Justifying Decisions (Junior Cert Applied Technology): Revision Notes

Design Decision-Making Criteria

Definitions

• Design Decision: Picking a plan from various options, based on project goals.
• Criteria: Standards used to make a choice.
• Aesthetic: Study of beauty and taste in design.
• Functionality: How well something serves its purpose.
• User Needs: What users or clients require from a design.

Criteria for Design Decisions

• Common criteria include cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and innovation.

• These criteria ensure designs are practical, feasible, and meet current needs.

  infoNote

  Link to Functionality and Aesthetics:

  • Solar panels: Focus on cost and sustainability, ensuring energy efficiency and a nice look for homes.
  • Electric Cars: Stress innovation and sustainability, keeping energy efficiency and a stylish design for modern users.

  Example	Cost-Effectiveness	Sustainability	Innovation
  Solar Panels	High	High	Moderate
  Electric Cars	Moderate	High	High

Role of Research and Evidence

• Research gathers data that shapes design choices.
• Types of evidence:
  • Case Studies: Show design success and failures.
  • Market Research: Looks at demand and preferences.
  • User Feedback: Ensures designs meet user expectations.

Building Arguments

• Create clear and logical arguments for design choices by:
  • Highlighting features that meet user needs.
  • Checking how the design meets goals for sustainability and cost.
  • Emphasising innovative features that provide an edge.
• Balance functionality and aesthetics to support your overall design goal.

Decision-Making Process

• Steps involve understanding and aligning with user needs and design details.

  • Example: Get feedback to ensure the design matches user expectations, like style and functional needs such as ease of use.

• Use tools like decision matrices or SWOT analysis to organise this.

  

---

Summary