Product development

Development of British military combat equipment

Synopsis

This lesson develops students' understanding of product development and evolution in the challenging context of British military camouflage clothing and equipment. Students firstly explore the factors which influence a product's design in both military and civilian contexts. They then go on to study camouflage clothing. This has evolved significantly over the centuries due to changes in the nature of warfare, the environments in which conflicts exist, soldiers' changing needs and a range of technological and manufacturing advancements. Students understanding of market pull and technology push is then applied to recent developments in British military equipment. In the context of defence, the most technologically advanced equipment and clothing are essential to protect and empower British troops in combat situations.

MOD Topic

Development of British military combat equipment

Curriculum Checklist

Examination requirements.
Candidates should:
1. Identify ways in which products evolve over time because of developments in ideas, materials, manufacturing processes and technologies as well as because of social, political, cultural and environmental changes;
2. Have a basic knowledge and understanding of major design movements since 1900 e.g. Arts & Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus, Modernism, De Stijl, Memphis, Post Modernism;
3. Recognise that design movements and cultural influences are still influencing new product development;
4. Have a knowledge and understanding that manufacturing industries are involved in continuous improvement (CI) and this is a major influence in product evolution;
5. Have a knowledge and understanding that sometimes new products are developed because of marketing pull and sometimes because of technological push.

Curriculum Links

• Design Technology Textiles
• History
• Literacy

Prior Knowledge

Pupils will need limited prior knowledge for this lesson as it can be used as a self contained unit.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Understand the concept that products change over time e.g. environmental, consumer needs.
• Be able to identify some of these factors using an example of UK military camouflage clothing.
• Have some understanding of 'technology push' and 'market pull'.
• Understand that 'technology push' and 'market pull' influences the development of British military equipment.

Average ability students will:

• Understand the concept that products change over time due to various factors e.g. environmental, consumer needs.
• Be able to discuss these factors and apply learning to UK military camouflage clothing.
• Understand the terms 'technology push' and 'market pull' and be able to identify examples.
• Understand how 'technology push' and 'market pull' has affected the development of British military equipment.

Higher ability students will:

• Understand that products change over time due to various different factors e.g. environmental, consumer needs.
• Be able to discuss and explain these factors extensively and apply learning to UK military camouflage clothing.
• Understand the terms 'technology push' and 'market pull' and be able to provide examples.
• Identify and explain how 'technology push' and 'market pull' has affected the development of British military equipment.

Lesson code

DT1