On November 15th 2024, the Institute of Physics (IOP) released the big physics ideas, a set of five concepts that every young person in school should learn about to navigate the modern world.
This made me think… what would those be for Design and Technology (or whatever we call D&T in our school currently). Although I have, through my professional work, advocated for a change of name for D&T and a shaking up of the subject content through a campaign called “The Future of Design Education“, the following five big ideas are drawn together from my personal position as an ex D&T teacher who has, for 5 years since leaving the classroom, had the opportunity to speak to and learn from some of the most inspiring people across the design and engineering sector. My approach to creating the 5 big ideas for D&T is simply a collation of their expertise and my own…
The fundamentals of 11 to 19 Design and Technology
Five big D&T ideas – and their relevance to the modern world
- Design Process: Solving problems with creativity and rigor. Design is more than creating objects; it is a systematic approach to solving real-world problems. The design process includes understanding user needs, ideating solutions, prototyping, and iterating through failure and refinement. Designers think empathetically, imagining the impact of their work on people and the environment. In modern life: Design process teaches students to approach challenges methodically while nurturing creativity. It equips them to develop solutions for pressing issues, such as designing accessible products for people with disabilities or creating innovative housing solutions for sustainable cities.
- Material Science: The foundation of all design and technology. The materials we choose affect the longevity, efficiency, and environmental impact of what we create. Understanding properties such as strength, flexibility, and sustainability helps designers make informed decisions. Modern challenges demand materials that are not only functional but also responsible, like biodegradable plastics or low-carbon steel. In modern life: Knowledge of materials drives innovation in industries like renewable energy and fashion. For example, developing solar panels with higher efficiency or creating fabrics that reduce water usage aligns with global sustainability goals.
- Digital and Physical Prototyping: From ideas to tangible solutions. Prototyping bridges the gap between imagination and reality. Using tools like 3D printing, computer-aided design (CAD), and physical modelling, designers test ideas, refine them, and communicate their viability. The iterative nature of prototyping ensures designs are user-centered and ready for the complexities of the real world. In modern life: Prototyping accelerates innovation across sectors, from medical devices that save lives to apps that improve mental health. It enables rapid development and testing of solutions, crucial in responding to crises like natural disasters or pandemics.
- Responsibility: Designing for people and the planet. Design cannot exist in isolation from societal and environmental concerns. Responsible design focuses on reducing waste, supporting circular economies, and meeting the needs of diverse communities. Designers consider the lifecycle of their products, aiming for minimal environmental impact while maximizing utility and inclusivity. In modern life: This ethos pushes industries to rethink practices. Fashion brands are exploring circular models, and urban planners are designing cities with green spaces and energy-efficient buildings. Designers are pivotal in addressing global challenges like climate change and inequality.
- Systems Thinking: Understanding interconnectedness. Systems thinking enables designers to see how parts of a system interact to form a whole. Whether it’s designing a product, a service, or a city, considering these interdependencies ensures sustainable, scalable solutions. By integrating circular thinking, designers can eliminate waste and regenerate resources. In modern life: This approach transforms how we tackle challenges, such as creating closed-loop systems for waste management or energy production. It fosters innovation in sectors like transportation, where systems thinking drives solutions for electric and shared mobility.
Phil Holton 