Advanced Design and Technology retrieval labs 1–25

Lab 1: design brief

Retrieval cue: a concise statement defining the design problem, user and intended outcome. Produce design brief before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: A strong brief defines the problem without prescribing the solution. Write a new sentence using design brief to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The team rewrote the design brief after interviewing the user.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 2: design criteria

Retrieval cue: measurable qualities a successful design should satisfy. Produce design criteria before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Criteria should be testable rather than vague preferences. Write a new sentence using design criteria to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The prototype met four of the five design criteria.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 3: constraint

Retrieval cue: a limit that restricts possible solutions. Produce constraint before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Constraints narrow the design space. Write a new sentence using constraint to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Budget was the main constraint on material choice.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 4: specification

Retrieval cue: a detailed statement of required features or performance. Produce specification before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: A specification is more detailed and testable than a general brief. Write a new sentence using specification to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The final specification included size, load and safety requirements.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 5: user need

Retrieval cue: a requirement or problem experienced by the intended user. Produce user need before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: User need should be evidenced, not assumed. Write a new sentence using user need to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The handle shape was changed to address a user need for easier grip.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 6: user-centred design

Retrieval cue: a process that develops solutions around real users and contexts. Produce user-centred design before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: The user remains part of research, prototyping and evaluation. Write a new sentence using user-centred design to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “User-centred design led the team to test the product with older adults.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 7: ergonomics

Retrieval cue: the design of products and environments for efficient, safe human use. Produce ergonomics before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Ergonomics concerns human interaction, not appearance alone. Write a new sentence using ergonomics to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Ergonomics influenced the angle and diameter of the handle.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 8: anthropometrics

Retrieval cue: measurements of human body size and proportions used in design. Produce anthropometrics before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Use population-relevant measurements rather than one person’s body size. Write a new sentence using anthropometrics to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Anthropometric data helped determine seat height.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 9: accessibility

Retrieval cue: the degree to which a product can be used by people with varied abilities. Produce accessibility before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Accessibility is broader than convenience. Write a new sentence using accessibility to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The interface was revised to improve accessibility.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 10: usability

Retrieval cue: how effectively and easily a user can achieve a goal with a product. Produce usability before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Usability should be observed through tasks, not guessed. Write a new sentence using usability to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Testing revealed a usability problem in the control layout.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 11: function

Retrieval cue: the practical job a product or component performs. Produce function before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Function answers what the part or product does. Write a new sentence using function to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The hinge performs the function of controlled rotation.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 12: aesthetics

Retrieval cue: the visual and sensory qualities of a design. Produce aesthetics before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Aesthetics should not replace function or safety. Write a new sentence using aesthetics to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Aesthetics influenced colour, proportion and surface finish.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 13: innovation

Retrieval cue: a new or meaningfully improved solution that creates value. Produce innovation before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Novelty alone is not necessarily useful innovation. Write a new sentence using innovation to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The modular joint was an innovation that simplified repair.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 14: trade-off

Retrieval cue: a compromise in which improving one criterion may worsen another. Produce trade-off before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Design decisions often involve competing criteria. Write a new sentence using trade-off to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The lighter material created a trade-off between mass and cost.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 15: benchmark

Retrieval cue: a reference point used for comparison. Produce benchmark before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Benchmarking informs targets but should not encourage copying. Write a new sentence using benchmark to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The team used a commercial product as a benchmark for weight and durability.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 16: prototype

Retrieval cue: a working or partial model used to test a design idea. Produce prototype before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: A prototype is for learning, not merely presentation. Write a new sentence using prototype to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The prototype exposed a weakness in the locking mechanism.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 17: mock-up

Retrieval cue: a simplified model used to explore form, scale or layout. Produce mock-up before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Mock-ups may not reproduce full function. Write a new sentence using mock-up to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “A foam mock-up helped the team evaluate grip size.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 18: iteration

Retrieval cue: a repeated cycle of designing, testing and improving. Produce iteration before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Iteration should be driven by evidence from testing. Write a new sentence using iteration to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Each iteration reduced the time required for assembly.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 19: refinement

Retrieval cue: a targeted improvement that makes a design more precise or effective. Produce refinement before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Refinement is usually smaller than a complete redesign. Write a new sentence using refinement to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The final refinement reduced friction in the slider.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 20: evaluation

Retrieval cue: a judgement of a design against evidence and criteria. Produce evaluation before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Evaluation requires criteria and evidence. Write a new sentence using evaluation to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The evaluation showed that reliability improved but cost remained high.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 21: testing

