GCE Design & Technology Unit: 9DT01 - Portfolio evidence - EDI sculpture and outdoor table

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr

GCE Design & Technology Unit 9DT01 portfolio commentary evaluates an 85-slide candidate project focused on creating an EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) outdoor table with a central sculpture. The commentary reviews client selection, stakeholder consultation, research and site analysis, and the development of design concepts through iterative modelling. Strengths include comprehensive investigation, sound specifications, and a prototype meeting the brief. Improvements target conciseness, depth of analysis, stronger conclusions, and clearer purpose of specification and relevance of some elements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Portfolio evidence overview

Client selection and EDI theme

Investigation and research

Specification

Design ideas

GCE Design & Technology Unit: 9DT01 | Topic: EDI sculpture and table Full portfolio evidence | | | | --- | --- | --- | | General Description: The candidate has submitted an 85-slide portfolio, which is somewhat lengthy; several sections could be more concise. However, overall, this is an engaging and comprehensive project that comfortably achieves an A grade.
The work begins with an exploration of several potential clients before one is selected. After extensive discussions with the client, the candidate chooses to develop an external visualisation promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) for their school. A thorough investigation results in a well-considered specification, which then informs the creation of three initial design concepts.
A detailed development phase follows, including extensive iterative modelling, ultimately leading to a clearly presented final proposal. The final outcome is a sophisticated outdoor table incorporating a central sculpture, showcasing a wide range of high-level skills. The completed prototype successfully meets the requirements of the brief. | | Mod Mark | | Grid 1: Investigation
Evidence
Slides 4, 2, 3&4, 4, 5 | The work begins with an overview of several potential clients; however, it may have been more effective to focus solely on the chosen client, using the range of possibilities identified on slide 4. This would have been sufficient to achieve a high-level mark and would have made the section more succinct and focused.
Slide 2 presents information from the selected client and includes an initial design brief outlining the project’s theme: promoting a positive approach to, and raising the profile of, EDI within the candidate’s school. The bottom of slide 2 highlights both positive and negative examples of EDI recognition within the school community.
This is followed by a wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders from the EDI community and other relevant sources, shown on slides 3 and 4 and summarised at the bottom of slide 4. Slide 5 identifies the top three possibilities, bringing the investigation of the needs, wants, and values of both the client and stakeholders to a strong conclusion.
The section ends with the selection of the final concept and a well-reasoned justification for it: a striking visualisation piece designed to celebrate diversity | Level 3 | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Grid 2: Investigation / Research
Evidence
Slides: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12, 13, 14, 15 &16 | This section begins on slide 6 with an analysis of the research requirements and a summary of further client consultation. Slide 7 focuses on identifying the ideal location for the product; however, this lacks detailed analysis and justification. The chosen location is confirmed on slide 8, where dimensions are added. Different aspect views are also considered, though they are not fully analysed or justified.
Slide 9 presents a study of soil density and seasonal climate changes at the outdoor site, with useful conclusions drawn. Slide 10 examines design features, including dimensional parameters and elements found in the surrounding area. This is partially analysed and concluded, but not insignificant depth.
An anthropometric analysis of the school’s general population, with particular attention to outliers, is presented on slide 11. This would have benefitted from deeper analysis and a stronger conclusion. Slide 12 considers the dimensional restrictions of objects that may interact with the final product, while slide 13 reviews the materials and distinctive features of existing products in and around the chosen location, offering some sound analysis.
Slide 14 provides a more detailed exploration of the broad aspects associated with EDI, including suggested outcomes from a focus group. Slides 15 and 16 examine historical design styles, though their inclusion feels somewhat contrived.
Overall, this is a thorough section; however, it does not quite reac

FAQs

What is the project about and what final product is produced?

The project develops an external visualisation promoting EDI for the candidate’s school, resulting in a sophisticated outdoor table with a central sculpture that meets the brief requirements.

Which stages of the design process does the commentary cover?

It covers client selection, stakeholder consultation, investigation and research (including site and soil studies), specification, and the development of design ideas leading to iterative modelling and a final proposal.

What weaknesses are highlighted in the candidate’s portfolio work?

The commentary notes that some sections could be more concise, some analyses lack depth and justification, conclusions are sometimes weak, and a column in the specification is unclear in purpose and testing support. It also flags elements whose relevance is uncertain.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Bulrr