DESIGN // GRADE 10 // FLÄTPAK.

Unit Overview.

In this unit we’ll be exploring how empathising with the user will enable us to develop innovative products based on user needs.

We’ll be researching designers whose products are designed through a process called “User Centered Design”.

// STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

Resources can be used effectively to develop technical innovations that address the ergonomic needs of specific users

// KEY CONCEPT

Development

// RELATED CONCEPTS

Ergonomics, Resources

// GLOBAL CONTEXT

Scientific and technical innovation

// FACTUAL QUESTIONS

What are the key principles of User Centered Design?
How do ergonomic considerations impact product development?

// CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS

How does empathy influence the design process and product outcomes?
In what ways can technical innovations address specific user needs?
How do resources and constraints shape the development of user-centered products?

// DEBATABLE QUESTIONS

To what extent should designers prioritize user needs over aesthetic considerations?
Is it more important to design for the majority or to create specialized solutions for specific user groups?
Should user-centered design focus primarily on solving existing problems or anticipating future needs?

The Challenge.

You are to design a flat pack piece of furniture. For this project you will be using the skills of human factors and modelling that we will cover in class to design a flat-packed item for users that you identify.

Your task in this project is to design an item that meets the user needs of a group that you will need to identify. This group will be differentiated by factors such as size, weight, age as well as the intended use for the item. The product will be made from sheet plywood, 3D printed and laser-cut components.

Assessment.

Criterion

A

DOCUMENTARY

For Criterion A, you will be conducting comprehensive research to develop your Design Brief. You will create a documentary-style video that includes interviews with your client and the target audience, as well as research that identifies the needs of the users and the problem to be solved.

VIDEO INTRODUCTION

Begin the video with an engaging introduction that sets the context for the project and explains the importance of conducting research to develop a Design Brief.

RESEARCH PLANNING

Explain the importance of research in the design process.

Identify the key research questions to be answered.

Develop a research plan that outlines the methods, tools, and timeline for conducting research.

CLIENT INTERVIEW

Interview the client or the person who initiated the project to gather their perspective on the problem to be solved.

Capture their expectations, preferences, and any specific requirements they may have.

Highlight excerpts from the interview that provide valuable insights into the project.

TARGET AUDIENCE INTERVIEWS

Conduct interviews with the target audience to understand their needs, preferences, and challenges related to furniture.

Prepare a set of open-ended questions to extract valuable insights.

Record the interviews and include relevant excerpts in the documentary.

Provide subtitles or voice-over translations if necessary.

RESEARCH ANALYSIS

Analyze the data collected from interviews and other research methods.

Identify common themes, patterns, and recurring user needs.

Present the findings in a clear and organized manner.

Use visuals such as graphs, charts, and infographics to support the analysis.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Based on the research findings, clearly define the problem that the flat-packed furniture design should address.

Explain the significance and impact of the problem on the target audience and the client.

Justify why this problem should be the focus of the design project.

CONCLUSION

Summarize the key findings, problem statement, and the next steps in the design process.

Reinforce the importance of research in developing a Design Brief.

End the video with a call to action, encouraging viewers to stay tuned for the next stages of the project.

APPROACHES TO LEARNING

Research

Formulating and refining research questions; planning research methods and timelines.

Collecting and recording data from client and target‑audience interviews; using multiple primary and secondary sources, including online and real‑world products.

Analysing data to identify themes, needs, and problems; using graphs, charts, and infographics to represent findings.

Communication

Structuring an engaging documentary with clear introduction, development and conclusion.

Using subtitles, voice‑over, and visual supports to communicate to an audience.

Selecting excerpts from interviews and presenting them coherently and persuasively.

Thinking (critical and creative)

Identifying and articulating the problem based on evidence, not assumption.

Considering opposing viewpoints and including unique ideas.

Connecting research to key concepts, related concepts and the global context.

Social / collaboration

Planning and conducting client and target‑audience interviews.

Listening actively and asking open questions to elicit meaningful responses.

