Section A: Identifying Design Possibilities
GCSE — 2.2.1 NEA Guide
Overview
10 marks — AO1 (Assessment Objective 1: Identify, analyse and research)
This section is your starting point. You need to show that you have thoroughly explored the context, researched existing products and users, and identified a clear design opportunity. Aim for 3–4 pages.
What to include — page by page
Page 1: Context analysis
Start by unpacking the context (theme) given to you by WJEC.
- Annotate or mind-map the context — what does it mean? What areas does it cover?
- Identify at least three possible directions you could take
- Explain why the context is relevant and what kinds of products could come from it
- Show you understand that design takes place within real-world situations that shape outcomes
Tip: Do not jump straight to a product idea. Show you have explored the full breadth of the context first.
Page 2: Primary research
Primary research is data you collect yourself, directly from users or the real world.
- User survey or questionnaire — ask potential users about their needs, habits, and opinions (aim for 5–10 respondents and present results as graphs or charts with analysis)
- Interview notes — speak to a potential client or user and record key findings
- Observations — observe how people interact with existing products or environments
- Measurements — record any relevant anthropometric data (e.g. hand sizes, reach distances)
Analyse what your primary research tells you — do not just present data, comment on what it means for your design.
Page 3: Secondary research
Secondary research is data already collected by others that you find and use.
- Existing product analysis — study 2–3 similar or related products in detail. Comment on:
- Materials, construction and manufacturing methods
- Aesthetics, ergonomics and usability
- Price, target market and sustainability
- What works well and what could be improved
- Relevant designers or companies — research a professional whose work relates to your context (link to the Designers content from Unit 1)
- Standards and legislation — note any relevant BSI/ISO standards or safety requirements
- Materials research — begin exploring what materials might be appropriate
Tip: Relate everything back to your context. Ask yourself: “What does this tell me about what I should design?”
Page 4: Analysis and design opportunities
Pull your research together into clear conclusions.
- Summarise the key needs and wants of your target user
- Identify at least three design problems or opportunities arising from your research
- Explain which opportunity you will pursue and why
- Show how your chosen direction responds to real user needs, not just your personal preference
Marking criteria
| Band | Marks | What the examiner is looking for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 9–10 | Thorough research clearly linked to context and professionals; detailed analysis of user needs; broad range of problems/opportunities identified |
| 3 | 6–8 | Effective research linked to context; good analysis of user needs; a range of problems/opportunities identified |
| 2 | 3–5 | Some research generally linked to context; some analysis; some problems/opportunities identified |
| 1 | 1–2 | Limited research; basic analysis; few problems/opportunities; brief not well linked to investigation |
Checklist for Band 4
- Context explored from multiple angles — not just one idea
- Primary research collected, presented visually and analysed
- At least 2–3 existing products analysed in detail
- Reference made to relevant designers or companies
- User needs and wants clearly identified
- At least three design problems or opportunities stated
- Everything is linked back to the context