Design Process Steps (You Must Complete All 9)

1. Define the Problem

• Choose a real problem that affects you, your school, or your community.

• Explain who has this problem and why it matters.

• Write a clear problem statement.
  
  

Slide Requirement: One slide explaining the problem.

2. Research the Problem

• Look up how others have tried to solve this problem.

• Learn about useful materials, tools, or designs.

• Collect notes or screenshots for your slide.
  
  

Slide Requirement: One slide summarizing what you learned.

3. Brainstorm Solutions

• Create at least 10 different ideas—even wild ones!

• Discuss your ideas as a team.
  
  

Slide Requirement: One slide showing your list of possible solutions.

4. Choose the Best Solution

• Think about criteria and constraints:

  • Is it safe?

  • Can it be built with the materials we have?

  • Will it actually solve the problem?
    
    

• Select the best idea using a decision matrix or team vote.
  
  

Slide Requirement: One slide explaining why you chose your final design.

5. Plan & Sketch Your Design

• Draw detailed sketches from at least 2 angles.

• Label important parts and materials.

• Decide what parts (if any) you want to:
  
  

  • 3D print

  • Laser cut with the Glowforge

  • Build with cardboard, wood, or craft materials
    
    

• Show measurements if you know them.
  
  

Slide Requirement: 1–2 slides with sketches and plans.

6. Build Your Prototype

• Use the materials provided to create your first working model.

• Your prototype does not need to look perfect.

• Focus on making it function!
  
  

Slide Requirement: 1 slide with build photos and notes.

7. Test & Evaluate

• Try out your prototype.

• Record what happens:

  • What worked well?

  • What didn’t work?

  • What surprised you?
    
    

Slide Requirement: One slide showing test results.

8. Improve & Redesign

• Make at least one improvement to your design.

• Build Version 2 (if time allows).

• Explain how your changes made the design better.
  
  

Slide Requirement: One slide describing improvements.

9. Communicate Your Results

• Create a final slide deck that includes all steps.

• Present your invention to the class.

• Show your prototype, describe your problem, and explain your design journey.
  
  

Slide Requirement: Final presentation with all steps in order.

What You Can Use

You will have access to:

• Cardboard, tape, glue, rubber bands, straws, craft sticks

• Scissors, rulers, markers, hot glue
  
  

• 3D printers
  
  

• Glowforge laser cutter
  
  

• Computers for research and slide creation
  
  

Team Rules

• Teams must have 2–3 students.

• Everyone must have a job.

• Use tools safely and clean your workspace.

• All team members must help with the slide deck and prototype.

Final Deliverables

✔ Completed slide deck with all 9 design process steps
✔ Working prototype
✔ 3–5 minute team presentation

Success Tips

• Think creatively—your invention does NOT need to exist already.
  
  

• Keep your problem simple and clear.

• Build fast and improve often.

• Document everything—photos, sketches, notes.

• Have fun inventing!

Ideas

Problem & Invention Ideas for Students

🔹 Organization & School Life

• Backpack Organizer Clip
  A small 3D printed clip or insert that keeps pencils, chargers, or earbuds from getting lost.
  
  

• Locker Shelf or Hook System
  Glowforge-cut shelves or hooks that fit inside a standard school locker.
  
  

• Desk Cable Holder
  A 3D printed or laser-cut holder that keeps Chromebook chargers from falling behind desks.
  
  

• Water Bottle Tag or Holder
  A personalized identifier/tag to prevent lost bottles.
  
  

• Homework Reminder Device
  A simple flip sign with tasks on one side and “done” on the other.
  
  

🔹 Personal Use

• Phone Safety Grip or Stand
  A 3D printed pop-out stand or a Glowforge-cut wooden phone holder.
  
  

• Key Finder Tag
  A brightly colored tag or a mount that attaches to a backpack or house key.
  
  

• Cord Untangler
  Wind-up device for earbuds or charger cables.
  
  

• Sunlight Alarm Indicator
  A simple window hanger that changes color in sunlight to remind you to wake up.
  
  

🔹 Classroom Improvements

• Marker Holder for the Board
  A laser-cut tray that attaches to the whiteboard edge.
  
  

• Custom Whiteboard Eraser
  Students design an ergonomic grip or shape.
  
  

• Noise-Level Indicator
  A simple sign or slide system that shows class noise expectations.
  
  

• Chair or Desk Silencer
  Caps or covers that reduce scraping sounds.
  
  

🔹 Accessibility & Helping Others

• Easy-Grip Tool Handle
  A 3D printed handle that helps people with arthritis or grip issues.
  
  

• Bag-Carrying Helper
  A device to evenly distribute weight across hands or shoulders.
  
  

• Book Page Turner or Holder
  Helps people who have difficulty turning pages.
  
  

🔹 Outdoor & Sports

• Sports Equipment Organizer
  Holder for tennis balls, golf tees, or baseballs.
  
  

• Bike Safety Enhancer
  A reflector mount, light shield, or custom bell attachment.
  
  

• Fishing Line Holder
  A 3D printed spool to manage line and avoid tangles.
  
  

🔹 Home Problem Solvers

• Refrigerator Shelf Divider
  Laser-cut acrylic or cardboard dividers for organizing food.
  
  

• Bag Clip Replacement
  3D printed clips that seal chip bags or cereal bags.
  
  

• Doorstop That Won’t Slide
  Rubber-band-enhanced wedge or weighted design.
  
  

• Pet Treat Dispenser (gravity-fed)
  A small container that dispenses a treat when a lever is pressed.
  
  

🔹 Environmental & Community

• Recycling Sorter Box
  A laser-cut divider that helps organize plastic, paper, and cans.
  
  

• Rainwater Collector Toy Model
  A prototype that shows how water can be saved and used.
  
  

• Trash Grabber or Hook
  Simple extendable reacher for cleaning parks or school grounds.
  
  

🔹 Fun & Novelty

• Mini Catapult or Launcher
  Safe foam or marshmallow launcher demonstrating physics.
  
  

• Puzzle or Brain Teaser
  Laser-cut interlocking pieces or 3D printed shapes.
  
  

• Custom Keychain or Character
  Integrates student hobbies and Glowforge etching.