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OCR H446 1.1.3 Device roles and contextual selection

Part 1 of 6 · H446 1.1.3 · Input, output and storage

OCR H446 1.1.3: Device roles and contextual selection. Students learn to classify input, output and storage by system role and justify device choices from captured data, produced effects and context.

Students will:

  • classify input, output and storage by their system roles
  • justify a device from the data captured or effect produced
  • apply device-selection reasoning to new contexts

Inside: 5 explanation cells, 1 multiple-choice question, 2 fill-in-the-blanks cells and 3 written answers. 28 marks, about 40 to 55 minutes.

Series: H446 1.1.3 · Input, output and storage, part 1 of 6.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 11 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 31 Aug 2026
  • Updated 3 Sept 2026

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The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Device roles and contextual selection

You need to select an appropriate device for a problem and justify why it fits the actual situation. Focus on what data enters the system, what information or physical effect leaves it, and the conditions in which the device will be used. You do not need to describe the device's internal physical workings.

Follow data and effects through the system

Device role follows the direction and purpose of data in a system inputcaptures dataor a control signal processinguses instructionsto transform data outputinformationor effect storageretains data for later use Classify the role, not the product name.A touchscreen displays output and captures touch input.

An input device captures data or a control signal for the system. An output device produces information, a signal or a physical effect from the system. A storage device retains data for later use. The product name does not fix one role: a touchscreen outputs an image and inputs touch positions; a headset can output sound and input microphone data.

Worked selection: automated archive room

A rare-book room must keep humidity within a narrow range without relying on a person watching a display.

  • Input: a humidity sensor captures the room's humidity value.
  • Processing: the controller compares the reading with the permitted range.
  • Output: a dehumidifier control/actuator changes the physical environment.
  • Storage: a local solid-state logger retains timestamped readings for later inspection.

“Sensor measures humidity” names a use. “It supplies frequent humidity readings so the controller can detect an unsafe condition automatically” connects the device to the problem.

Multiple choice1 mark

A touchscreen shows a route map and records where the user taps. How should it be classified?

  • AAs both output and input because its roles differ
  • BAs storage because the route remains visible
  • CAs input only because touch is the newest event
  • DAs output only because it has a screen
Fill in the blanks4 marks
A sensor is an gap 1 device because it captures data. An actuator is an gap 2 device because it creates a physical effect. A drive used to retain logs performs a gap 3 role. The device choice is justified by its gap 4 in the stated problem.
  • input
  • output
  • storage
  • suitability
  • brand
Written answer6 marks

A museum visitor with limited vision uses an indoor navigation system. Recommend one input device and one output device. For each device, state the exact data captured or effect produced and explain why this helps the user in this environment.

Several answers are defensible. Name the device, explain exactly what it does in the system and state why that is suitable here.

Students type their answer here.

Apply the model in new contexts

For each new situation, identify the role, name a suitable device, state the exact data or effect and explain why the device fits the conditions.

Written answer9 marks

Recommend and justify one device for each situation. For every answer, state whether the device is input, output or storage.

  1. Capture the changing angle of a small weather mast during storms.
  2. Give an immediate silent warning to a worker in a noisy factory.
  3. Retain readings for later analysis while a monitoring unit is disconnected.

Do not choose a device only because it is normally associated with the task. Explain the relevant data or effect and why the device suits the stated conditions. Each situation is worth 3 marks.

Students type their answer here.

Written answer4 marks

A designer proposes a full-size keyboard for a sealed wrist-worn emergency beacon because keyboards can enter text. Explain why the device-and-use statement is technically true but still a poor recommendation, then propose a better input route.

Separate generic capability from physical and task suitability.

Students type their answer here.

Fill in the blanks4 marks
Device role follows the direction of checkpoint gap 1 or a physical effect. An input captures data; an output produces information, a signal or an checkpoint gap 2. A device name plus a checkpoint gap 3 use is not enough unless the answer explains why it suits the specific checkpoint gap 4.

Consolidate your understanding

Check that each recommendation names the exact captured data or produced effect and explains why the device suits the stated environment.