The Problem

LEARNING TARGETS:

»  I can identify the problem to be solved, re-write it in my own words, and I understand it.
»  I can formulate and discuss appropriate guiding questions that direct the investigation

 

EXPECTATIONS:

»  Re-write the task or problem in your own words
»  Give all initial research  post  entries labels of Investigate & Problem

 

 

Before you do anything, you must fully understand what the task is , so that you are heading in the right direction.  You don’t want to start creating a project and realize that it is not answering the task and you were assigned. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qualifying Initial Investigation

LEARNING TARGETS:

»  I can describe the importance the project has on my personal life as well as on society and/or the environment?
»  I can List four guiding questions that you will seek to answer by studying and responding to the problem/topic you have chosen.

EXPECTATIONS:

»  WRITE: Describe the importance it has on my personal life as well as on society and/or the environment.
»  WRITE:  List four guiding questions that you will seek to answer by studying and responding to the problem/topic you have chosen.
»  DESIGN FOLDER: Give this post entries labels of Investigate & Qualifying

 

Once you have decided on a topic/problem, there are some additional things to think about prior to writing you Design Brief.

 
Answer the questions in paragraph form:

-What importance does it have on my personal life as well as on society and/or the environment?
-List four guiding questions that you will seek to answer by studying and responding to the problem/topic you have chosen.

Research

LEARNING TARGETS:

»  I can research reference images, current designs, inspirational images, blueprints, historical context, scientific findings, or anything  that can aide me in my design.
»  I can identify and acknowledge a range of appropriate sources of information
»  I can format my bibliography using these tools (citationmachine.net , ebiblio.com., easybib.com)

EXPECTATIONS:

»  RESEARCH: Research your topic, reference images, current designs, inspirational images, blueprints, historical context, scientific findings, or anything  that can aide me in my design.
»  BIBLIOGRAPHY: Maintain a bibliography and document all used resources in all stages
»  BIBLIOGRAPHY: Format your bibliography using these tools (citationmachine.net , ebiblio.com., easybib.com)
»  DESIGN FOLDER: Give this post entries labels of Investigate & Research

Collect / research reference images, current designs, inspirational, blueprints etc. Basically find as many references as you need, which is at least 20+.  I call this phase, the “Virtual Cork Board” and have found that the best way to do this is to create a Pinterest page with all your resources.  This is not only a dynamic collection of resources, but it also retains the source information for later documentation.  (Assign a label of ‘Research’)

Brainstorming

LEARNING TARGETS:

»  I can research reference images, current designs, inspirational images, blueprints, historical context, scientific findings, or anything  that can aide me in my design.
»  I can identify and acknowledge a range of appropriate sources of information
»  I can format my bibliography using these tools (citationmachine.net , ebiblio.com., easybib.com)

 

EXPECTATIONS:

»  RESEARCH: Collect reference images, current advertisements, inspirational, examples etc. (Pinterest, folder)
»  RESEARCH: Collect reference images, current advertisements, inspirational, examples etc. (Pinterest, folder)
»  BIBLIOGRAPHY: Maintain a bibliography and document all used resources in all stages
»  BIBLIOGRAPHY: Format your bibliography using these tools (citationmachine.net , ebiblio.com., easybib.com)
»  DESIGN FOLDER: Give this post entries labels of Investigate & Brainstorming

 

Create a mind map that will help guide you for the prompt / problem.  Create a mind map that explores 3+ design options for the project. Each design branch should fully explore design characteristics and specifications.  I would recommend using Lucid Charts.

 

TIP:

Most firms that hire you, expect you to go above and beyond what they are looking for.  First, it is important to give them exactly what they want, but also to share your expertise.  So if you come up with an idea that might not completely follow their specifications, share it with them.  They might not use it . . . this time . . . but your input as a design is invaluable. 

(Optional) If you come up with a great design that might not fully meet the specifications completely, share it with them anyways.  Create a 4th branch with this optional design. 

 

 

Design Specifications

LEARNING TARGETS:

»  I can determine essential requirements and desirable characteristics to be met by the product or solution.
»  I can develop design specifications which my product/solution must meet.
»  I can design tests to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification.

EXPECTATIONS:

»  Generate a bulleted list  of design specifications which my product/solution must meet.
»  Design and explain test(s) which you will use in order to test the finished product against the specifications.»  Give this post  labels of Investigate & DesignSpecifications

Design specification: A detailed description of the conditions, requirements and restrictions with which a design must comply. This is a precise and accurate list of facts such as conditions, dimensions, materials, process and methods that are important for the designer and for the user. All appropriate solutions will need to comply with the design specification.

What elements should be present in a design specification?

The design specification consists of a list of requirements, conditions and limitations, such as time and resources, which the product/solution should meet.

For example, design specifications for design technology products/solutions could include, among other requirements, the function, dimensions and materials of the product/solution and the type of techniques to  be used. They could also include issues of resource use, waste management and safety.

Examples of requirements for computer technology products/solutions could include, among others, the function, type, structure and style of the product/solution as well as the type of software(s) used including, where appropriate, issues of reliability, integrity and security.

~MYP Technology Guide

Click to Show the Student "Design Specifications" Example

As is mentioned in the design brief, the final product will be the creation of a product that will depict different dimensions/ definitions of time.

In order to do so the final product will have to include the below listed conditions, requirements and restrictions:
1. Show multiple dimensions of time. At least one way of measuring time and something that depicts how I see/use time.
2. Be made out of a number of different materials/ media.
3. Be made out of materials that are recyclable OR biodegradable.
4. Specifically show how the last 6 months have changed me, using pictures and/or words.
5. Use a variety of colours so that the final product is visually pleasing.
6. Dimensions of about 30/30 cm (not too large but also not too small)

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Develop a Design Test

LEARNING TARGETS:

»  I can design a test for my product and/or solution

 

EXPECTATIONS:

»  CREATE:  Design tests to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification and direct it at its intended audience.
»  DESIGN FOLDER: Give this post entries labels of Investigate & Testing

Design tests to evaluate the product/solution against the design specification and direct it at its intended audience.