GCSE+Electronics+Coursework+Testing+&+Evaluation

toc = Introduction = The testing, evaluation and modification sheet are the last three sheets that you need to add to your portfolio, it is important to remember not to rush these sheets at the end, but plan for them, designing tests that you can conduct, using your flow diagram and feedback, using your specifications to evaluate against. Remember that you are testing and evaluating your //**prototype product**// not your project.

= Testing = > **//Are your tests Objective / Subjective? //** > **// Do they produce measurable data / Attitudinal – opinion? //** > **// Do they need to be done in the classroom/workshop/home? //** > **// Are your tests destructive / non-destructive? //** > **// Is your test of high importance / low importance? //** > **// Remember that the aim of your testing is to assess how well the product meets its specification. //** > **// Show tests and test results. Explain clearly. //** = Evaluation =
 * 1) Testing your circuit, you should do this several times during the making of your project, from the artwork onwards, keep photographic evidence and a commentary of what you are testing for and what the results are, and if steps are needed to rectify a problem, what are they.
 * 2) The final testing of your complete PCB, does it work when the batteries and added - yes/no? Comment on the results. Provide your evidnece in the form of tables or charts.
 * 3) Testing your casing, have all the fitting and fixtures been added correctly? Is there enough space to fit the PCB with all its components?, have you remembered to plan all the holes required for electronic components that appear on the surface of the casing? Have you soldered them in the correct order so that they can be assembled correctly? Once again keep photographic evidence and a commentary of what you are testing for and what the results are, and if steps are needed to rectify a problem, what are they.
 * 4) The testing of your finished electronic product conduct a user trial, ask users to feedback on aesthetics (how it looks), functionality and userability. You could use a PIM (positive, interesting, minus) sheet to collect data.
 * 5) Observe your user trial, how are the users using the product.
 * 6) These categories may help you to plan your testing thoroughly:
 * 1) Write out your product specifications once again with the headings and answer each one in turn. Ask yourself the following questions:
 * 2) Does it do what you intended it to do?
 * 3) Does it answer the design brief and the final product specification?
 * 4) How well did you use the resources available to you when manufacturing your product? Did you use them appropriately?
 * 5) You should include some statements about the following resources: time, materials, tools, equipment, processes, production methods.
 * 6) Evaluate the testing you carried out, providing clear evidence that you have carried out detailed testing, showing planning (manufacturing schedule) and the conclusions that you arrived at about your product.
 * 7) Be critical, be fair and above all, be honest.



= Modifications = = = = Resources =
 * 1) The evaluation should include possible modifications or improvements to your product, - or indicating the aspects in need of further development.
 * 2) Your modifications for an electronic product should focus on the electronics, but any issues arising from the manufacture and assembly of the casing can also be addressed here.
 * 3) Using PCB real life / artwork and photos, indicate with detailed annotation the areas in need of improvement. Illustrate your modification to clearly show what you mean, either redrawing parts of the casing in detail, or using Yenka to illustrate an electronic modification.
 * 4) Some questions you may ask yourself by reviewing your electronic product against your control systems analysis (input, process, output):
 * 5) Have you analyised the effectiveness of the control system? Can you make suggestions on how this can be improved?