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SingaporeDesign and Technology

Idea Generation and Development

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does a designer take a promising idea and refine it, step by step, into a workable solution?

Develop and refine a chosen idea through annotated sketches, modelling and testing, justifying each change against the specification
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on development. Refining a chosen idea through annotated sketches, modelling and testing, with each change justified against the specification.
8 min answer →

How does a designer produce many varied ideas instead of settling on the first thing that comes to mind?

Use idea-generation techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, morphological analysis and SCAMPER to produce a wide range of design ideas
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on generating ideas. Brainstorming, mind mapping, morphological analysis and SCAMPER, and why a wide range of ideas matters.
7 min answer →

Why do designers build models and prototypes, and how do different kinds of model serve different purposes?

Use models and prototypes, from quick study models to working prototypes, to test ideas in three dimensions and gather evidence for refinement
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on modelling. Study models, mock-ups and working prototypes, the materials used, and how models test ideas and gather evidence.
7 min answer →

How does a designer choose objectively between several ideas instead of just picking a favourite?

Evaluate and select the best idea by judging each against the design specification, using methods such as a weighted evaluation matrix
A focused answer to the O-Level Design and Technology outcome on choosing ideas. Judging ideas against the specification, using an evaluation matrix with weighting, and justifying the choice objectively.
7 min answer →