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DSE Design and Applied Technology Mock (Paper 1): Design Task, Process, Materials, Graphics
TUTORZONE ORIGINAL MOCK PAPER · HKDSE DESIGN AND APPLIED TECHNOLOGY PAPER 1 (COMPULSORY)
Written to the HKEAA 2027 framework: DAT is 60% public examination and 40% SBA. Paper 1 30% (2 h) is compulsory: Section A one design task (60) and Section B three questions answer two (40). This paper demonstrates Paper 1: one Section A task plus three Section B questions, with model-answer points.
What is in the DSE DAT exam?
Direct answer: 60% public examination plus 40% SBA. Two papers: Paper 1 30% (compulsory, one design task plus two of three, 2 h) and Paper 2 30% (two of five elective modules, 2 h).
Assessment at a glance (2027)
| Component | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (compulsory) | Section A design task (60) + Section B two of three (40) | 30% | 2 h |
| Paper 2 (elective) | Two of five elective modules, two of three each | 30% | 2 h |
| SBA (design project) | One design project, 25-35 hours | 40% | 25-35 h |
Paper 1 in 2 h: about 70 min on Section A (split across the four parts) and 25 min per Section B question. A design task needs opportunity, idea, material and communication.
How this paper was built
This is a TutorZone original mock paper: the questions follow the 2027 framework (Paper 1 at 30% over 2 h, one design task plus two of three) and the model-answer points are our own.
The questions and answers are TutorZone originals; no HKEAA question or in-copyright text is reproduced.
Pacing
| Section | Marks | Suggested time | What to do first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (compulsory) | 30% | about 70 min Section A, 25 min per Section B | opportunity, idea, material, communication |
| Paper 2 (elective) | 30% | answer two per chosen module | automation, digital media, materials, electronics, visualisation |
| SBA (design project) | 40% | physical/virtual model plus design log | the full design process |
Which four layers does the design task need?
Direct answer: opportunity, ideas and specification, material choice and graphical communication and prototype – all four.
Paper 1 mock: design task + two of three
One compulsory Section A task (60 marks); answer two of three Section B questions (20 each).
Question 1 (60 marks)
Section A: design task (compulsory). For a home product that assists the elderly, describe: (1) the design opportunity and user needs; (2) design ideas and specification; (3) material choice with reasons; (4) communicating the design graphically (a sketch description) and the steps to make a prototype.
Question 2 (20 marks)
Section B1: the design process. Explain the stages of the design cycle, and the key activity at each stage.
Question 3 (20 marks)
Section B2: materials. Compare the properties of wood, metal and plastic, giving one application for each.
Question 4 (20 marks)
Section B3: graphical communication. Explain the difference between orthographic and isometric projection, and when each is used.
What is the difference between orthographic and isometric projection?
Direct answer: orthographic gives accurate dimensions through 2D views (for making); isometric gives an intuitive form in one 3D view (for communicating ideas).
Model-answer points and marks per question
Question 1
Model-answer points (60): (1) Opportunity: the elderly have weaker grip and mobility, needing non-slip, easy-grip, large-label home products (12). (2) Ideas and specification: e.g. an adaptive utensil with a non-slip handle; list size, weight, durability and safety (18). (3) Materials: food-grade silicone (non-slip, heat-resistant, washable) for the handle and stainless steel for the utensil, with reasons (15). (4) Communication and prototype: an isometric drawing plus orthographic dimensions, then a 3D-printed or handmade prototype (15).
Question 2
Model-answer points (20): (1) Investigation: identify needs and opportunities, gather information (4); (2) Ideas: generate multiple ideas, brainstorming and sketching (4); (3) Development: select and develop an idea into a solution with a specification (4); (4) Making: choose materials and build a prototype (4); (5) Testing and evaluation: test the prototype, evaluate against the specification and refine (4).
Question 3
Model-answer points (20): (1) Wood: easy to work, renewable, insulating, but absorbs moisture and burns; used in furniture (6). (2) Metal: high strength, conducts heat and electricity, recyclable, but heavy and rusts; used in tools and structures (7). (3) Plastic: light, formable, corrosion-resistant, insulating, but hard to degrade and heat-sensitive; used in casings and packaging (7).
Question 4
Model-answer points (20): (1) Orthographic: several 2D views (front, side, top) giving true dimensions and shape, used for manufacturing and dimensioning (10). (2) Isometric: a single 3D view (axes about 120 degrees apart) showing overall form intuitively, used to communicate ideas and present designs (10).
What are the stages of the design cycle?
Direct answer: investigation, ideas, development, making, testing and evaluation – an iterative cycle.
Where these marks are usually lost
| Mistake | What it looks like | What it costs | Instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design task missing layers | Ideas but no opportunity or material | The task needs all four layers | Write opportunity, idea, material, communication in turn |
| Materials without reasons | Properties but no examples | Material answers need property and example | Give an application per material |
| Confusing projections | Mixing orthographic and isometric | The two projections differ in purpose | Orthographic for dimensions, isometric for form |
How to use this paper
First sit: the full 2 hours on Sections A and B with no references.
Mark it: check the design task has all four layers and materials have examples.
Second sit: redo three to seven days later, aiming to finish inside 1 h 45 min.
What should I do after finishing this paper?
Direct answer: fill any missing layers in the design task; redo in three to seven days; and drill graphics (orthographic and isometric) and material comparisons.
FAQ
Is this an HKEAA paper?
No. The questions and model-answer points are TutorZone originals, not HKEAA questions or marking references.
How many papers does DAT have?
Two public papers: Paper 1 30% (compulsory) and Paper 2 30% (elective), plus 40% SBA (a design project).
Does Paper 1 only cover the compulsory part?
Yes. Section A is one compulsory design task and Section B is two of three; Paper 2 covers two of five electives.
Official references
| Resource | What to check |
|---|---|
| HKEAA 2027 HKDSE Design and Applied Technology Assessment Framework | Confirm the 30% / 30% / 40% split and question types |
Related: practice area · PE Paper 2 mock · History Paper 2 mock
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