1-2

3-4

5-6

(3 or more of)

i.

i. states the need for a solution to a problem for a specified client/target audience

i. outlines the need for a solution to a problem for a specified client/target audience

identifies a client OR target audience

i. explains the need for a solution to a problem for a specified client/target audience

identifies a client AND target audience
if the client and the target audience are the same, makes consideration for other potential target audience members

i. explains and justifies the need for a solution to a problem for a client/target audience

differentiates a client and target audience clearly
if the client and the target audience are the same, makes consideration for other potential target audience members

produces a product with high video, editing and audio quality

interviews both a client and members of the target audience

communicates the content clearly to the viewer

incorporates some of the unit’s key concepts and global contexts

ii.

ii. outlines a research plan, which identifies primary and secondary research needed to develop a solution to the problem, with some guidance

outlines some of the research required

ii. constructs a research plan, which identifies and prioritizes primary and secondary research needed to develop a solution to the problem, with some guidance

thoroughly explains the research required

ii. constructs a detailed research plan, which identifies and prioritizes the primary and secondary research needed to develop a solution to the problem independently

thoroughly justifies the research required AND includes primary research

considers opposing viewpoints within the context of the material covered

includes unique ideas

includes at least 10 different sources

iii.

iii. analyses one existing product that inspires a solution to the problem

includes online OR real-world products

iii. analyses a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the problem

includes online AND real-world products

iii. analyses a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the problem in detail

includes online AND real-world products AND an unrelated product

iv.

iv. develops a basic design brief, which states the findings of relevant research

iv. develops a design brief, which outlines the analysis of relevant research

includes partial reference to the problem; the client; the target audience; the research; the objective; the deliverable

iv. develops a design brief, which explains the analysis of relevant research

includes reference to some of the problem; the client; the target audience; the research; the objective; the deliverable

iv. develops a detailed design brief, which summarizes the analysis of relevant research

includes detailed reference to ALL of the problem; the client; the target audience; the research; the objective; the deliverable

BROCHURE

For Criterion B, you will create a brochure in the style of an IndieGogo or Kickstarter campaign, but in print format. The brochure will showcase your intended solution, including various features, design ideas, and a 3D rendered version of the product you will create. You will need to justify your chosen solution and align it with the design brief.

FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

List a range of features that your flat-packed furniture solution will offer.

Each feature should be described in detail, highlighting its functionality, usability, and benefits to the user.

Consider the needs identified in the research phase and ensure that the features address those needs effectively.

DESIGN IDEAS

Present a few different design ideas for your flat-packed furniture solution.

Each design idea should be sketched out and presented in various ways, such as through illustrations, diagrams, or mood boards.

Include descriptions and annotations for each design idea, explaining the unique aspects and advantages of each concept.

ALIGNMENT WITH THE BRIEF

Choose a single design solution from your options and justify this choice.

Explain how the chosen design solution aligns with the design brief and addresses the identified user needs.

Emphasize the key features and benefits of the chosen design solution.

3D RENDER

Using Sketchup or OnShape, create a high-quality 3D rendered version of your flat-packed furniture solution.

The 3D render should accurately depict the design features and overall aesthetics of the product.

Ensure that the rendered version reflects the chosen design solution and showcases its unique selling points.

Criterion

B

Communication

Presenting ideas in a brochure format inspired by crowdfunding campaigns, with clear hierarchy, visuals, and reader‑friendly layout.

Using annotation and written explanations to make design ideas and specifications understandable “by others.”

APPROACHES TO LEARNING

Thinking (creative and critical)

Generating a range of feasible design ideas, including unique and innovative solutions.

Evaluating and justifying a chosen design against design specifications and the brief, using evidence from research.

Considering materials, dimensions, angles and other technical details to refine ideas.

Research

Using at least 10 different sources to inform specifications and features.

Linking design specifications and features explicitly back to prior research and user needs.

Self‑management / organisation

Managing the workflow of sketches, CAD work (OnShape/SketchUp) and text into a coherent brochure product.

Meeting the expectations for a “high quality product” in terms of graphic design and colour coordination.

Transfer / media literacy

Using OnShape for renders and technical drawings and transferring those into communicative visuals in the brochure.

1-2

3-4

5-6

(3 or more of)

i.

i. lists some basic design specifications for the design of a solution

i. lists some design specifications, which relate to the success criteria for the design of a solution

lists some of the features of the solution

i. develops design specifications, which outline the success criteria for the design of a solution

outlines the various features of the solution, with reference to the design brief

i. develops detailed design specifications, which explain the success criteria for the design of a solution based on the analysis of the research

provides detailed descriptions of the various features of the solution, backed up by research AND in reference to the design brief

produces a high quality product with great consideration to graphic design and colour coordination

communicates the content clearly to the reader

incorporates some of the unit’s key concepts and global contexts

ii.

