Modelling and Modifications

How long have I got for this section? Due in: 28/11/06
How many marks is this bit worth? 4
How many pages should it occupy? Maximum 3

Modelling and testing are the skills that will be marked at this stage. If you have an idea for any particular aspect of your product, try to model it using simple materials such as paper, card or modelling foam. Use one of the digital cameras to take a photo of it, stick it in your design folder and make a note of any conclusions drawn.

Example 1: You might have an idea in mind for the shape of a hand-held electronic device. With the information that you have gained in the previous section about components, you could now make a full size model using modelling foam to see whether the design fits comfortably in the hand and therefore meets one aspect of the design brief.

Example 2: You might have an idea in mind for a pop-up leaflet to promote a product. Using card you can quickly make a model and establish whether a pop-up mechanism works in a way that you are happy with and that meets the original design brief.

Example 3: You might have an idea in mind for the shape of a desk light. With the information that you have gained in the previous section about components, material sizes and construction methods you can now make a scale model of your design and use it to check the aesthetics.