THE DESIGN PROCESS

By: William Walls

HERES HOW IT WORKS:

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ARE YOU A
(Please Select One)

STUDENT

TEACHER

TEACHER INFORMATION:

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LEARNING
OBJECTIVES

REFERENCES

LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT

AUDIENCE

EVALUATION

INSTRUCTION/
PURPOSE

EVALUATION:
The students will not be formally evaluated for this work. It is purely
completion and for practice.
As the students complete the activity associated with each step, they will
then move on and compare their work with either the work I have done or
the template solution I have provided.
By comparing what they have done to what I have provided, the students
can get a sense of where they are as far as understanding the steps.
Once the students are finished with the 6 steps, they will have to answer
10 multiple choice questions over the design process.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Given this a brief description of the design process and its steps, students
will be able to apply all six steps to a specific given problem.
Given the requirements for a design brief, students should be able to
create one with all of the required part.
Given the completion of each step, students should be able to create a
project portfolio and include all of the specified parts.

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LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:
Students will be using this interactive PowerPoint on a computer at home
and may use the help of the internet.
Students who do not have computers at home can schedule times to
complete the PowerPoint in the labs at the school.
This PowerPoint includes sound and therefor may require headphones at
school.

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TARGET AUDIENCE:
10-12 grade students who can read and write at a high school level.
Public or private high school.
Class size does not matter. Number of computers is the only restraint.
Mix of demographics.

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INSTRUCTION AND PURPOSE

Homework that will review the design process and have the students practice applying it.
Instructions:
Start at step one and read each step in order
After a description of the step, students will have to complete the instructions by inserting text
into the open box.
Complete all steps in order.
Some steps will include my example to see how it compares.
If you want to change what you wrote, simply select last from the How does it Compare
section.
As you finish with a section, check off the designated box.
At the end of step 6, students will be asked if you are finished or select end presentation from
the home page.
From here, students will be asked to answer 10 multiple choice questions to assess what they
have learned. Questions will only move on when they get them correct.

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STUDENTS:
Instructions
Start at step one and read each step in order
After a description of the step, you will have to complete the instructions by inserting text
into the open box.
Complete all steps in order.
Some steps will include my example to see how it compares.
If you want to change what you wrote, simply select last from the How does it Compare
section.
As you finish with a section, check off the designated box.
At the end of step 6, you will be asked if you are finished or select end presentation from
the home page.
From here, you will be asked to answer 10 multiple choice questions to assess what you
have learned.

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THE DESIGN PROCESS:

Design is something that was made
through the conscious efforts of
humans.
The Design Process is an iterative
process used to systematically solve
problems
Iterative: a process that repeats a
series of steps over and over until the
desired outcome is obtained

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THE DESIGN PROCESS:

The process is iterative, so if the presented solution needs improvements
or redesign, then the designer will repeat the process accordingly.
We use the design process to solve or satisfy human needs or wants and
to narrow down the possible solutions.
The design processs can differ and have more or less steps, but all will
solve a problem and all are iterative.

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PROBLEM:
Example problem:
A teacher needs to separate 15 marbles into three different bins according to
their color. We had FischerTechnik kits in the back with motors, sensors, and
a programmable CPU. We had two weeks to design, create and program a
working solution.

Your problem:
A client comes to you and asks if you can help solve his squirrel problem. He
says that squirrels are ripping holes in trash bags and making a mess by
getting into the trashcan and eating/fighting/mating. He needs a solution that
can be implemented almost immediately that is cost effective and humane.
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PROBLEM:
A client comes to you and asks if you can help
solve his squirrel problem. He says that squirrels
are ripping holes in trash bags and making a
mess by getting into the trashcan and
eating/fighting/ mating. He needs a solution that
can be implemented almost immediately that is
cost effective and humane.
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Step 1:
Define the
Problem

Step 6:
Present
Solution

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THE DESIGN PROCESS:

Step 2:
Generate
Concepts
Step 3:
Develop a
Solution

Start by clicking on Step

1 and work your way
through all six steps.

