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Idea Generation and Development
Quick questions on Selecting the best idea explained: O-Level Design and Technology
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is judging ideas against the specification?Show answer
The simplest selection method is to check each idea against the specification points one by one. Does idea A meet the size requirement? The cost? The safety rule?
What is the evaluation matrix?Show answer
A more thorough method is an evaluation matrix (a decision table). The specification criteria are listed down one side and the ideas across the top. Each idea is scored against each criterion (say 1 to 5). The scores are totalled, and the idea with the highest total is the strongest overall.
What is weighting the criteria?Show answer
Not all criteria matter equally. A coat hook's strength may matter far more than its colour. A weighted matrix multiplies each score by a weighting for that criterion (strength might be weighted 5, appearance 2) before totalling. Weighting stops a pretty but weak idea winning on equal points, because the more important criteria carry more influence.
What is not justifying the choice?Show answer
A selection with no reasoning is just a guess. Explain why the chosen idea scored highest.
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