Retrieval cue: a planned process for checking performance or behaviour. Produce testing before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Tests should match the claim being made. Write a new sentence using testing to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Load testing was carried out before final evaluation.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 22: validation

Retrieval cue: confirmation that a design meets intended user needs or requirements. Produce validation before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Validation asks whether the right problem was solved. Write a new sentence using validation to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “User trials provided validation for the revised layout.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 23: verification

Retrieval cue: checking that a design or component meets stated specifications. Produce verification before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Verification asks whether specified requirements were met. Write a new sentence using verification to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Dimension checks verified that the part matched the drawing.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 24: reliability

Retrieval cue: the ability to perform consistently over time or repeated use. Produce reliability before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Reliability is different from one-time success. Write a new sentence using reliability to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “Reliability testing identified a failure after repeated cycles.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Lab 25: durability

Retrieval cue: the ability to resist wear, damage or deterioration over time. Produce durability before checking. Then paraphrase the meaning without losing its technical boundary.

Design judgement: Durability concerns life under use and environment. Write a new sentence using durability to justify a design choice, test result, drawing feature or evaluation decision.

Transfer: Adapt the model “The coating improved durability in outdoor conditions.” to a different product or condition. After a delay, retrieve the term again from the definition alone.

Advanced D&T retrieval labs 26–35

Lab 26: maintenance

Retrieve: work needed to keep a product functioning correctly. Target: maintenance. Maintainability can be designed in.

Apply: Adapt “The design allows maintenance without dismantling the full assembly.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 27: repairability

Retrieve: the ease with which a product can be diagnosed and repaired. Target: repairability. Repairability supports longer product life.

Apply: Adapt “Replaceable modules improved repairability.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 28: modularity

Retrieve: design using independent units that can be combined or replaced. Target: modularity. Modules need clear interfaces.

Apply: Adapt “Modularity allowed damaged sections to be replaced separately.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 29: standardisation

Retrieve: use of agreed dimensions, processes or components. Target: standardisation. Standardisation can improve compatibility and efficiency.

Apply: Adapt “Standardisation reduced the number of unique fasteners.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 30: tolerance

Retrieve: the permitted variation from a specified dimension. Target: tolerance. Tolerance is not the same as error; it defines acceptable variation.

Apply: Adapt “The shaft diameter was manufactured within a tolerance of 0.1 mm.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 31: dimension

Retrieve: a measurable size such as length, width or diameter. Target: dimension. Dimensions should use consistent units.

Apply: Adapt “Every critical dimension was added to the technical drawing.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 32: scale

Retrieve: the ratio between drawing or model size and real size. Target: scale. Scale must be stated and interpreted correctly.

Apply: Adapt “The component was drawn at a scale of 2:1.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 33: orthographic projection

Retrieve: a set of 2D views showing an object accurately from different directions. Target: orthographic projection. It prioritises dimensional clarity over visual realism.

Apply: Adapt “Orthographic projection showed the front, plan and side views.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 34: isometric drawing

Retrieve: a pictorial drawing that represents three dimensions on angled axes. Target: isometric drawing. Useful for visualisation but not always exact measurement.

Apply: Adapt “The isometric drawing communicated the overall form quickly.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Lab 35: exploded view

Retrieve: a drawing showing parts separated while preserving assembly relationships. Target: exploded view. Useful for assembly and maintenance communication.

Apply: Adapt “The exploded view clarified the order of components.” to a different design problem, then retrieve the term again after a delay.

Advanced D&T retrieval labs 36–45

Lab 36: schematic

Retrieve: a simplified diagram showing functional relationships. Target: schematic. Schematics prioritise relationships over physical appearance.

Apply: Adapt “The circuit schematic showed how the sensor connected to the controller.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 37: annotation

Retrieve: a note added to a drawing to explain features, decisions or dimensions. Target: annotation. Good annotations add technical reasoning, not obvious labels.

Apply: Adapt “Annotations explained the material and joining choices.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 38: rendering

Retrieve: a visual representation showing appearance, light or material. Target: rendering. A rendering does not prove function.

Apply: Adapt “The digital rendering helped communicate the final surface finish.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 39: CAD

Retrieve: computer-aided design software used to create and modify digital models. Target: CAD. CAD supports precision and iteration.

Apply: Adapt “CAD allowed the team to change dimensions without redrawing the part.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 40: CAM

Retrieve: computer-aided manufacturing using digital data to control production. Target: CAM. CAM depends on accurate design data and process planning.

