand the basics of 3D printing, including types of 3D printers and
materials used.
Assembly Techniques: Learn about assembly processes like welding, riveting, soldering, adhesive
bonding, and mechanical fastening.
3. Design and Technology Principles:
Design Process: Understand the stages of the design process, including:
o Research and Analysis: Gathering information, user needs, and market research.
o Design Development: Idea generation, conceptual design, prototyping, and testing.
o Evaluation: Feedback, revising, and final product testing.
4. Systems and Control:
Mechanical Systems:
o Understand mechanical systems like levers, pulleys, gears, and cams, and how they are used
to transmit motion and force.
o Automation: Basics of automated systems, including robotics and CNC (Computer Numerical
Control) machines.
5. Energy and Power:
Energy Sources: Understand different energy sources used in products (e.g., electricity, solar power,
batteries).
Energy Efficiency: Be able to evaluate energy use in design solutions and suggest ways to improve
energy efficiency, including the impact of low-power components and renewable energy integration.
6. Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
Sustainable Design: Understand the role of sustainable design in reducing environmental impacts.
Focus on using recyclable materials, reducing waste, and designing for longevity.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): Learn how to assess the environmental impact of products from raw
material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
Eco Design Strategies: Be aware of strategies like cradle-to-cradle design, reducing carbon footprint,
and sustainable packaging.
G/KL/Jun24/E8 7552/1
, 2
Do not write
outside the
box
Answer all questions in the spaces provided.
0 1 Give three reasons why cellulose acetate is used in packaging.
[3 marks]
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
0 2 Analyse and evaluate the suitability of using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
for the manufacture of a construction worker’s helmet shown in Figure 1.
[6 marks]
Figure 1
G/Jun24/7552/1
, 3
Do not write
outside the
box
9
Turn over for the next question
Turn over ▶
G/Jun24/7552/1
Technical Principles.
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
Please write clearly in block capitals.
Centre number Candidate number
Surname
Forename(s)
Candidate signature
I declare this is my own work.
A-level
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY:
PRODUCT DESIGN
Paper 1 Technical Principles
Wednesday 5 June 2024 Afternoon Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
Materials For Examiner’s Use
For this paper you must have:
normal writing and drawing instruments Question Mark
a scientific calculator.
1–2
Instructions 3–4
Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Use pencil only for drawing. 5
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page.
Answer all questions. 6
You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside 7– 8
the box around each page or on blank pages.
If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of 9
this book. Write the question number against your answer(s).
10–11
Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want
to be marked. 12
13–14
Information
The marks for questions are shown in brackets. 15–16
The maximum mark for this paper is 120.
17–18
19
20–21
TOTAL
,For A-level Design and Technology: Product Design Paper 1: Technical Principles, here’s a concise revision
guide to focus on the key areas:
1. Materials and Their Properties:
Types of Materials: Understand the properties of materials such as timber, metals, polymers,
ceramics, and composites. Focus on mechanical properties (e.g., strength, elasticity, malleability,
ductility) and physical properties (e.g., density, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity).
Sustainability: Know about the environmental impact of materials, including sourcing, recycling, and life
cycle analysis.
Material Selection: Understand how material properties influence design choices (e.g., choosing
lightweight materials for portable products, strong materials for structural components).
2. Manufacturing Processes:
Processes for Materials:
o Timber: Cutting, shaping, joining techniques, and finishes.
o Metals: Casting, forging, extrusion, machining, welding, and finishing techniques.
o Polymers: Injection moulding, extrusion, thermoforming, and vacuum forming.
Additive Manufacturing: Understand the basics of 3D printing, including types of 3D printers and
materials used.
Assembly Techniques: Learn about assembly processes like welding, riveting, soldering, adhesive
bonding, and mechanical fastening.
3. Design and Technology Principles:
Design Process: Understand the stages of the design process, including:
o Research and Analysis: Gathering information, user needs, and market research.
o Design Development: Idea generation, conceptual design, prototyping, and testing.
o Evaluation: Feedback, revising, and final product testing.
4. Systems and Control:
Mechanical Systems:
o Understand mechanical systems like levers, pulleys, gears, and cams, and how they are used
to transmit motion and force.
o Automation: Basics of automated systems, including robotics and CNC (Computer Numerical
Control) machines.
5. Energy and Power:
Energy Sources: Understand different energy sources used in products (e.g., electricity, solar power,
batteries).
Energy Efficiency: Be able to evaluate energy use in design solutions and suggest ways to improve
energy efficiency, including the impact of low-power components and renewable energy integration.
6. Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
Sustainable Design: Understand the role of sustainable design in reducing environmental impacts.
Focus on using recyclable materials, reducing waste, and designing for longevity.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): Learn how to assess the environmental impact of products from raw
material extraction to end-of-life disposal.
Eco Design Strategies: Be aware of strategies like cradle-to-cradle design, reducing carbon footprint,
and sustainable packaging.
G/KL/Jun24/E8 7552/1
, 2
Do not write
outside the
box
Answer all questions in the spaces provided.
0 1 Give three reasons why cellulose acetate is used in packaging.
[3 marks]
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
0 2 Analyse and evaluate the suitability of using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
for the manufacture of a construction worker’s helmet shown in Figure 1.
[6 marks]
Figure 1
G/Jun24/7552/1
, 3
Do not write
outside the
box
9
Turn over for the next question
Turn over ▶
G/Jun24/7552/1
