The Technological Practice Strand Explanatory Papers Updated May 2010
Outcome Development and Evaluation
Abstract
The purpose of this explanatory paper is to clarify and define the way in which outcomes are conceptualised, developed, and refined as part of Technological Practice. It presents the component descriptor, the key ideas underpinning it, and illustrative examples of these from technology and technology education.
Component descriptor
The development of a Technological Outcome (product or system) involves the creative generation of design ideas leading to the testing and refinement of these into a conceptual design for a potential outcome, and the production and evaluation of the realised outcome prior to its acceptance for use in-situ. This is achieved through such things as research, experimentation, functional modelling, and prototyping.
Outcome development and evaluation relies on the use and/or development of constructive skills and knowledge – including those associated with communicating design concepts and working with materials/components. Analysis of evaluative data gained from functional modelling and prototyping, and the use of this to make informed and justifiable decisions for a potential and/or realised outcome, is critical to ensure that the final outcome, when produced, is fit for purpose as defined by the brief. Outcome Development and Evaluation can be thought of as the designing, production, and evaluation practices of Technological Practice.
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