1.3.1.2. Key Elements

Today, we will learn about the first assessment criterion, Inquiring and Analysing. This criterion focuses on explaining the need for a solution and doing thorough research. Can anyone tell me what they think it means to justify a need?

I think it means explaining why we need to create a solution for a problem.

Exactly! It involves identifying a problem and researching to understand it better. Remember the acronym 'RESEARCH': Relate, Evaluate, Study, Collect, Analyze, Reflect, and Hypothesize. This will help you remember the steps involved.

That’s a great way to remember it, but how do we analyze existing products?

Great question! You analyze similar products to gain insights and inspiration for your design. This will guide your approach to your project.

What’s a design brief again?

A design brief outlines the purpose and requirements of your solution. It's like a roadmap for your project!

So, it helps keep everything focused?

Absolutely, it helps you stay on track with your goals. Let’s summarize: Inquiring and Analyzing involves justifying the need, prioritizing research, analyzing existing products, and developing a design brief. Any questions before we move on?

Now that we’ve covered Inquiring and Analyzing, let’s dive into Developing Ideas. This criterion requires you to create and present a range of ideas. Can you think of what makes ideas 'feasible'?

Feasible means that they are possible to create with the resources we have.

Exactly! Also, when you develop these ideas, you must create design specifications. Who can tell me what those are?

They describe the requirements we need to meet in our design!

Right! And presenting your chosen design using drawings or CAD tools is essential. Acronym time again: 'DRAW' = Detail, Represent, Outline, and Accurately Visualize. How does that sound?

That's handy! I think I'll remember to include more sketches.

Great! Planning materials are also important, as they guide your creation process. Let's summarize: Developing Ideas entails creating specifications, generating feasible ideas, and presenting your best design with clarity. Ready for the next topic?

In our next session, let's explore Creating the Solution. This criterion is all about actually making your design come to life. What do you think it means to demonstrate 'excellent technical skills'?

It means we should be good at building or crafting our solution.

Exactly! And following a logical plan is crucial. Can anyone tell me why it's essential to have a plan?

So we don’t get lost and can keep track of what to do next!

Great point! Following your plan also allows for modifications. This is where you might use the mnemonic 'FLEX' – Follow, Learn, Evaluate, and eXecute. Any questions on that?

What if something doesn't work the way we planned?

Good question! Being flexible and making adjustments as needed is part of the process. Let’s summarize: Creating the Solution involves constructing a logical plan, demonstrating technical skills, following that plan, and ensuring the solution is functional.

Finally, we arrive at Evaluating. What do you think testing a solution involves?

It’s about checking if our solution works like we planned.

Exactly! You also need to evaluate it against the original design specifications. It’s important! Remember the acronym 'TEST' – Time, Evaluate, Summarize, and Transition. Do you guys remember what you should reflect on during this phase?

We need to think about how we can improve it and how it affects the users.

Great memory! Evaluating also involves considering the social and environmental impact. To summarize: Evaluating includes designing tests, checking success, discussing improvements, and reflecting on the solution's impact. Great job today, everyone!