The book “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman is a foundational text in design, emphasizing user-centred design principles that simplify the usability of complex systems. In our DP course, we integrate excerpts from this book with Topic 7 and the Internal Assessment (IA). Students will engage with selected chapters as part of their coursework, enhancing their understanding of design principles and aiding in the development of their IA. Norman explores critical concepts such as affordances, signifiers, feedback loops, and the essentiality of comprehending user needs and behaviours. Although scans of the book will be provided by the teacher, we encourage students to purchase their own copy. 

In our DP1 course, we integrate 'Not Impossible: The Art and Joy of Doing What Couldn't Be Done' by Mick Ebeling to look at the transformative power of innovation and the innate human desire to help others. This book resonates deeply with Topic 5 on Invention and Innovation, as it exemplifies how creativity and technology can be harnessed to solve seemingly insurmountable challenges, ultimately improving lives. Ebeling's journey, chronicled in the book, underscores the importance of empathy and Design Thinking in addressing social and environmental issues. By studying his experiences through IDEO.org and other initiatives, students gain valuable insights into how innovative thinking can drive meaningful change in the world.

In DP1, we incorporate excerpts from Janine M. Benyus's 'Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature' to explore profound insights into nature's design principles and their applications in human innovation.

This book is integral to Topic 5, students discover how biological models, processes, and systems can inspire sustainable solutions across disciplines such as engineering, architecture, and product design.

Benyus's exploration of nature's time-tested strategies fosters a deeper understanding of how to approach complex challenges with creativity and ecological sensitivity. Through engaging with this text, students not only enhance their appreciation for nature's ingenuity but also cultivate a mindset that embraces sustainable and innovative design practices.