Production is a decision-making process. Every choice about how to cut a joint, which adhesive to use, or how to respond to a timber defect is a design decision. Documenting these:
- Creates an evidence trail that supports evaluation
- Demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving
- Shows that the designer is actively engaged in the process, not just following instructions mechanically
- Provides the basis for justifying modifications in the final evaluation
- Enables learning: what to do differently next time
Material decisions:
- Substitution of a material (original material unavailable, or performs poorly in trial)
- Choice of finish (why this paint/oil/stain over alternatives tested)
- How to deal with a defect in the material (knot in timber, inclusion in metal)
Process decisions:
- Choosing one joining method over another based on testing
- Adjusting machine settings (feed rate, depth of cut) to improve result quality
- Changing production sequence (doing step 5 before step 4 because it gave better access)
Design decisions:
- Minor form change discovered necessary during making
- Dimension adjustment based on assembly fit
- Addition or removal of a design feature
Safety decisions:
- Introducing a new control measure when a hazard was identified mid-production
- Choosing not to use a particular tool or chemical because the risk was unacceptable
Annotated production plan
- Write directly on the original plan: date, what was changed, and brief reason
- Use colour-coding: original plan in one colour; modifications in another
Production journal / design folio entries
- Structured written entries for each session
- Format: Date | Task | Decision Made | Reason | Effect on plan or quality
Photographic evidence with annotations
- ‘Before’ image (original or problem state) + ‘after’ image (solution)
- Annotate with brief explanation of what was done and why
Modification log (tabular format)
| Date | Original plan | Modification made | Reason | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 May | Glue and screw joint | Changed to mortise and tenon | Trial showed butt joint insufficient strength | 2 hours added to timeline; stronger joint achieved |
Video diary entries
- Brief video recording explaining a significant decision
- Authentic and detailed; difficult to fabricate post-hoc
- Useful for complex decisions involving multiple factors
In the evaluation, modifications are cited as evidence of:
- Response to testing (prototype revealed a flaw → design modified)
- Problem-solving (material or process challenge met creatively)
- Commitment to quality (chose the better but harder option)
- Design thinking in action (iterative improvement)
Modifications are not a sign of failure — they are a sign of active, responsive designing.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Documenting decisions and modifications transforms a production record from a task list into a design argument. It provides the evidence base for a high-quality evaluation.
EXAM TIP: A modification only has value if it is documented with reason and effect. ‘I changed the joint because the first one wasn’t strong enough’ is incomplete. ‘I changed from a butt joint to a halved joint after the butt joint failed a load test at 8 kg (the brief requires 10 kg)’ demonstrates rigour.
