Lesson Plan

• Describe how recent technologies such as CAD, CNC, additive manufacturing, smart materials and IoT influence product design.
• Explain the impact of these technologies on manufacturing processes and product performance.
• Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of integrating advanced technologies in design and production.
• Apply knowledge from a smartphone case study to identify specific design and manufacturing changes driven by technology.
• Analyse how data analytics and automation improve efficiency and quality in manufacturing.

• Projector and screen
• Computer with CAD/CAM demonstration software
• Video clips of CAD modelling and 3‑D printing
• Printed worksheets and case‑study handouts
• Sticky notes and markers
• Internet access for research

Start with a short video showing the evolution of a smartphone and ask students what they think drove each design change. Recall previous lessons on the design process and how designers generate concepts. Today they will explore how modern technologies reshape each stage of design and manufacture. Success will be shown by correctly linking specific technologies to design and manufacturing impacts in the case study.

1. Do‑now (5') – Students list technologies they have seen in everyday products on sticky notes.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Overview of key technological developments (CAD, CNC, additive manufacturing, smart materials, IoT, Industry 4.0) with slide show.
3. Guided analysis (15') – Walk through the smartphone case‑study table, identifying design and manufacturing impacts for each generation.
4. Group activity (15') – Teams choose one technology, create a brief concept sketch or flowchart showing its effect on the design process using the worksheet.
5. Simulation demo (10') – Show a short video of CAD modelling feeding into CAM/CNC and 3‑D printing, highlighting virtual testing.
6. Whole‑class discussion (5') – Evaluate benefits and drawbacks; record ideas on the board.
7. Exit ticket (5') – Students write one example of a technology that could improve a product they use and justify its impact.

Summarise how each technology streamlines design, enhances manufacturing precision, and introduces new possibilities, while also noting cost and skill challenges. Collect the exit tickets to check understanding. For homework, ask students to research a recent product innovation and write a short paragraph describing the technology behind it and its design implications.