year 8

Students consider user and location in designing a lamp. They learn about nets and their relationship to three-dimensional shapes and develop their understanding of CAD/CAM through advanced usage of Adobe Illustrator and the laser cutter.

Students investigate anthropometrics and the application of that data on ergonomics in designing a comfortable writing pen. They consider user needs and target market groups as they select appropriate aesthetics that further enhance their design.

Students learn about CAD software and how to prepare designs for a CNC router to allow for cuttings tools and tool paths. They investigate a range of 20th Century design movements and produce a CD or MP3 holder inspired by their research using dry slots and fixtures. Students are introduced to 3D modelling programmes to produce realistic visualisations of their finished design.