3D Product Design

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”

– Steve Jobs

The 3D Product Design course allows students to design, prototype and make primarily functional and aesthetic consumer products and objects.

The course involves working from a range of starting points, identifying and exploring problems, gaining inspiration from artists and designers, and developing and refining ideas. During the course pupils will work with plastic, wood and metal using a range of techniques from hand tools to the latest industry techniques such as laser cutters and 3D printers.

Students will learn to freehand sketch in order to communicate their ideas, and then develop their work in Computer Aided Design applications such as 2D Design, Google sketch-up and Tinkercad. These skills enable students to design effectively, communicate their ideas and acquire the skills required in the workplace.

Areas of study include:

• Architectural design
• Interior design
• Product design
• Exhibition design
• Environmental/landscape design
• Sculpture
• Design for theatre, film and television
• Jewellery and body adornment
• Ceramics

ASSESSMENT

Students are required to produce a portfolio of evidence throughout the two year course. This will include a number of skills based practical projects as well as a longer sustained project.

This Portfolio is worth 60% of their qualification.

They also required to complete an Externally Set Assignment, which is similar to the first Portfolio of work but produced in a more controlled time. The theme for this assignment is chosen from a selection of starting points set by the exam board in January of Year 11 and the final outcomes are completed in a 10 hour practical exam at the end of the unit.

• 60% – Portfolio
• 40% – Externally Set Assignment

Progression

Students completing the 3D Product Design course will gain the necessary skills to continue their development as a designer at further then higher education level. The course offers a broad skills base which equips students to go on to a diverse range of design courses.