List two characteristics of a patent.

It has been proved that Edison was not the inventor of the light globe as they existed 50 years prior to his patent. However, he is known for improving the light globe and making them commercially successful.

Explain the impact of innovators and innovation with relation to Edison’s light globe.

Explain why the transparency and strength of the glass in Edison’s light globe have contributed to its success.

A light globe can be designed with planned obsolescence in mind.

Explain how the style, function and sustainability in the design of the light globe can lead to planned obsolescence.

a patent protects a new product/invention/process/idea;

lasts for a number of years/set period of time;

prevents others from imitating intellectual property;

can be used within geographical boundaries;

is recognised by governments/protected by law;

Award [1] for listing each characteristic of a patent up to [2 max].

innovators adopt an invention and take risks;

innovation is the successful diffusion of an invention in the marketplace;

Edison created the necessary changes/improvements for the light globe to be diffused into the market/commercially viable/adopted by consumers;

Award [1] for each of three distinct points in an explanation of the impact of innovators and innovation with relation to Edison’s light globe up to [3 max].

Transparency:
transparency is the ability of a material to allow light to pass through;
creating a functional need for the product for different uses;
which allows the (amount of) light to be consistent/controlled;

transparency refers to a material that is clear/able to be seen through;
creating a pleasing aesthetic;
which allows the internal filament to be seen;

Strength:
the strength of the light globe depends on the ability of the glass to withstand failure;
allowing it to support its own shape/by utilising a shell structure;
which would prevent it breaking if a force is applied when handling the light globe;

the strength of the light globe depends on the ability of the glass to withstand thermal expansion;
resisting internal forces and displacements;
which would prevent it breaking from the heat generated;

Award [1] for each of three distinct points in an explanation of how the transparency of the glass in Edison’s light globe have contributed to its success up to [3 max].

Award [1] for each of three distinct points in an explanation of how the strength of the glass in Edison’s light globe have contributed to its success up to [3 max].

Mark as [3] + [3].

Style:
style obsolescence occurs when a trend no longer is fashionable;
the light globe can be designed in a particular style of the time;
and becomes unpopular when a new style replaces it;

Function:
over time, products wear out/break down/stop working;
the lightbulb can be designed with materials/components which will fail over a set period of time;
requiring a new light globe to be purchased as a replacement;

Sustainability:
lightbulbs have become available which are easier to recycle/use less energy;
and reduce the overall impact on the environment;
consumers reject traditional light globes in favour of more efficient alternatives;

Award [1] for each of three distinct points in an explanation of how the style in the design of the light globe can lead to planned obsolescence up to [3 max].

Award [1] for each of three distinct points in an explanation of how the function in the design of the light globe can lead to planned obsolescence up to [3 max].

Award [1] for each of three distinct points in an explanation of how the sustainability in the design of the light globe can lead to planned obsolescence up to [3 max].

Mark as [3] + [3] + [3].

This question has appeared in multiple past papers. Understanding seems to be improving with many candidates achieving 1-2 marks.

Quite a challenging question that required candidates to have a good understanding of the definition of innovators and innovation. A number of candidates repeated information from the question in their response.

Transparency was answered well (compared to strength). Many candidates achieved 1-2 marks for transparency.

Strength was not answered well (compared to transparency) with only a few candidates achieving similar marks for the strength cluster.

Generally not well answered. A few candidates achieved 1-2 marks in the style and function clusters but very few achieved any marks for the sustainability cluster. The concept of sustainability and planned obsolescence may have been confusing to some candidates.