ii. presents one design, which can be interpreted by others

ii. presents a few feasible designs, using an appropriate medium(s) or annotation, which can be interpreted by others

includes a sketch of a solution

ii. develops a range of feasible design ideas, using an appropriate medium(s) and annotation, which can be interpreted by others

includes sketches of multiple solutions, with details about features

ii. develops a range of feasible design ideas, using an appropriate medium(s) and detailed annotation, which can be correctly interpreted by others

includes multiple sketches of multiple solutions, with details about different features, such as materials, angles, dimensions etc.

includes unique ideas

shows particular innovation with design ideas

presents designs in situ

includes at least 10 different sources

uses OnShape for renders and technical drawings

iii.

iii. justifies the selection of the chosen design with reference to the design specification

iii. presents the chosen design and justifies its selection with reference to the design specification

supports the chosen design sketches with a paragraph detailing the solution's suitability as an answer to the brief

iii. presents the chosen design and justifies fully and critically its selection with detailed reference to the design specification

comprehensively supports the chosen design sketches by referencing, in detail, the design brief and supporting the choice with research

iv.

iv. creates incomplete planning drawings/diagrams

iv. creates planning drawings/diagrams or lists requirements for the creation of the chosen solution

includes a 3D render of the solution

iv. develops accurate planning drawings/diagrams and lists requirements for the creation of the chosen solution

includes a 3D render of the solution with multiple views

iv. develops accurate and detailed planning drawings/diagrams and outlines requirements for the creation of the chosen solution

includes a detailed 3D render of the model AND multiple views including top, side, front and isometric AND technical drawings with comprehensive measurements

Criterion

C

THE BUILD

For Criterion C, you will create a detailed plan and follow it to create your piece of furniture, demonstrating your technical skills along the way.

GANTT CHART

Create a Gantt chart that outlines the timeline and sequence of tasks required to complete your solution.

The chart should clearly indicate the start and end dates of each task, dependencies between tasks, the resources needed for each task as well as milestones.

You should consider factors such as additional research, additional design, material acquisition, prototyping, and final construction.

KANBAN

You need to maintain a process journal that documents your progress throughout the creation phase

Your process journal should be structured in Kanban format, with columns representing different stages of the project

Make sure to include the following sections: To Do, Doing, Done. Additional columns may be added as necessary.

Within each column, add detailed information about the specific tasks you have completed, including sketches, measurements, material choices, and any challenges encountered.

Technical skills used should be clearly defined, such as measuring, cutting, joining, finishing and use of tools.

Your journal should be updated regularly to reflect the tasks completed, any modifications to the plan, and any challenges faced.

Detailed information should be included in the process journals, such as photographs, design iterations, measurements, and reflections on the progress made.

CHANGES

Create a comparative table that details any changes made from your original technical drawings, your original plan, and the final outcome.

Make sure to provide detailed justifications for your changes by considering factors such as design improvements, material availability, time constraints, and technical challenges encountered.

APPROACHES TO LEARNING

Self‑management (organisation, time management, reflection)

Constructing and using a detailed Gantt chart with tasks, time estimates, resources, dependencies and milestones.

Maintaining a Kanban‑style process journal (To Do / Doing / Done) and updating it regularly with evidence of progress, challenges and modifications.

Recording process details consistently (photos, measurements, iterations) and reflecting on progress and changes.

Thinking (critical and problem‑solving)

Comparing original drawings/plan and final outcome, and justifying changes in relation to constraints and improvements.

Innovating in the combination of varied production processes and potentially removing glue/screws through joinery decisions.

Research / information literacy

Identifying and responding to needs for additional research or design during planning and making.

Communication

Presenting the solution and process clearly in the process journal and comparative change table (text plus images).

Transfer and technical skills

Applying and refining workshop skills (measuring, cutting, joining, finishing, tool use) in a new context.

Using “advanced project management tools” when aiming for higher levels.

1-2

3-4

5-6

(3 or more of)

i.

i. constructs a plan that contains some production details, resulting in peers having difficulty following the plan

i. constructs a logical plan, which considers time and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution

makes use of the Gantt chart format
includes a set of tasks, time estimates and resources placed on a timeline

i. constructs a detailed and logical plan, which describes the efficient use of time and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution

makes use of the Gantt chart format
includes a detailed set of tasks, time estimates and resources placed on a timeline
considers dependencies and milestones

creates a high quality product

solution requires no glue or screws

solution innovates in its combination of varied production processes

incorporates some of the unit’s key concepts and global contexts

includes unique ideas

ii.

