1.3.3.1. 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.

In this objective, students must articulate why a particular solution is necessary. This involves recognizing a problem that needs solving. For example, if students are developing a new type of water bottle, they need to explain why a better water bottle is important — perhaps it's to reduce plastic waste or keep beverages cold for longer. After identifying the problem, they must also gather research to inform their design. This includes both primary research (like surveys) and secondary research (like reading existing studies).

Consider how a city mayor might explain the need for a new public park. They might cite health benefits, citing studies showing how green spaces improve community well-being, and then gather input from community members about what they want in a park. This step is similar to how students need to justify and research their design projects.

Identify and prioritize research to help develop a clear understanding of the context.

Once students recognize the necessity for their project, the next step is to gather relevant information. Prioritizing research means choosing the most important information that directly relates to the problem at hand. For instance, if a student's project focuses on creating an educational app for kids, they might prioritize understanding children's learning styles, educational theories, and existing educational technologies over less relevant topics. This focused research will enable them to create a solution that truly meets the needs of their audience.

Think of a chef who is learning to make a new dish. Before cooking, they would research the key ingredients, techniques, and flavors that work well together. By prioritizing this research, they ensure that the final dish is both delicious and successful. Likewise, students must prioritize information that will most help their design project.

Analyse similar existing products to inspire and inform the design.

Students should look at products that are similar to what they intend to design. This analysis helps them learn what works well and what doesn’t in existing solutions. For example, if they are designing a new backpack, they might study different designs, user reviews, and materials used in popular backpacks. This insight can guide their own design choices, making their product more effective and appealing.

Imagine a car designer. Before designing a new car model, they would analyze existing vehicles to see what features customers like, such as fuel efficiency, safety features, or storage space. This analysis informs their design decisions, just like how students can learn from existing products.

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

Lastly, students must compile their findings and insights into a detailed design brief. This document articulates the purpose of their design, what requirements it needs to fulfill, and the context under which it will be used. For instance, if they are designing a smartphone application, the brief could tell why the app is needed, the essential features it should have, and the demographic of potential users. A clear design brief sets the framework for the entire project.

Consider an architect creating a blueprint for a new building. They wouldn't just start designing; they'd create a comprehensive plan that includes what the building is for, who will use it, and any laws it needs to comply with. Similarly, students need a blueprint for their design projects.

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