DP Design Technology Questionbank

Describe how the designer of the modern Anglepoise lamp in Figure 4 has achieved a compromise between form and function.

Discuss whether the Greenfeet Climeate shoe (2019) balances the compromise between form and function.

List one characteristic that the retro-styled Greenfeet Climeate shoe (2019) shares with the original Greenfeet Climeate shoe (2004).

The design of mobile phones has changed over time. Figure 7 shows the evolution of mobile phones before the launch of the iPhone, while Figure 8 shows the evolution of smartphones since the launch of the iPhone.

[Sources: image adapted from Anders https://commons.wikimedia.org and © International Baccalaureate Organization 2018]

A design that contains those implicit features of a product that are recognized as essential by a majority of manufacturers and purchasers is known as…

A. Robust design

B. Dominant design

C. Emotional design

D. Form following function

Explain one characteristic of retro styling.

Explain how the classic design of a product, such as a classic car, transcends obsolescence.

Figure 6 shows the Ford Mustang, which was first manufactured in 1965 is still being manufactured in 2019. The engineers of the new car have designed the sound of the engine to replicate the original model.

Figure 6: The Ford Mustang

[Source: adapted image (cropped and recoloured) “1965 Ford Mustang 2D Hardtop Front” by Kroelleboelle (en.wikipedia.org). Under copyright and creative commons licence 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en) and adapted image (cropped, blurred and recoloured) “2018 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Front” by Vauxford (en.wikipedia.org). Under copyright and creative commons licence 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en)]

What is this an example of?

A. Practical function

B. Psychological function

C. Retro styling

D. Conflict and compromise

Explain how mass production, dominant design and cultural status have made the VW Beetle a classic design.

Outline why the clapperboard can be defined as a classic design.

Discuss the conflict between form and function when designing a new bridge.

The Jerrycan, see Figure 10, was developed in Germany in the 1930s for military use. It became a much sought-after item because it was engineered to a much higher standard than the competition and contained many innovative features, including indentations in the walls that allowed for expansion and increased strength, and a handle design that allowed it to be carried by one or two people. Its iconic status is demonstrated by continued availability of and the use of the term “Jerrycan” in reference to all fuel containers.

Figure 10: The Jerrycan

[Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jerrycan.JPG]

What term best describes the Jerrycan?

A. Imitative design

B. Dominant design

C. Obsolescent design

D. Aesthetic design

Figure 12 below shows a room with Utility Furniture. This was a scheme created by the British government during World War II to ensure efficient use of scarce resources for the creation of furniture.

Figure 12: A room with Utility Furniture

[Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Utility_Furniture_Exhibition_at_the_Building_Centre,London,_1942D11053.jpg]

What design principle guided the development of Utility Furniture?

A. Iconic design

B. Aesthetic design

C. Functional design

D. Cultural design

Outline one reason why the Nelson Swag Leg Desk achieved classic design status.

Explain how retro-styling has been used in the design of the Gramovox^® bluetooth speaker.

Figure 6 shows a coffee maker design from the 1930s. It is widely considered a design classic and is still used today.

Figure 6: A coffee maker

[Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moka2.jpg
Imm808 – Wikimedia Commons]

Which of these factors may have contributed to its status as a classic design?

I. It could be mass produced easily

II. It was the dominant design for coffee makers for many years

III. It transcended its function by being used as decoration in many kitchens

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

Explain how the Bailey Wood Plane demonstrates omnipresence and dominant design.