Apply: Adapt “CAM converted the digital model into machine instructions.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 41: material property

Retrieve: a measurable characteristic that affects material behaviour. Target: material property. Choose properties relevant to the loading and environment.

Apply: Adapt “Material properties guided the selection of the frame.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 42: density

Retrieve: mass per unit volume. Target: density. Low density does not automatically mean weak.

Apply: Adapt “Low density made the panel easier to carry.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 43: hardness

Retrieve: resistance to indentation, scratching or wear. Target: hardness. Hardness differs from toughness.

Apply: Adapt “The surface required high hardness to resist abrasion.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 44: toughness

Retrieve: ability to absorb energy before fracturing. Target: toughness. A tough material resists fracture under impact.

Apply: Adapt “Toughness was important because the casing could be dropped.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Lab 45: stiffness

Retrieve: resistance to elastic deformation. Target: stiffness. Stiffness differs from strength.

Apply: Adapt “Greater stiffness reduced unwanted bending.” to a different design problem and justify the technical choice.

Advanced D&T retrieval labs 46–55

Lab 46: elasticity

Retrieve: ability to return to original shape after deformation. Target: elasticity. Elastic deformation is reversible within limits.

Apply: Adapt “The seal relies on elasticity to maintain contact.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 47: ductility

Retrieve: ability to deform plastically in tension without fracturing. Target: ductility. Ductility concerns tensile plastic deformation.

Apply: Adapt “Ductility allows metal wire to be drawn into thin strands.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 48: malleability

Retrieve: ability to deform plastically under compression. Target: malleability. Malleability is related to, but distinct from, ductility.

Apply: Adapt “Malleability allows metal to be rolled into sheet.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 49: brittleness

Retrieve: tendency to fracture with little plastic deformation. Target: brittleness. Brittle materials can still be hard or strong.

Apply: Adapt “The ceramic’s brittleness made impact protection necessary.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 50: tensile strength

Retrieve: maximum stress a material withstands in tension before failure. Target: tensile strength. Tensile strength concerns pulling loads.

Apply: Adapt “The cable required high tensile strength.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 51: compressive strength

Retrieve: capacity to withstand squeezing loads. Target: compressive strength. Compression and tension performance can differ greatly.

Apply: Adapt “Concrete has high compressive strength.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 52: stress

Retrieve: internal force per unit area within a loaded material. Target: stress. Engineering stress has a technical meaning.

Apply: Adapt “The analysis showed maximum stress near the hole.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 53: strain

Retrieve: relative deformation produced by loading. Target: strain. Strain describes deformation relative to original size.

Apply: Adapt “The sensor measured strain during bending.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 54: load

Retrieve: an applied force or demand carried by a structure or system. Target: load. Loads can be static, dynamic, distributed or concentrated.

Apply: Adapt “The shelf was tested under a 50 kg load.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Lab 55: force

Retrieve: a push or pull that can change motion or shape. Target: force. Use force with magnitude and direction where relevant.

Apply: Adapt “The lever reduced the input force required.” to a different design problem and state what evidence would test the choice.

Advanced D&T retrieval labs 56–65

Lab 56: torque

Retrieve: turning effect of a force about an axis. Target: torque. Torque depends on force and lever distance.

Apply: Adapt “The motor produced enough torque to rotate the arm.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 57: friction

Retrieve: resistance to relative motion between surfaces. Target: friction. Friction can be useful or undesirable.

Apply: Adapt “Lubrication reduced friction in the bearing.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 58: wear

Retrieve: gradual material loss or damage through use. Target: wear. Wear mechanisms depend on contact and environment.

Apply: Adapt “Repeated sliding caused visible wear on the guide.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 59: fatigue

Retrieve: failure or damage caused by repeated cyclic loading. Target: fatigue. Fatigue can occur below one-time failure loads.

Apply: Adapt “The hinge was redesigned to reduce fatigue cracking.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 60: corrosion

Retrieve: material deterioration through chemical or electrochemical reaction. Target: corrosion. Material and environment both influence corrosion.

Apply: Adapt “A coating reduced corrosion in the outdoor frame.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 61: conductivity

Retrieve: ability to conduct heat or electricity. Target: conductivity. Specify thermal or electrical conductivity.

Apply: Adapt “Copper was selected for its electrical conductivity.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 62: insulation

Retrieve: material or design that resists heat, sound or electrical transfer. Target: insulation. State what form of transfer is being resisted.

Apply: Adapt “Insulation reduced heat loss through the enclosure.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 63: fastener

Retrieve: a component used to join parts mechanically. Target: fastener. Fasteners can support disassembly and repair.

