Product Design

Exodus 35:31-32
“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs and to work in gold, silver and bronze.”

The Product Design curriculum at St. Aidan’s links to our whole school curriculum intent statement.

Product Design at St. Aidan’s empowers students to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and develop practical and analytical skills through the design and creation of functional, meaningful products. Our curriculum is built to encourage innovation, independence, and thoughtful engagement with materials, users, and the environment. From Key Stage 3 through to GCSE and beyond, students explore a range of design principles, manufacturing processes, and materials. They learn how to take an idea from concept to prototype through research, sketching, modelling, testing, and evaluation. This process strengthens their ability to plan, refine, and reflect—skills valuable both inside and outside the classroom. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build technical knowledge, design thinking, and iterative development. Students develop numeracy, literacy, and digital skills, working independently and collaboratively to solve design challenges. Product Design prepares students for a range of future opportunities by building confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation in practical problem-solving—enabling them to contribute to a world shaped by thoughtful, responsible design. 

Careers within Product Design 

Product designer, industrial designer, graphic designer, furniture designer, CAD technician, design engineer, model maker, packaging designer, interior designer, architectural technician, exhibition designer, materials engineer, mechanical engineer, production planner, manufacturing engineer, fashion accessories designer, toy designer, 3D visualiser, UX/UI designer, automotive designer, jewellery designer, set designer, product developer, design and technology teacher, sustainability design consultant, technical illustrator, innovation consultant, prototyping specialist, ergonomic designer, design project manager. 

Sustainability within Product Design 

In our Product Design programme, sustainability is built into every stage of the design process. Students are encouraged to think critically about materials, waste, and product life cycles, designing with durability, repairability, and recyclability in mind. We prioritise the use of sustainable, responsibly sourced, and recycled materials wherever possible. Prototyping focuses on efficiency, with minimal waste and smart reuse of offcuts. Projects often tackle real-world environmental issues, challenging students to create solutions that are both innovative and responsible. Through this approach, we equip students to design for a future where creativity supports people, planet, and long-term impact.