Communication in Design and Technology - Planning Drawings

This section outlines the importance of planning drawings in Design and Technology, focusing on flowcharts, Gantt charts, and materials/cutting lists. Effective planning is crucial for a successful project, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.

1. Flowcharts

What are Flowcharts?

Flowcharts are visual representations of a process or sequence of steps. They use standard symbols to illustrate the flow of information and decision points.

Common Flowchart Symbols

• Start/End: Oval
• Process: Rectangle
• Decision: Diamond
• Input/Output: Parallelogram
• Arrows: Indicate the direction of flow

When to Use Flowcharts

Flowcharts are particularly useful for:

• Mapping out the steps involved in a manufacturing process.
• Illustrating the sequence of actions required to assemble a product.
• Visualizing the decision-making process in a design.

Example Flowchart: Simple Product Assembly

The following table provides a basic example of a flowchart for assembling a simple product.

Step	Action	Symbol
Start	Begin assembly
Attach Part A to Part B	Use screws
Is Part A securely attached?	Check
Yes	Proceed to next step
No	Re-attach Part A
Attach Part C	Use glue
End	Assembly complete

2. Gantt Charts

What are Gantt Charts?

Gantt charts are bar charts that illustrate a project schedule. They show the start and end dates of individual tasks, as well as dependencies between tasks.

Components of a Gantt Chart

• Tasks: Individual activities that need to be completed.
• Start Date: The date when a task begins.
• End Date: The date when a task is completed.
• Duration: The length of time a task takes.
• Dependencies: Relationships between tasks (e.g., one task must finish before another can start).

Creating a Gantt Chart

A Gantt chart can be created using software or by hand. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis lists the tasks. Each task is represented by a bar whose length corresponds to its duration.

Example Gantt Chart: Product Development

The following table provides a simplified example of a Gantt chart for a product development project.

Task	Start Date	End Date	Duration (Weeks)
Concept Design	2024-03-01	2024-03-15	2 Weeks
Detailed Design	2024-03-16	2024-03-31	2 Weeks
Material Selection	2024-03-16	2024-03-22	1 Week
Prototyping	2024-04-01	2024-04-15	2 Weeks
Testing	2024-04-16	2024-04-22	1 Week
Final Production	2024-04-23	2024-04-29	1 Week

3. Materials and Cutting Lists

Materials List

A materials list details all the materials required to make a product, including quantities and specifications.

Cutting List

A cutting list specifies the dimensions and quantities of individual pieces that need to be cut from a raw material.

Creating a Materials and Cutting List

These lists are typically created using CAD software or by hand, ensuring accurate measurements and minimizing material waste.

Example Materials and Cutting List: Simple Box

The following table provides an example of a materials and cutting list for a simple box.

Item	Material	Quantity	Dimensions
Cardboard	Corrugated Cardboard	1 Sheet	1000mm x 500mm x 3mm
Glue	White PVA Glue	1 Bottle	N/A
Scissors	Steel	1 Pair	N/A

Part	Material	Quantity	Dimensions
Base	Corrugated Cardboard	1	300mm x 300mm
Sides (x4)	Corrugated Cardboard	4	300mm x 200mm

Conclusion

Effective planning drawings are essential for successful design and technology projects. By utilizing flowcharts, Gantt charts, and materials/cutting lists, students can ensure that their projects are well-organized, efficient, and meet the required specifications.