Topic 2:
Identify and Define
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Technology Mandatory involves designing, producing and evaluating quality design solutions.
The design process involves identifying a problem, designing a solution, production of the solution and an evaluation of the solution based on how it meets the original design problem.
For each design project students will develop a working document that provides ongoing evidence of the application of a design process and the specific technologies used in this process.
In this unit of work you will explore the form and function of a design through the construction of a mechanical toy. You will then identify and integrate your understanding of the factors which affect the design process. The target audience for this project are both; children between the ages of 2-5years, AND technology mandatory students who through practical experience will learn the basic fundamental mechanics of engineering.
If you have a smaller brother or sister at home you will already be aware of how captivated small children are with colourful moving objects that they can safely twist, turn, grab, and play with. As a budding young industrial art student you are also very keen to understand and further explore engineering, tools, materials, new technologies and how to improve your common sense and self awareness by means of workshop safety practices.
2. Identifying and Defining
2. Identifying and Defining
Design Process
Design Process
- Involves a sequence of organised steps which provide a solution to design needs and opportunities
- It may take a few seconds or minutes, such as when you select what clothes to wear, or may take years as in the case with the design of a motor vehicle
- It may involve one person or may involve many people
- It may be simple or complex, depending on the task
- Involves the designer questioning (or evaluating) throughout the process
The design process is not necessarily linear, meaning that it rarely travels in a straight and determined direction between point A and Z. As each design presents a series of problems that require you, the designer, to revisit, reevaluate and redesign your; ideas, plans and prototypes in what ever order suits you and your design process in creating a design solution. Be sure to engage with each individual stage of the process. Once you understand these stages, It is quite normal that your problem solving process begins to look something like the line drawing below.
Design Brief :
Design Brief :
You are given the individual design challenge to create a mechanical toy driven by camshafts, an axle and crank. You are expected to come across engineering issues which you will need to engage in computational problem solving to complete your project.
Construct a mechanical toy for a child aged between 3-7years, that is not only eye catching and safe to play with , its parts must move seamlessly as the handle is turned. Your design will showcase a clear understanding of form and function and how these principles influence the choices you make as a designer. To plan the design you are required to complete a research task to better understand; your target audience, factors which have affected your design and finally the materials, tools and technologies required to create a piece of work that your are proud off.
The purpose of a design brief is to clarify the need by developing an understanding of what is to be accomplished. It serves to provide direction throughout the design process and as a bench mark when testing and evaluating.
The purpose of a design brief is to clarify the need by developing an understanding of what is to be accomplished. It serves to provide direction throughout the design process and as a bench mark when testing and evaluating.
Criteria for success :
Criteria for success :
Now that you are writing a list of criteria to evaluate your own work against, think about the design features when asking yourself the following question: How will I know If I was successful or not? Create a list of simple questions about the toys intended criteria
Does my mechanical toy work the way it was intended?
Is it safe for use by the intended user?
Can it be improved in any way?
Is it going to be reliable?
Will any of the parts wear out too soon?
Were suitable materials used for the final construction?
Could alternative materials be used (recycling)?
Refer to this list at every stage of the design process.
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