The realDesign website has been developed in conjunction with Design and Technology curriculum experts to promote innovation and creativity at key stage 3-4. It is a conscious attempt to move away from the linear approach sometimes encouraged by D&T coursework assessment schemes.

Ideally it will encourage students to form a more open and unconstrained approach to design and technology problems and also to develop an understanding of the wide range of applications of design and technology in today's world.

The site spotlights a number of different products, for example, modern urban clothing design, robot toys, and packaging design. Each of these is also used to highlight a critical stage of the design process whilst preserving the idea that there is no rigid procedure to be followed and that inspiration or solutions can arise at any stage of the design and make process.

4Learning has also produced three new design and technology television programmes being shown for the first time in spring 2002. Details of these can be found in the programmes area of this website.

Site structure

Design stage focus
A focus on six different design products/solutions, including the Sumo Man Robotic toy, the Dyson Contrarotator™ washing machine, the Eden Project, the Vexed Parka, the Preston bike and Jumbo Pack. Each section contains information on the specific product and also highlights a specific stage in the design process. These include: the design brief, project investigation, testing and evaluation, generating and developing ideas, making and manufacturing, and design specification.

Interactive design tool kit
The design tool kit uses interactivity to encourage younger users to focus on the key questions in designing a product, for example, 'Who will use it?', 'How will it work?', 'What is it made of?', etc. Users can print out their results to act as a guide for developing their own design briefs.

Competition
4Learning is inviting children at school to submit their designs for an exciting and innovative new product. A prize of £250 will be awarded to the winning school.

A-Z of design
A comprehensive glossary of the key design and technology vocabulary.

Online resources
A guide to the best design and technology sites in the web.