Design, Creativity and Technology Glossary
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aesthetics: The appreciation of, and sensitivity towards, works of art, designs, products, objects or artefacts.
component: A part that makes up a whole, particularly in reference to a system. Examples of mechanical components include gears and pulleys and electrical/electronic components include batteries, switches and diodes.
design: A vital step in transforming ideas into creative, practical and commercial realities. Design optimises the value of products and systems and is therefore an important key to economic, social and cultural development. 1 Other definitions of design include to plan or fashion artistically or skilfully, usually in working detail; to form or conceive in the mind; a scheme of attack; to intend for a definite purpose; an adaptation of means to ends; an outline, sketch or plan. Design may also involve production, and evaluating products in a real context.
design brief: A statement that contains an outline of a situation, context, problem, need or opportunity, and specifications that apply to the problem. It is a means by which students can develop and apply knowledge and skills to solve problems. Design briefs can vary in the amount of information they provide and the way in which this information is presented. Both of these are usually determined by the level at which the students are working. Design briefs can be developed entirely by the teacher, or with varying degrees of student input.
design elements and principles: Design elements are line, shape, form, tone, texture, value and colour, sound, smell, taste. Design principles are used to arrange or organise the design elements. They include emphasis, harmony, repetition, rhythm, pattern, dominance, unity, proportion, scale, hierarchy, balance, contrast, variety and focal point.
innovative/innovation: To be innovative is to do something different, to explore new territory or to take a risk and is often seen as an outcome of the broad exploration of ideas, materials, and technical processes that can occur during the design and technology process. 2 Technology has also been defined as ‘human innovation in action’. 3 Creativity, defined as ‘the application of knowledge and skills in new ways to achieve a valued goal’, 4 is frequently linked with innovation.
material/s: A material is a natural or synthetic resource that can be processed into a product by the use of tools and equipment. Examples of materials that students learn about and manipulate are wood, fibres/fabrics/textiles, soils, metals, plastics, foods, plants and a variety of composites. The characteristics and properties of materials can influence the nature of products. In choosing materials, students need to think carefully about technical, social, cultural, economic, legal, environmental and ecological considerations. These considerations influence student decision making about the appropriateness of materials.
model/modelling: A standard or example for imitation or comparison; representation in miniature to show the construction of something; a typical or specific form or style; to form or plan according to a model.
product/s: The output of human activity in the form of an artefact. A technological product is an artefact created to meet an identified need or want.
prototype: An original or model after which anything is formed.
risk assessment: Process used to determine the likelihood that people may be exposed to injury, illness, or disease from any situation identified during the hazard identification process. A hazard is the potential to cause injury, illness or disease. Hazard identification is the process used to identify all possible situations where people may be exposed to injury, illness or disease. 5
specifications: Outline of the constraints (aspects that are fixed) and considerations (aspects that are flexible) in a design brief. Specifications may include such things as the materials available to make a product, expected completion date, and maximum size of the product to be designed or cost restrictions, or the expected level of performance.
system: A combination of elements that work together so that a specific outcome is achieved. Systems are used, applied and developed in all areas of human activity. Especially important are environmental, engineering, energy, manufacturing and information systems. Examples of technological systems are a television, a sewing machine, a bicycle, a conveyor belt, and an electronic alarm. All technological systems have specific inputs, processes and outputs that are controlled manually or automatically. Management and programming of systems are important in technology.
Each system contains separate elements that are connected in a specific way so the system will work. In some systems; for example a door lock, the elements or components are within the one system. In others; for example a car, the elements are a series of subsystems and might, as in the thermostat control of a heating system, contain feedback components.
Whether a system is appropriate depends on the technical, economic, environmental and social and cultural consequences of its application/s as well as on how well it meets human needs. Students have to consider these factors on both a local and global level and estimate their future impact on societies and environments.
(technological) technique/process: Human activity (for example, cutting, shaping, soldering, blending, and digging) that brings about a change in a material or to a system; usually carried out using tools, equipment and machines when working with materials and components.
1. Fleming, D (2004), Lab.3000 – innovation in digital design Business Plan, RMIT University. Back to Term
2. Lynch, G (2001), ‘Towards Innovation’, Executive Excellence, 18(8), August, Australia. Back to Term
3. Raisen, A (2003), ‘An Analysis of the Technology Education Curriculum of Six Countries’, Journal of Technology Education, 15(1), p. 39, Fall. Back to Term
4. Commonwealth of Australia (2003), Australia’s Teachers: Australia’s Future, Advancing Innovation, Science Technology and Mathematics, Main Report, p. 22. Department of Education, Science and Training. Back to Term
5. The Victorian WorkSafe Website: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au. Back to Term
