Electronics and Mechanical Device Design

Start with a design requirement

Battery Holder 2D is a useful place to begin. Its branches consider the size and shape of a battery holder, space for wires and how many pieces might be used. Follow those branches to see how a stated requirement can lead to design choices.

The other battery holder map considers materials, appearance and ease of bending. Read it alongside Battery Holder 2D and compare the questions each map raises about the design.

Explore movement and mechanisms

Marbles Machine brings together movement, safety, cost, materials and manufacture. Marble Machine also considers materials, production and safety. Looking at both maps can help you organize the different considerations around a mechanical design.

Automatic Vent System outlines requirements for an automatic vent and lists mechanisms that might be used, including a push-pull linkage, a cam and follower, and a gear system with a motor. Trace the branches from the requirements to the possible mechanisms.

Consider users and materials

The Portable Radio maps look at different users alongside features such as appearance, ease of use and robustness. The Radio map also includes materials and locations. Compare their branches to see how the intended user or location can influence the ideas being considered.

This page lists mind maps rather than quizzes or flashcards. To check your understanding, cover a branch and try to recall its ideas before looking again.

Use the maps in the unit

Electronics and Mechanical Device Design is one section of the Design Projects and Coursework unit in Design and technology. The maps offer examples of how to group requirements, materials and mechanisms when studying designs in this section. Choose another map and make a note of the questions its branches raise.