Step 5:
Evaluate
Solution

Step 4:
Construct
and Test a
Prototype

Problem
Statement:

THE DESIGN PROCESS:

Step 1:
Define the
Problem

Step 2:
Generate
Concepts

Step 1
Step 2

Step 6:
Present
Solution

Step 3:
Develop a
Solution

Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6

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Step 5:
Evaluate
Solution

Step 4:
Construct
and Test a
Prototype

Problem
Statement:
End
Presentation

STEP 1: DEFINE THE PROBLEM

Identify a problem, or have a client identify a problem
Validate the problem
Identify needs and wants
Find prior solutions and their shortcomings/restrictions

Justify the problem: Is it worth the cost of producing a solution?

Create design requirements
Constraints: a limitation or restriction
Criteria: identifies what the solution will do to a degree

Design Brief:
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STEP 1: DEFINE THE PROBLEM

Design Brief:
A written plan that Identifies

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Client
Designers:
A problem statement: the problem the client has, clear and concise
A design statement: what the solution aims to do, clear and concise
Criteria
Constraints

Used to encourage thinking of all aspects of a problem before attempting a

solution.

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

In the area below, create your own design brief. Be sure to include the
problem statement, criteria, and constraints.

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HOW DOES IT COMPARE?

If you want to change your input for
the last section then select last
This is a sample design brief.

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STEP 2: GENERATE CONCEPTS

Research problem and stakeholders
Stakeholders: anyone affected by the problem

Brainstorm possible solutions:

Consider additional design goals
Apply STEM principles
Select an approach
Create a Decision Matrix:
A tool used to compare design solutions against one another, using specific
criteria
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BRAINSTORMING:
Having trouble coming up with ideas?

Brainstorming:
To produce an idea or way of solving a
problem by holding a spontaneous
group discussion.

Used to:
Generate and record Ideas
Develop preliminary ideas
Present Ideas in an open forum

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BRAINSTORMING:
Record your ideas as
well as what methods
you used to come up
with them in the
following box.

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HOW DOES IT COMPARE?

Example:
Method: breaking the solution down into parts.
Feeder/loading system:
Hopper, gravity fed, conveyor belt, ramp, motors
pushing

Scanning system:
Photo-receptor with light behind it on the side, under,
or on top

Transportation to bin system:

Conveyor belt, bins moving on track, track moving to
aim at bins, separation on track to alter path
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STEP 3: DEVELOP A SOLUTION

Create detailed design solution
Justify the solution path
Technical Drawings:
Drawings that provide technical information necessary to produce a product.
Include material, size and shape
Show assembly, if necessary

If a solution is found to be invalid or cannot be justified, the designer

must return to a previous step in the design process

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

In the area below, create your own solution. Be sure to include a detailed
description of:

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Your solution
Solution Details
Assembly
Reasoning for solution

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HOW DOES IT COMPARE?

Example:
My solution is a process that starts by loading 15 marbles
using a cut up water bottle as a hopper. The marbles fall
down into a square shaft, stacking up vertically. Motors with
thin separators divide the marbles, one by one, into the
reading station, where the photoreceptor, with a light behind
it can read the appropriate color. Depending on the reading,
the bins will move on a track so that the correct bin is under
the shaft. Then, another separator under the marble releases
and the marble drops into the correct bin. The process
repeats itself 15 times and then ends.
If you want to change your input for the last section then
select last.

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STEP 4: BUILD AND TEST A

PROTOTYPE
Construct a testable prototype
Plan prototype testing
Performance
Usability
Durability

Test Report: data and information

gathered about the solution from
testing.

Test prototype
Collect test data
Analyze test data

Test Report
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STEP 4: BUILD AND TEST A

PROTOTYPE
In the space provided:
Explain your prototype
Include materials, assembly, and
how it works
Explain how you would test the
prototype and why

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STEP 5: EVALUATE SOLUTION

Evaluate solution effectiveness and refine if necessary.
Reflect on design
Recommend improvements

Optimize/Redesign the solution

Return to prior design process steps if necessary
Revise design documents

Project Recommendations: Does the solution solve the problem?

Have users critique the design to determine whether criteria have been
met.
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STEP 5: EVALUATE SOLUTION

Evaluate your solution. Please
include:
Does your solution follow the criteria
for success?
Does your solution violate any
constraints?
Does it solve the problem efficiently
and effectively?
Are there any improvements that
you can make on your design?
If you do make iterations to your
LAST steps, denote them here.

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HOW DOES IT COMPARE?

