DESIGN WITH PURPOSE 

Statement of inquiry: Successful design is a fine balance between form and function
Global Context: Scientific & Technical Innovation
Key & Related Concepts: Form and Function
ATL Skills: Creative thinking and communication

Grade 6 Design take part in a ‘Design With Purpose' project whereby they are tasked with designing and manufacturing a product with a user and a function in mind. The students are expected to complete and meet all 4 of the MYP 1 Design criteria and complete a digital portfolio to document all of their work.

After research, design and modelling are completed, the students design their products using Adobe Illustrator and they are then cut using a laser cutter. This is the students introduction to CAD CAM and it comes after previously completing a small acrylic based project made by hand so that they are able to see the advantages and disadvantages of both manufacturing methods.

I put great emphasis on student collaboration and throughout the project, students have the opportunity share ideas and information with one another through group work and presenting to the whole class which helps develop their confidence and presenting skills which can only benefit them later in life.

RESEARCH

Students research existing products and survey users= needs then present their findings to one another. Presenting makes the research a much more valued part of the design process and also develops communication skills.

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DESIGN

Students produce a series of initial design ideas that are evaluated against specification criteria before justifying one to develop further.

MODELLING

Each student produces 2 - 3 iterated card models that are tested for form and function before refining the design for CAD development. This process allows students to better understand their design and it’s limitations.

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MANUFACTURING

All final designs are sketched up in Adobe Illustrator before being cut, bent and assembled. Prior to producing a CAD design, all students follow a video example that I made, designing a Harry Potter stand. This video walks students through the process of connecting and cutting shapes and lines as well as tracing an existing image to create cut lines.