1. General Wood
1.1. Less malleable
1.2. Rougher finish
1.3. Lower quality finish
1.4. Relatively cheap
1.5. Grain & growth rings visible
1.6. Discolouring
1.7. Different textures and surfaces
1.8. Some is easier to work than others
2. Electronics
2.1. Inputs
2.1.1. PTM Switch
2.1.2. SPST Switch
2.1.2.1. SPDT
2.1.2.2. DPST
2.1.2.3. DPDT
2.1.3. LDR
2.1.4. Thermistor
2.1.5. Potentiometer
2.1.6. Tilt Switch
2.2. Outputs
2.2.1. LEDs
2.2.2. Piezo buzzers
2.2.3. LCD displays
2.2.4. Buzzers
2.2.5. Servos
2.2.6. Motors
2.2.7. 7 Segment Display
2.2.8. Lamp
2.3. Processing
2.3.1. 555
2.3.2. 4017
2.3.3. PICAXE/Arduino microcontrollers
3. Cost
3.1. Should be inexpensive
3.1.1. This means that it can be repeatable and makes as much profit as possible for the charities
3.2. Should be £5-£10
3.3. Appeal to Children
3.3.1. Cheap
3.3.2. Affordable
3.4. Appeal to Adults
3.4.1. Can be more expensive
3.4.2. Product must be grabbing - other things to worry about /pay
4. Environment
4.1. Materials
4.1.1. Wood
4.1.1.1. If we use wood, this means the case and base will be recyclable
4.2. Plastics
4.2.1. If we use plastic, this means the case and base will not be recyclable
4.3. Components
4.3.1. The components in the circuit will not be recyclable
5. Size
5.1. Handheld
5.1.1. Easy to carry
5.1.2. Small on table
5.1.3. More portable
5.2. A4 size
5.2.1. Bigger on a tale
5.2.2. More awkward to carry
5.2.3. Bigger face to show off
5.2.4. Less portable
6. Safety
6.1. Product should meet all safety measures - being handled by children.
6.1.1. No sharp edges
6.1.1.1. Edges should be smoothed and/or rounded
6.1.2. Any small parts should be hidden or not used
6.1.2.1. Components should be safely sealed in the container.
6.1.3. The product should have injection molded smooth feet
6.1.3.1. This prevents scratches to the base, makes it steady to stand up, and gives it a nicer finish.
6.1.4. Any batteries should be kept well out of reached/sealed.
7. Function
7.1. Raising funds for charity requires ingenuity; the UK has a long tradition of raising funds for good causes, whether it be for lifeboats, Children in Need or for a local scout hut.
7.2. A local primary school has asked you to design an electronic game that can be used at their Summer Fair to raise funds for the school. The game could be based on chance, or involve skill, but must be fun to play and be suitable for all ages.
7.2.1. Cheap/free to run
7.2.2. Simple to use
7.2.3. Randomisation
7.2.3.1. Roulette circuit
7.2.4. Appealing to children and parents
7.2.4.1. Colourful
7.2.4.2. Simple to use
7.2.5. Suitable for all ages
7.2.5.1. Game is not age specific
7.2.6. Fun to play
7.2.6.1. More likely for people to play it again - charity
7.2.7. Easily repeatable
8. Materials
8.1. Plastic
8.1.1. General Plastics
8.1.1.1. Moldable
8.1.1.2. Smoother finish
8.1.1.3. Higher quality
8.1.1.4. Relatively cheap
8.1.1.5. Resistant to weather and heat
8.1.1.6. Easily handled/processed
8.1.2. High Impact Polystyrene
8.1.2.1. Light & flexible
8.1.2.2. Can be vacuum formed
8.1.2.3. Can be cut & drilled
8.1.2.4. Can be injection and blow moulded
8.1.3. Acrylic
8.1.3.1. Hardwearing
8.1.3.2. Doesn't shatter
8.1.3.3. Easily cracks & scratches
8.1.3.4. Can be machined, drilled & threaded
8.1.3.5. Thermoplastic: heat and shape many times
8.1.4. Nylon
8.1.4.1. Tough
8.1.4.2. Good resistance to wear
8.1.4.3. Self-lubricating
8.1.4.4. Good for bearings and screws etc.
8.2. Wood
8.2.1. Plywood
8.2.1.1. Several layers of wood glued together
8.2.1.2. Grain clearly visible
8.2.1.3. Strength depends on layers
8.2.1.4. Uniform strength
8.2.2. MDF
8.2.2.1. Wood fibres with resin adhesive
8.2.2.2. Different thicknesses
8.2.2.3. Closely structured inner core
8.2.2.4. Ideal for vacuum forming