Characteristics of Technological Outcomes Explanatory Paper
Introduction
The purpose of this explanatory paper is to clarify and define what a technological outcome is, and how it is characterised and described. It presents the component descriptor, the key ideas underpinning it, and illustrative examples of these from technology. This paper also discusses some intuitive ideas students have about this component and suggests possible learning experiences.
Component descriptor
Technological outcomes are material products and systems developed for a specific function through Technological Practice. A technological outcome is evaluated in terms of its fitness for purpose. Technological outcomes can be described by their physical and functional properties. When these properties are known, a technological outcome can be interpreted when embedded in its social and historical context. The function or use intended by the technologist that developed it is known as its ‘proper’ function. If a technological outcome does not carry out its ‘proper’ function successfully it is described as a mal-function. ‘Alternative’ functions are successful functions that have been evolved by end-users.
