OCR AS Level Design and Technology Past Papers

OCR AS Level Design and Technology (H040) covers the principles of design and manufacture across three specialist pathways: Product Design, Fashion and Textiles, and Design Engineering. All pathways share a common written paper on contextual themes and design principles, alongside a pathway-specific paper on materials and manufacturing processes. Component 1: Product Development Contextual Themes (H040/01, 1 hour, 40 marks) is common to all pathways and examines broad themes in design: sustainability and environmental impact (lifecycle assessment, circular economy principles, material selection for sustainability), user-centred design and inclusive design (ergonomics, anthropometric data, accessibility), the impact of technology on design (digital fabrication, smart materials, the Internet of Things), global manufacturing (global supply chains, fair trade, ethical sourcing), and the history of design (key design movements, designers, and their influence on contemporary practice). Component 2 is pathway-specific. Principles of Product Design (H040/21, 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks) covers resistant materials, polymers, composites, and smart materials — their properties, working characteristics, and manufacturing processes (casting, forming, cutting, joining, and finishing). Principles of Fashion and Textiles (H040/22, 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks) covers fibres and fabric construction, dyes and finishes, pattern cutting, garment construction, and the fashion industry's environmental and ethical dimensions. Principles of Design Engineering (H040/23, 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks) covers mechanical systems, structural analysis, electrical and electronic systems, programmable components, and materials science for engineering applications. Both components of all pathways include questions requiring the application of design and technology knowledge to unseen scenarios, including the evaluation of existing products and the development of design proposals.