How to make a design - KS1 - 91�ȱ� Bitesize

What do designers do?

A design is a plan for how to make something.

The person who comes up with this plan is called a designer.

Designers work in different ways to make sure that their final products are useful.

When planning their products designers might draw, write and make models.

Drawing is a useful way to quickly record ideas and see what a product might look like.

First a designer might sketch ideas out using a pencil. Anything that needs explaining they might write as a note or label.

They then choose the best designs and draw them in more detail. Perhaps adding further notes about materials, size and how things might work.

The final design needs to be drawn very clearly to show exactly what needs to be made.

Designers also create models to see how a product might look or work in the real world.

Models don't have to be the same size as the final product.

They can be made from cardboard, wood, fabric, clay or plastic. They can even be made using a computer and printer.

A model can then be tested to see what is good or bad. This is called 'evaluation'.

Then, a model can be changed or remade, to try and improve the design.

To help organise their ideas, many designers also write things down.

Writing lists and flow charts help designers to think through the steps needed to make a product.

For example, a chef might write out the steps to a recipe and list the ingredients.

Or, a computer programmer might write out the steps they need a for a computer program to work.

Evaluate	Looking at something and deciding what is good or bad about it.
Flow chart	A chart used to show the steps needed to make something. It shows the steps in the right order.
Product	A thing that can be bought or sold. Examples include food, furniture and clothes.
Sketch	A fast drawing to note down ideas.

Time to see how much you know about making a design. Put your knowledge to the test.