Stephen Wooldridge

Teacher of Design | Facilitator of Cross-Curricular Thinking

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REACH.GRIP.LIFT

Statement of Inquiry: Ergonomic design developments can serve to lessen the disparity between the physically abled and physically impaired
Global context: Fairness & Development
Key & Related Development, Ergonomics & Disparity
ATL Skills: Critical Thinking & Communication

The REACH.GRIP.LIFT project in MYP5 delves into user-centered Product Design, emphasising the significance of employing a user-centric methodology, utilises prototyping to advance iteration. Students select either reaching, lifting, or gripping actions and construct a client profile centered around a specific physical impairment and/or routine task. This profile guides their research and investigation prior to initiating the design process.

This project is designed with an eye toward preparing students for the IB Diploma Design program in grade 11, laying a solid foundation for future study - specifically topics 1 & 3 and Criterion B of the IA.

A project-specific website guides and scaffolds student learning (link below)

PROJECT-SPECIFIC WEBSITE

INVESTIGATE + EMPATHISE

As part of the research for this project, students use immersion gloves that restrict hand movements and perform everyday tasks to better understand first hand how these might be challenging for those suffering with arthritic hands or similar physical limitations. Students also gather anthropometric data, choose a client and through investigation, identify client needs.

IDEATE + ITERATE

Students produce a series of varied design ideas that employ context to demonstrate functions and features.

PROTOTYPE

A series of iterated prototypes are made and then tested & analysed.

EXHIBIT

Finally, students develop their design using Fusion 360 and exhibition posters are made and displayed on campus.