GCSE (9–1) Design and Technology
J310/01 Principles of Design and Technology
Time allowed: 2 hours
You must have:
• the Insert (inside this document)
You can use:
• a scientific calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• geometrical instruments
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Use the Insert to answer the questions in Section B.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 100.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 24 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR GCSE Design and Technology Principles of
Design and Technology (J30/01) Question Paper and Mark
Scheme summer 2026
, 2
SECTION A
1 A pair of sunglasses and its case are shown below.
Sunglasses
Case with
zip fastening
Photochromic
Frame lenses
Carabiner
clip
(a) The frame of the sunglasses is made from nylon, a thermopolymer.
(i) Give two reasons why a thermopolymer is a suitable material for the frame.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) The sunglasses case is made from a synthetic woven fabric.
Give one reason why synthetic woven fabric is a suitable choice for the case.
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) The sunglasses case uses standard components such as the zip and carabiner clip.
Give one reason why standard components are used in products.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(c) A photochromic polymer is a smart material used to darken the lenses of the sunglasses in
sunlight.
Identify two other smart or modern materials that could be used in the sunglasses and describe
what they would be used for.
Smart or modern material ................................................................................................................
Description .......................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
Smart or modern material ................................................................................................................
Description .......................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]
(d) Describe two methods of testing that could be used to assess the function of the sunglasses.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
(e) * The designer of the sunglasses has been influenced by fashion and trends.
Discuss the importance of considering fashion and trends when designing products.
To support your answer refer to products that you are familiar with.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [8]
© OCR 2025
J310/01 Principles of Design and Technology
Time allowed: 2 hours
You must have:
• the Insert (inside this document)
You can use:
• a scientific calculator
• a ruler (cm/mm)
• geometrical instruments
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Use the Insert to answer the questions in Section B.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 100.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 24 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
OCR GCSE Design and Technology Principles of
Design and Technology (J30/01) Question Paper and Mark
Scheme summer 2026
, 2
SECTION A
1 A pair of sunglasses and its case are shown below.
Sunglasses
Case with
zip fastening
Photochromic
Frame lenses
Carabiner
clip
(a) The frame of the sunglasses is made from nylon, a thermopolymer.
(i) Give two reasons why a thermopolymer is a suitable material for the frame.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
(ii) The sunglasses case is made from a synthetic woven fabric.
Give one reason why synthetic woven fabric is a suitable choice for the case.
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
(b) The sunglasses case uses standard components such as the zip and carabiner clip.
Give one reason why standard components are used in products.
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
(c) A photochromic polymer is a smart material used to darken the lenses of the sunglasses in
sunlight.
Identify two other smart or modern materials that could be used in the sunglasses and describe
what they would be used for.
Smart or modern material ................................................................................................................
Description .......................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
Smart or modern material ................................................................................................................
Description .......................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]
(d) Describe two methods of testing that could be used to assess the function of the sunglasses.
1 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[4]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
(e) * The designer of the sunglasses has been influenced by fashion and trends.
Discuss the importance of considering fashion and trends when designing products.
To support your answer refer to products that you are familiar with.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [8]
© OCR 2025
