GCSE Product Design Coursework Projects in 2018

Project 1 Occasional Table

Connie designed, developed and manufactured an occasional table which could be used outdoors to hold drinks and nibbles. Special features which Connie incorporated into her design were swivelling mid sections for additional table surfaces. These can be secured to create an additional layer to the table or unclipped and swung out to create further space. Connie also incorporated solar powered LED lighting on the underside of her table top trim. The product was manufactured using a wide range of techniques including CADCAM, using the laser cutter to create the table top pieces with the eye-catching circular patterns, and also using traditional workshop methods to create the legs of the product.

Project 2 Memphis Storage Unit

Natalie's storage unit was inspired by the Memphis design movement. She utilised the principles of this movement to develop and manufacture her own unique piece. The Memphis style pattern has been applied to the internal faces of the product and also a frosted acrylic back piece has been laser etched with a Memphis style pattern. Natalie used comb joints and dowel joints to assemble her product and great emphasis was placed on the use of jigs and templates so that her pieces were manufactured to be identical and fitted accurately and securely.

Project 3 Japanese Inspired Lamp

Immy designed, developed and manufactured a lamp, which is suitable for use in the garden. Her inspiration and starting point for designing was Japanese gardens. The light is solar powered and housed in the base section of the product. Immy utilised the CAD package 2D Design and the laser cutter to create the majority of the parts, which resulted in a high quality and accurate outcome.

Project 4 Hallway Storage Unit

Izzy's project was designed for use in a hallway for storing small items such as post, keys, phone, glasses and other small personal items. She used Polynesian culture as a starting point for inspiration. The product is manufactured from oak and copper sheet. Izzy created the Hibiscus pattern using 2D Design and then laser cut a template which she could use to drill the holes in the copper sheet. The oak sections were dowel jointed. The light is an additional feature to showcase the pattern in the copper face. It is remote controlled and colour-changing.