1.2.2. Developing Ideas

• Develop design specifications.
• Present a range of feasible design ideas.
• Develop accurate, scaled drawings or digital prototypes.
• Present a detailed planning proposal.

In the 'Developing Ideas' stage, students focus on converting their understanding of the problem into actionable design plans. The first objective is to develop design specifications, which are the detailed requirements your design must meet. Next, students need to present multiple feasible design ideas that align with the identified problem and specifications. After that, creating accurate drawings or digital prototypes is essential to visualize the ideas properly. Lastly, a comprehensive planning proposal is crucial, as it outlines how the selected design will be created, detailing resources and steps needed.

Think of this stage like preparing a recipe before cooking. You need to know the ingredients (design specifications), decide on a few different dishes you can make (feasible design ideas), and then write down the cooking instructions (planning proposal) before you actually start cooking.

• Sketch multiple designs and select the best one based on your research.
• List out criteria your design must meet (e.g., cost, materials, usability).
• Create diagrams or 3D models using tools like Tinkercad, Fusion 360, or hand drawings.
• Plan the steps and resources needed to build your chosen design.

During this phase, students engage in several key activities. They begin by sketching multiple design possibilities, allowing creative ideas to flow. Upon reviewing their sketches and research, they select the best option. Next, they list criteria that the selected design must fulfill, such as the cost, suitable materials, and usability for the intended audience. Then, students may utilize tools like Tinkercad or Fusion 360 to create 3D models or diagrams, enhancing their design visualization. Finally, they must create a concrete plan that identifies the necessary steps and resources required to bring the design to life.

Imagine you’re planning a birthday party. You start by brainstorming different themes and activities (sketching designs), then select what you think will work best (selecting the best idea). You also consider the budget (cost criteria) and the types of decorations or supplies you’ll need (materials and usability). Finally, you list everything you need to do, from sending out invitations to buying supplies (planning steps and resources).

For the water bottle project, you might present ideas with different shapes, materials, or features (e.g., built-in filter). Then, choose one idea based on feasibility and design goals.

In the water bottle project example, the student explores various design concepts by considering different shapes, materials, and additional features that could enhance the product, like a built-in filter. After brainstorming these options, the student evaluates them against the criteria established earlier—such as feasibility, production cost, and user needs—to select the most promising idea that meets the project goals.

This process is similar to choosing what kind of phone to buy. You might look at different phone models with varying features (camera quality, battery life, price) and designs (size, shape). After weighing the pros and cons based on what you need, you'll choose the phone that suits your lifestyle best, much like selecting the most effective water bottle design.

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