TA1: Design tools

What you need to know

• The components of a flow chart • When it is best to use a flow chart.

A flow chart is a design tool that shows a clear path of how you are going to achieve the intended product. It can be created in word processing software, drawing packages or specialist flow chart software. Flow chart This is often used to show processes, workflows and decisions. Different shapes are used to identify various points in the process.

This is the Terminator shape Start and is at the beginning and end of every flow chart. Step 1

This is the Decision shape where the user has to make a choice; there can only be Decision Step 1 two choices: Yes or No. Answer

A flow chart can have more than one End depending on End how many decisions it has. This is the Process shape and shows when something is taking place in the flow chart. All flow charts use arrows as this shows the direction you need to take. This is the Input/Output shape and shows when something is being added or extracted from the project. Advantages Disadvantages • It is good at showing a clear route of how you are going to create your product. • It helps with organisation as it is logical.

• Too many options make it complicated and difficult to understand. • Each shape on a flow chart has a specific role. Remember it! Create a set of revision flash cards for each design tool as you revise, starting with flow Revise it! SAMPLE charts. Include: • Most common computer software can be • the purpose of the design tool used to create a range of design tools. • an example of the design tool • Each tool has something it cannot be • a description of the design tool used for, e.g. a flow chart can’t be used to present an idea. • the advantages & disadvantages of the design tool.

What you need to know

• The types of mind map available • When it is best to use a mind map.

A mind map is a way of visually organising information that also shows the different relationships between the elements. Simple ones can be hand drawn; more detailed ones can be created with presentation software. There are three main types of mind map. Mind map There are different ways to structure and use mind maps. Advantages Disadvantages • It is concise and therefore effective at condensing down information. • The layout helps you to focus on the central concept and the relationship between the ideas. • It can be simple to add to.

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Privacy policy • It is limited on how much text you can include. • If used for a big project it can be badly structured and hard to understand. • It takes time to create.

Top story

Main menu Scrolling adverts Other news links Relationships Reports Main menu Customer details

Staffing Name Other links Customers Logo Type of menu Table size My restaurant Name Contact Date of booking

Presentation Used to present a specific Android idea or theme.

Mobile Android Apple device Tablet Device Apple Mobile app Amazon Ideas Audience Colour Age limits scheme Gender

Library Used to organise different ideas or information. Tunnel Useful when planning elements of a project. SAMPLE

Practise it!

Amir is interested in creating his own blog focusing on his interest in music. Select a suitable mind map and consider some ideas for Amir’s blog. (8 marks)

Remember it!

• Each design tool has a specific purpose. • Most common computer software can be used to create a range of design tools. • Choose the best design tool for the task.

What you need to know

• The components of a wireframe • When it is best to use a wireframe.

A wireframe is best used when planning a project with no timeline. Microsoft Office, image editing and specialist software can be used to create it. Annotation is important as it explains some of the thinking behind the designs. Wireframe This is a simple plan of a wireframe for a news page on a website. It focuses on the structure of the finished product, such as layout of pages or where the links go to on a website. Top story Headline Image related to headlineOther main stories Social media feed Scrolling images related to other stories Annotations are only needed for basic style information and navigation. For example, they might cover fonts, colour coding and how to move between pages. Advantages Disadvantages • It is clear to see what will be created. • It can help you see where there might be an issue in the later creation stages. • It is easy to edit, which is useful following design feedback.

• It doesn’t focus on any technical details, so the plan might not work in practice. • It is not suitable for use with a project that involves a timeline. • Too much time can be spent on the small details and therefore it can become too heavily designed. SAMPLE

Revise it!

Create a revision mnemonic to help you remember the different design tools and their features.

Remember it!

• Each design tool has a specific purpose. • You need to think about the size of a product, not just what the product is when selecting a design tool.

What you need to know

• The components of a visualisation diagram • When it is best to use a visualisation diagram.

A visualisation diagram helps plan the visual layout. To create one you can use Microsoft Office software or image editing software. It focuses on the layout of the product, such as where text and images might be placed. It is annotated to explain any additional details such as colour, font type or font size as well as some of the key design decisions such as the placement of the logo. Visualisation diagram This mock-up focuses on the layout of the product, such as where text and images might be placed. Annotations explain details such as colour, font type or font size as well some design decisions.

This is the title of the app, using the same font and style as the Title Logo previous screens. The title for this screen is League Table. It also flashes with a red glow. League Table of scores

Each button is dark purple in

Arial font with a pale purple background. The font colour Stats Home Contact is white. Small icon representing logo of the game. This is the scoreboard. You automatically appear within the top 10 players who have a similar score. For example, if your score was 1459, it might show you 4 players who have a slightly higher score and 5 that are below you. These buttons take you to different screens within the game. Advantages Disadvantages • It is simple to understand, especially with annotation. • It is easy to edit, which is good for acting upon feedback. • You can comment on common patterns/trends to avoid repetition.

• It cannot be used if the product involves a timeline. • It is open to interpretation, meaning each viewer could interpret it differently. • It is not always suitable for large projects. • Flow charts, mind maps, wireframes and Remember it!Practise it! A café wants to increase its online presence SAMPLE with a website, for visitors to view the menu visualisation diagrams are design tools. and make a booking. Choose the most appropriate one for the 1 Which design tool would be task and explain your choice. best for planning the website? (1 mark) 2 Justify your choice of planning tool. (2 marks)