Section B: Design Brief & Specification
GCSE — 2.2.1 NEA Guide
Overview
10 marks — AO1 (Assessment Objective 1: Identify, analyse and research)
This section shows you have turned your research into a clear direction and a detailed set of measurable design criteria. Aim for 2 pages.
What to include — page by page
Page 5: Design brief
The design brief is a short, focused statement of what you intend to design and why.
A strong design brief should:
- Be written after considering multiple problems or opportunities from your research (show that you weighed up options before choosing)
- Clearly state who you are designing for (the user/client)
- Clearly state what you are designing
- Explain why there is a need for this product — link back to your research
- Be relevant to the context
Example structure:
Following my research into [context], I have identified that [user group] needs [type of product] because [evidence from research]. I will design and make a prototype [product] that [key purpose].
Avoid vague briefs like “I will make something for people”. Be specific about the user and the need.
Page 6: Specification
The specification is a numbered list of objective, measurable criteria that your prototype must meet. It is derived from your research and brief.
A strong specification should have 8–12 points covering:
| Category | Example criteria |
|---|---|
| Function | The product must be able to hold at least 500g in weight |
| Size / Ergonomics | The handle diameter must be between 30–40mm to suit average adult grip |
| Aesthetics | The product must appeal to users aged 11–16 and use a modern, minimal style |
| Materials | The product must be made from sustainable or recycled materials where possible |
| Safety | The product must have no sharp edges and comply with relevant safety standards |
| Cost | The prototype must be made for under £20 in materials |
| Sustainability | Materials must be recyclable or biodegradable at end of life |
| User needs | The product must be operable with one hand |
Key rule: Every specification point must be testable. Avoid vague points like “it must look nice” — instead write “it must appeal to teenagers, confirmed through user feedback rating of 7/10 or above.”
Marking criteria
| Band | Marks | What the examiner is looking for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 9–10 | Multiple problems considered before choosing a brief; brief is thorough and research-led; specification has a wide range of objective, measurable criteria |
| 3 | 6–8 | A range of problems considered; brief is relevant and research-linked; specification includes measurable criteria |
| 2 | 3–5 | Some problems considered; brief covers some aspects of the research; specification includes key points |
| 1 | 1–2 | Single opportunity pursued; brief based on simple analysis; few partially appropriate specification points |
Checklist for Band 4
- Showed you considered multiple problems before selecting one for your brief
- Brief is clearly linked to your research and the context
- Brief identifies the user, the product and the reason for it
- Specification has 8–12 points
- Every point is objective and measurable (numbers, specific materials, ratings)
- Specification covers function, size, aesthetics, materials, safety and cost
- Specification will be used to test the final prototype in Section E