Example:
My solution meets the criteria in that is capable
(both the product and the program) of sorting
the three marbles on its own. It uses the
materials that we have access to and does not
violate any other constraints. Our use of a
gravity fed loading system set us apart from our
competition. We did lose time on the bin system
and could have refined that design. Overall, our
product gave a practical and efficient solution to
the problem.
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STEP 6: TEST SOLUTION

Document the Project
Project Portfolio: all of the work you have done on the project, compiled and
organized

Communicate the project

Formal Presentation should:

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Communicate the designers final solution.

Explain how and why solution solves the problem.
Market the product.
Include a method of distribution.
Include a working model or prototype.
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:
FORMAL PRESENTATION:
Explain how you would
have given the formal
presentation, what
you would have
included, and how you
would have marketed
it?

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HOW DOES IT COMPARE?

Example:
Heres a video I made about the final
project that I had.
The design process can be fun. The
marble sorter example that I used
was from a PLTW class that I had in
high school. It was my favorite
project and I made a video to explain
it. Think about how you would
present your idea. Does it capture the
clients attention? Is it effective? How
did you sell it?
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(Marble sorter video)

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ALL DONE?

NO
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YES

ALL DONE?

NO
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YES

OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 1: During which step would you identify the constraints?

Step 2

Step 3

Step 1

Step 4

FALSE:
To try again, select the back
button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
Step 1: Define the Problem
To properly understand the
problem, you need to know the
limitations that you have on your
solution so that you dont waste
time creating useless solutions

Select next to move on.

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 2: What would be the last document that you create?

Decision Matrix

Design Brief

Test Report

Project Portfolio

FALSE:
To try again, select the back
button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
The Project Portfolio is an organized
collection of all the work done on
the solution, from start to finish, so
while you might start putting it
together from the beginning, it
cannot be completed until
everything else has.
Select next to move on.

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 3: During which step would you first select an approach?

Step 3

Step 5

Step 2

Step 4

FALSE:
To try again, select the back
button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
Step 2: Generate Concepts would
be where you generate your ideas
through brainstorming. Also in Step
2, you narrow down and choose
from the possible solutions
Select next to move on.

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 4: The Design Process is a(n) _______ process used to
systematically solve problems

Never-ending

Intuitive

Iterative

Exclusive

FALSE:
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button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
Iterative: The design process will
repeat and continue until the
problem is solved.
Select next to move on.

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 5: Anything created through the conscious efforts of humans:

Design

Process

Product

Solution

FALSE:
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button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
Design:
Verb: decide upon the look and
functioning of (a building, garment,
or other object), typically by making
a detailed drawing of it.
Noun: a plan or drawing produced to
show the look and function or
workings of a building, garment, or
other object before it is built or
made.

Select next to move on.

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 6: The design process is only a 6 step process.

True

False

FALSE:
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home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
The design process can be 3, 6, 12,
or any other number of steps as
long as it is used to systematically
solve problems and is iterative.

Select next to move on.

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 7: During what step does a user (not the designer) first see/use
the product?

Step 4

Step 1

Step 6

Step 5

FALSE:
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button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
During Step 5: Evaluate Solution, the
designer would let the users test the
prototype for feedback and to see if the
solution properly meets the criteria.

Select next to move on.

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 8: During which step would you first think about things like
materials, packaging, and assembly?

Step 4

Step 5

Step 2

Step 3

FALSE:
To try again, select the back
button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
During Step 3: Develop a Solution,
you will have to create technical
drawings in which you will need to
include all aspects of the solution.
Select next to move on.

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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 9: A tool used to compare design solutions against one another,
using specific criteria:

Decision Matrix

Brainstorming

STEM Principles

The Design Process

FALSE:
To try again, select the back
button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
A Decision Matrix has Criteria and
Constraints along the x-axis and
the possible solutions on the y-axis.
You would assign a value (1-5 for
example) and score each solution
to find a final solution.
Select next to move on.
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OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Question 10: During which step would you sell your product to the client?

Step 5

Step 4

Step 6

Step 1

FALSE:
To try again, select the back
button.
If necessary, go back to the
home screen to review the
material.

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CORRECT:
Good job!
During Step 6: Test the Solution
you would have to make a Product
Presentation in which you would
communicate your idea to the
client and have to market and sell
your solution.
Select next to move on.
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REFERENCES:
http://www.slideshare.net/dsphudson/pltw-design-process
http://
westcampus.scusd.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/designprocess.pd
f
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAidvTKX6xM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7VVz_g5R9c
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GOOD JOB!
End of Presentation