1.3.1. Criterion A: Inquiring and Analysing

Objective: Students should be able to explain and justify the need for a solution to a problem and identify and prioritize primary and secondary research to develop a detailed design brief.

The main aim of Criterion A is for students to articulate the reasons why a specific solution is necessary for a given problem. This involves not just stating the problem, but also explaining its context and significance. Furthermore, students must identify and prioritize different types of research, which includes both primary research (data collected firsthand) and secondary research (existing information). This groundwork is crucial for creating a detailed design brief, which outlines the goals and context of the project.

Imagine you want to design a new water bottle that keeps drinks cool for longer. First, you need to explain why people need such a bottle—perhaps they often go on hikes and struggle with warm drinks. You would then research existing products (secondary research) and also gather feedback from potential users about their needs (primary research) to create a comprehensive plan for your design.

Key Elements:

1. Explain and justify the need for a solution to a problem.
2. Identify and prioritize research to help develop a clear understanding of the context.

To effectively tackle a problem, students must first articulate clearly why the problem exists, what implications it holds, and whom it affects. They then move on to research by distinguishing which information is the most crucial for comprehending the issue. This could mean focusing on user opinions or existing products that address similar problems. The ability to prioritize research helps streamline their efforts and ensures that their design brief is built on solid, relevant foundations.

When planning a school event, you might first explain why the event is necessary, such as promoting community engagement. Then, you would gather information about what types of events have been successful before, which feedback is most relevant, and how to organize logistics effectively—prioritizing what you learn based on its relevance to your goals.

3. Analyse similar existing products to inspire and inform the design.

This element emphasizes the importance of reviewing existing solutions that tackle similar problems. By analyzing these products, students look for strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This analysis not only serves to inspire potential ideas for their design but also allows them to understand what has been successful and what hasn’t, leading to more informed decision-making.

Consider a student looking to design a new app. First, they would explore existing apps that serve similar functions. By assessing what users like or dislike about those apps, the student gains valuable insights, like incorporating a unique feature that competitors don’t have, helping them create a more attractive final product.

4. Develop a detailed design brief that outlines the purpose, requirements, and context of the solution.

Creating a design brief is a pivotal step in the design process. It encompasses the core purpose of the solution, the specific requirements it must meet, and the context in which the solution will be used. This brief becomes a guiding document, keeping the project aligned with its objectives and ensuring that all subsequent design elements are rooted in clear intentions.

If you were designing a promotional campaign for a local bookstore, your design brief would outline the campaign's goal (to increase foot traffic), requirements (include social media and print materials), and the context (the bookstore's target audience and local community). This structured approach ensures that every part of the campaign effectively addresses the bookstore's needs.

How it ties into Technology & Innovation: Students use research tools, digital libraries, and analytical frameworks to investigate current technologies. They also evaluate existing innovations to understand gaps and opportunities for improvement.

In this contemporary design landscape, students have access to various research tools and digital libraries that enhance their ability to gather information and analyze trends. Utilizing these resources allows for a deeper understanding of the technological landscape and helps identify opportunities for innovation. This process is critical for creating solutions that are not only effective but also forward-thinking.

Just like scientists use lab tools to conduct experiments, students utilize digital libraries and analysis tools to conduct detailed research. For example, a student designing a new wearable health device could look at medical journals online, using analytical frameworks to identify unmet needs in the market, much like how a chef might seek out new trends in ingredients to create a unique dish.

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