Toddlers

ANSWER KEY

Section A: Design Questions

Total marks: 26

Theme: Designing for Toddlers

Question 1 (a) Identify a specific problem faced by toddlers or their parents that you intend to solve with your design. [2]

• Possible Answer: A specific problem is the difficulty in transitioning toddlers from using a bottle or sippy cup to an open cup, which often leads to spills and mess during mealtimes. This can be frustrating for parents and can hinder the toddler's development of fine motor skills.

(b) Propose two different research methods you would use to gather information about this problem. [2]

• Possible Answer:

  • Observation: Observe toddlers and their parents during mealtimes to understand their habits, challenges, and the specific ways spills occur.

  • Interviews/Surveys: Conduct structured interviews or create a survey for parents to gather qualitative data on their experiences, preferred products, and frustrations related to teaching their toddlers to drink from a cup.

(c) Justify why one of your chosen research methods is suitable for this design project. [1]

• Possible Answer: Observation is suitable because it provides direct, firsthand evidence of the problem in its natural environment, allowing the designer to identify subtle issues that parents may not consciously articulate in an interview.

Question 2 (a) Based on your identified problem, create a pictorial sketch of two different design concepts to solve it. Ensure your sketches are clear and well-proportioned. [4]

• (Note: Students are expected to provide sketches here. The description below outlines the expected content of the sketches.)

  • Concept 1: The Training Cup with a Spill-Proof Lid: A cup with a weighted base to prevent tipping. The lid has a small spout or lip that requires the toddler to tilt their head back slightly, simulating drinking from an open cup. The lid can be removed when the toddler is ready.

  • Concept 2: The Two-Part Cup: A cup with a solid outer sleeve and a removable, smaller inner cup. The inner cup is narrow at the top, making it easier for small hands to hold and control. The outer sleeve provides stability and a wider base to prevent spills when the cup is put down.

(b) For each of your two concepts in (a), explain how it addresses the user's needs and the identified problem. [4]

• Possible Answer:

  • Concept 1: The weighted base of the cup prevents it from tipping over easily, which directly addresses the problem of spills. The spout/lip on the lid serves as a temporary aid that gradually trains the toddler to transition to an open cup, meeting the needs of both the toddler (learning) and parent (less mess).

  • Concept 2: The two-part design provides a smaller, more manageable inner cup for the toddler's small hands, improving their grip and control. The wider outer sleeve provides stability and a safety net, ensuring that even if the toddler struggles with the inner cup, the product remains upright, reducing spills.

Question 3 (a) Choose one of your concepts from Question 2 and describe a key functional feature that makes it suitable for toddlers. [2]

• Possible Answer (based on Concept 1): A key functional feature is the ergonomically shaped handles on the sides of the cup. These handles are sized and positioned to be easily gripped by a toddler’s small hands, promoting independence and confidence in holding the cup on their own.

(b) Identify two different materials you would use for the key parts of your refined design. [2]

• Possible Answer:

  • Main body of the cup: Food-grade silicone.

  • Weighted base: Stainless steel.

(c) Justify your choice of these two materials based on their properties and suitability for the intended purpose and user group. [4]

• Possible Answer:

  • Food-grade silicone is an excellent choice for the main body because it is soft, flexible, and non-toxic, making it safe for toddlers to use. It is also durable and can withstand being dropped without breaking or shattering, which is crucial for a toddler's product.

  • Stainless steel is ideal for the weighted base because of its high density, which adds the necessary weight to prevent the cup from being easily knocked over. It is also corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, ensuring hygiene and longevity.

Question 4 (a) Create a detailed orthographic projection of your refined design. You must include a front view, a side view, and a plan view. [2]

• (Note: Students are expected to provide an orthographic drawing. The answer should be a well-drawn technical drawing with clear projection lines.)

(b) Add at least two key dimensions to your drawing in 4(a). [2]

• (Note: Students are expected to add dimensions to their drawing.)

• Possible Answer: Dimensions should include the overall height of the cup and its diameter at the base.

(c) Explain how the overall aesthetics and ergonomics of your final design would appeal to both toddlers and their parents. [3]

• Possible Answer:

  • Aesthetics: The design uses bright, playful colours and a simple, rounded form, which is visually appealing and engaging for toddlers. The clean, modern look also appeals to parents, making the product a desirable item to have in the home.

  • Ergonomics: The cup's small size and easy-grip handles are designed for a toddler's hand size and motor skills, making it comfortable and simple for them to use. The weighted base and spill-proof features are ergonomic for the parent, reducing their stress and effort in cleaning up messes.