Design & Technology
G3N tutors you through the full Cambridge Design & Technology syllabus offline — from Identifying needs and opportunities, and writing a design brief and specification, Researching a problem and interpreting information, diagrams and data, Generating and recording possible design ideas, and modelling to test feasibility and more — with adaptive lessons, instant quizzes, flashcards and exam-ready summaries.
Syllabus
What you’ll cover in Design & Technology.
The complete topic outline G3N teaches, mapped to the Cambridge curriculum.
IGCSECommon content: the design process
7 topicsIdentifying needs and opportunities, and writing a design brief and specification
Researching a problem and interpreting information, diagrams and data
Generating and recording possible design ideas, and modelling to test feasibility
Selecting and planning a solution, considering time, cost, skill and resources
Evaluating existing products and testing solutions against a specification
Preparing materials and using correct, safe making procedures
Health and safety when using tools, machines and materials
IGCSECommon content: communication and technology
3 topicsRecording and communicating design ideas with sketches, diagrams and technical drawing
Using CAD to generate 2D and 3D images, and CAD/CAM in one-off, batch and mass production
Computer-controlled machines: CNC mills, routers, engravers, lathes and laser cutters
IGCSECommon content: design & technology in society
3 topicsThe impact of design & technology on social, environmental and economic life
The roles of designers, artisans and technologists
Anthropometrics and ergonomics in practical design
IGCSECommon content: environment and sustainability
3 topicsFossil, nuclear and renewable energy sources, and their finite or renewable nature
Selecting materials for sustainability, recycling symbols and disassembly for reuse
Designing products with an intended lifetime
IGCSECommon content: control systems
1 topicsInput devices, processing elements, output devices and feedback in a control system
IGCSESpecialist option: Resistant Materials
5 topicsTypes of material: woods, metals, plastics, composites, smart and modern materials
Preparation, marking out, measuring and testing materials
Shaping, joining, assembly and finishing techniques
Structures: types of structure, framed structures, applied loads and reactions
Mechanisms: levers, transmission and conversion of motion, friction and lubrication
IGCSESpecialist option: Systems & Control
5 topicsStructures: forces, moments, joints and types of structural member
Mechanisms: levers, bearings, transmission and conversion of motion
Electronics: basic circuits, resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors
Switches, logic gates and time-delay circuits
Circuit-building techniques and transducers
IGCSESpecialist option: Graphic Products
6 topicsFreehand and formal drawing, use of instruments and drafting aids
Orthographic projection, isometric and planometric drawing, and developments (nets)
Sectional and exploded views, assembly drawings, and estimated one- and two-point perspective
Geometrical constructions, ellipses, enlarging and reducing shapes
Data graphics, layout and planning, and presentation techniques
Materials and modelling for graphic products, reprographics and ICT
A LevelThe design process (AS)
3 topicsApproaches to designing: iterative and intuitive design
Stages in design thinking: empathise, define, ideate, refine, realise, test
Analysis of existing products
A LevelDesign principles (AS)
2 topicsForm, function and the language of design
User-centred design and inclusive design
A LevelCommunication (AS)
2 topicsSketching, technical drawing and CAD for communicating design ideas
Modelling and prototyping to test and communicate a solution
A LevelDesign and technology in society (AS)
2 topicsThe impact of design & technology on social, cultural and economic life
The responsibilities of designers to users and society
A LevelSustainable design (AS)
2 topicsSustainability, energy sources and life-cycle thinking in design decisions
Recycling, reuse and designing for disassembly
A LevelHealth and safety (AS)
2 topicsSafe working practices with tools, machines and materials
Risk assessment in designing and making
A LevelAesthetics and ergonomics (AS)
2 topicsAesthetics: line, form, proportion, colour and texture in design
Ergonomics and anthropometric data in product design
A LevelMaterials and components (AS)
2 topicsProperties and selection of woods, metals, plastics and composites
Smart and modern materials, and standard components
A LevelStages in materials processing (AS)
1 topicsPreparing, marking out and testing materials before processing
A LevelMaterials processing (AS)
1 topicsShaping, forming, cutting, joining and finishing processes
A LevelEnergy and control systems (AS)
2 topicsInput devices, processing elements, output devices and feedback
Sources of energy used to power mechanisms and systems
A LevelTechnology (AS)
1 topicsThe use of CAD/CAM and computer control in designing and making
A LevelIndustrial practices (A2)
2 topicsService sectors in design and manufacturing: extraction, design, manufacturing, marketing, repair
Roles of designers, manufacturers and consumers, and of workers within an industry
A LevelBusiness and commercial practices (A2)
2 topicsMarket research, product costing and commercial viability
Intellectual property, patents and product branding
A LevelQuantity production (A2)
1 topicsOne-off, batch and mass production, and choosing an appropriate scale of manufacture
A LevelMaterials processing in industry (A2)
2 topicsIndustrial-scale shaping, forming and finishing processes
Jigs, fixtures and quality control in production
A LevelQuality systems (A2)
1 topicsQuality control and quality assurance in manufacturing
A LevelDigital technology (A2)
2 topicsCAD/CAM and computer-integrated manufacture in industry
The impact of digital technology on design and production
How G3N helps
Turn this syllabus into a pass.
Both tiers, one tutor
IGCSE and A Level content sit side by side, so the tutor follows you from Year 10 through to Year 13.
Structured by syllabus
Topics follow the organisation of the current Cambridge syllabus for each subject, not generic web answers.
Practise and revise
Generate questions per topic, get marked answers with explanations, and summarise dense readings before the paper.
Master Design & Technology, offline.
No sign-up wall, no data plan required. Open G3N and go.