ii. demonstrates minimal technical skills when making the solution

ii. demonstrates satisfactory technical skills when making the solution

the solution cannot be used well OR
the prototype does not function well

ii. demonstrates competent technical skills when making the solution

the solution can be used in a controlled environment

ii. demonstrates excellent technical skills when making the solution

the solution can be used by the client/target audience as intended

finishing is applied to the solution, through either varnish, paint or a combination

changes to the idea or plan are represented comparatively through the use of images as well as text

iii.

iii. creates the solution, which functions poorly and is presented in an incomplete form

iii. creates the solution, which partially functions and is adequately presented

records some details infrequently or all at once
information is limited and contains little or no photos

iii. creates the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately

records details about the process irregularly or partially
information is somewhat detailed, and includes a few photos

iii. follows the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately

records details about the process regularly and consistently
information is detailed and reflective about the process
information includes regular photo contributions

use of advanced project management tool

iv.

iv. outlines changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution

iv. describes changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution

iv. fully justifies changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution

EVALUATING

For Criterion D, you will be evaluating your solution and its success. You must consider how well your product has achieved its goal. You will record a 6–8 minute podcast episode where you evaluate your FLÄTPAK product. Your episode must clearly cover all four parts (strands) of Criterion D, in order: testing methods, success against specifications, improvements, and impact on the client/target audience.

TESTING

Design testing methods and conduct these for your product. On the podcast, explain how you tested your product and why those tests were suitable. Remind the listener what your product is and who it is for, then describe each test you used (for example: user trial, survey, measurements, timed assembly) and where relevant, link each test to specific design specifications (such as comfort, stability, ease of assembly, size). Make it clear how your tests produced useful data, including both numbers (like ratings or measurements) and comments or observations.

EVALUATION

Use your testing data to decide how successful your FLÄTPAK product was. Choose your most important design specifications and other tests and, for each one, say what the specification was, summarise what the tests showed, and then give a conclusion about how successful the product was for that point. Make sure you talk about both strengths and weaknesses and always support what you say with evidence from your tests, not just your opinion. Critically evaluate the results.

IMPROVEMENTS

Based on your evaluation, explain how you would improve your solution. Pick at least three clear weaknesses or limitations, briefly remind the listener what each problem was, and then describe a specific, realistic change you would make (for example: adjusting a measurement, changing a joint, modifying a part of the design). For each improvement, explain how it would improve the product and what effect it might have on other aspects such as cost, time or ease of assembly.

IMPACT

Finally, explain the impact your product has on your client or target audience. Remind us of the original problem and describe, using your test results and interview comments, how much your solution has actually improved their situation. Talk about which parts of the brief you met best, which parts you met less well, and whether there are any unintended drawbacks or limitations for the user. Consider the value of the approach you took to address the solution, and whether there may be alternative solutions to the same problem.

Criterion

D

Thinking (critical and reflective)

Designing detailed and relevant testing methods and interpreting data about the success of the solution.

Critically evaluating success against design specifications and identifying strengths and limitations using evidence.

Explaining improvements and alternative solutions; making specific, evidence‑based recommendations.

APPROACHES TO LEARNING

Research and information literacy

Incorporating research into the evaluation and comparing to alternative solutions.

Designing interview questions and using authentic product testing as data.

Communication

Planning and producing a structured podcast, using techniques such as interviews, host/guest discussion and references to research.

Communicating clearly to an external listener, aligning content with the four strands of Criterion D.

Social / Collaboration

Interviewing at least two people, conducting “expert” or user conversations and integrating those perspectives into the evaluation.

Self-Management

Managing the production of a “high‑quality product” (podcast) from planning through recording and editing.

1-2

3-4

5-6

(3 or more of)

i.

i. designs a testing method, which is used to measure the success of the solution

i. designs a relevant testing method, which generates data, to measure the success of the solution

includes some questions to ask
interviews one person

i. designs relevant testing methods, which generate data, to measure the success of the solution

includes relevant questions that informs on the success of the solution
interviews one person

i. designs detailed and relevant testing methods, which generate data, to measure the success of the solution

includes relevant questions that inform on the success of the solution
interviews two people

interviews more than 2 people

creates a high quality product

incorporates some of the unit’s key concepts and global contexts

includes unique ideas

incorporates research

ii.

ii. states the success of the solution

ii. outlines the success of the solution against the design specification based on relevant product testing

ii. explains the success of the solution against the design specification based on relevant product testing

includes a reflection on the success of the solution

ii. critically evaluates the success of the solution against the design specification based on authentic product testing

includes a reflection on the success of the solution as well as the success of the solution generally
test results and data are presented and analyzed critically
strengths and limitations of the solution are identified based on the evaluation

includes comparative analysis to alternative solutions