Apply: Adapt “Bolts were chosen as removable fasteners.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 64: adhesive

Retrieve: a substance used to bond surfaces. Target: adhesive. Surface preparation affects bond quality.

Apply: Adapt “The adhesive created a lightweight permanent joint.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Lab 65: welding

Retrieve: joining materials by heat, pressure or both to create a permanent joint. Target: welding. Process choice depends on material and joint requirements.

Apply: Adapt “Welding was used for the steel frame.” to a different design problem and name one test or observation that would support the statement.

Advanced D&T retrieval labs 66–75

Lab 66: soldering

Retrieve: joining metals using a lower-melting filler metal. Target: soldering. Soldering is not the same as welding.

Apply: Rework “Soldering connected components on the circuit board.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 67: assembly

Retrieve: the process or arrangement of joining components into a product. Target: assembly. Assembly planning affects time, quality and maintenance.

Apply: Rework “The assembly sequence was simplified after testing.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 68: mechanism

Retrieve: an arrangement of parts that transmits or changes motion and force. Target: mechanism. Mechanisms have input, transformation and output.

Apply: Rework “The locking mechanism converts rotation into linear movement.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 69: linkage

Retrieve: connected rigid members used to transmit motion. Target: linkage. Linkage geometry controls the motion path.

Apply: Rework “The four-bar linkage guided the platform.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 70: lever

Retrieve: a rigid bar rotating about a pivot to transmit force. Target: lever. Lever behaviour depends on pivot and distances.

Apply: Rework “The lever increased mechanical advantage.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 71: gear

Retrieve: a toothed wheel used to transmit rotation and torque. Target: gear. Gear ratio affects speed and torque.

Apply: Rework “The gear pair reduced speed and increased torque.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 72: pulley

Retrieve: a grooved wheel and rope or belt system used to transmit force or motion. Target: pulley. Multiple pulleys can change mechanical advantage.

Apply: Rework “The pulley redirected the lifting force.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 73: cam

Retrieve: a shaped rotating component that produces controlled follower motion. Target: cam. Cam profile determines follower motion.

Apply: Rework “The cam converted rotation into repeated lifting motion.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 74: axle

Retrieve: a shaft supporting or rotating wheels or components. Target: axle. Axle and shaft functions can overlap but are not always identical.

Apply: Rework “The axle transferred rotation between the wheels.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Lab 75: bearing

Retrieve: a component that supports motion while reducing friction. Target: bearing. Bearing type should match load and motion.

Apply: Rework “The bearing supported the rotating shaft.” for another mechanism or product, then explain what would change if the term were misunderstood.

Advanced D&T retrieval labs 76–85

Lab 76: input

Retrieve: a signal, material, energy or information entering a system. Target: input. System boundaries determine what counts as input.

Apply: Adapt “The temperature sensor provides an input to the controller.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 77: output

Retrieve: the result, signal, motion or product produced by a system. Target: output. Outputs should be linked to system purpose.

Apply: Adapt “Motor speed is the main mechanical output.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 78: feedback

Retrieve: information about output used to adjust system behaviour. Target: feedback. Feedback can stabilise or alter performance.

Apply: Adapt “Feedback allowed the controller to maintain target temperature.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 79: sensor

Retrieve: a device that detects or measures a physical condition. Target: sensor. Sensors convert physical phenomena into usable signals.

Apply: Adapt “The sensor measured light intensity.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 80: actuator

Retrieve: a component that converts a control signal into physical action. Target: actuator. Actuators create movement or other physical output.

Apply: Adapt “The actuator opened the valve.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 81: control system

Retrieve: a set of components that manages system behaviour. Target: control system. Open-loop and closed-loop systems differ.

Apply: Adapt “The control system adjusted fan speed using temperature feedback.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 82: circuit

Retrieve: a complete path through which electrical current can flow. Target: circuit. A circuit is more than a collection of components.

Apply: Adapt “The circuit included a switch, resistor and motor.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 83: current

Retrieve: rate of flow of electric charge. Target: current. Current is measured in amperes.

Apply: Adapt “The motor drew more current under heavy load.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 84: voltage

Retrieve: electric potential difference between two points. Target: voltage. Voltage drives charge through a circuit.

Apply: Adapt “The controller operates at a low voltage.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.

Lab 85: resistance

Retrieve: opposition to electric current. Target: resistance. Resistance depends on material and geometry.

Apply: Adapt “Increasing resistance reduced the current.” to another system and identify the input, output, component or relationship controlled by the term.