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Designers should consider usability when designing so their products are inclusive, easy to use and do not cause discomfort, pain or even injury. This is made easier by advancements in technology.

Companies are trying to save money, improve products, develop new materials and become more efficient. New technologies are developed to positively impact the manufacturing industry and society.

Energy generation and storage have a huge global impact on our lives - from decisions about the use of fossil fuels and their effect on our environment, to the development of cleaner, more modern ways to create and store energy.

Developments in science and engineering lead to changes in materials technology. There are a range of modern materials with impressive properties, as well as traditional ones such as wood or metal.

The systems approach to designing with programmable electronic devices is vital in understanding how today’s electronic devices are programmed together with how they operate in the real world.

Mechanical devices can change one form of force to another. All moving parts work on some sort of mechanism.

All materials have physical and working properties. Physical properties are the traits a material has before it is used, whereas working properties are how the material behaves when it is manipulated.

Paper is made from wood pulp or recycled material. It may be used in packaging, drawing and sketching, or model making.

Hardwood and softwood are types of timber that come from many different trees. Manufactured boards such as MDF and plywood are man-made.

Metals come from an ore that is mined from the ground. Metals can be used for all methods of production, from bespoke pieces of jewellery to mass-produced cars.

Most polymers are manufactured and are designed by chemical engineers. Most are made using non-renewable crude oil. Difficulties around disposal mean there is a drive to reduce the use of plastics.

Textiles are made from fibres, classified as either natural or manufactured. Fibres are twisted into yarns before being made into woven, knitted or bonded fabrics.

Design engineering is the study of problem solving by ‘traditional’ engineering and design. It applies an understanding of materials, creative design thinking and manufacturing techniques.

During the designing and making processes it is important to gather feedback from the client and users. Refining the product based on this feedback helps solve any problems before production begins.

Designers use many techniques to create products and solve problems. Design and development involve creating working drawings and parts lists to enable a third party to manufacture the design.

Manufacturers need to consider the form, function and cost of designs before production. Designers need to consider safety, availability of materials and minimising waste, while maintaining quality.

Evaluating ideas, models and feedback is an ongoing process, utilised in continuing to adapt and improve products to make them more useful, appealing and profitable.