7 - Extended Classroom Project
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Identifying Problems and Ideation
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Let's start by considering what an everyday problem might be for our project. Why do we need to identify a problem first?
So we know what we need to solve, right?
Exactly! It's crucial because it guides our entire prototyping process. Can anyone think of a small problem we've experienced in school?
What about a messy desk? We can design a better organizer!
Great idea! Now, how can we brainstorm different solutions for a school supply organizer?
Low-Fidelity Prototyping
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Now that we have a problem and some ideas, let's move on to creating low-fidelity prototypes. Why do we use low-fi prototypes?
So we can make fast models without worrying too much about details!
Exactly! We can use paper or cardboard. Does anyone have an idea of how to create one?
We can sketch it first and then cut out shapes from cardboard!
Yes, making sketches helps us visualize! Remember, to build our ideas quickly and see if they can work. Let's create our models!
Testing Prototypes and Gathering Feedback
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After you've built your models, it's time to test them! Why is feedback essential in this stage?
It tells us what people think and if the design is usable!
Exactly! Feedback helps us identify flaws and areas for improvement. What methods can we use to gather this feedback?
Sticky notes for comments can work!
Great idea! Using warm and cool feedback will help us see both strengths and suggestions for improvement. Let's set up our testing session!
Moving to Mid-Fidelity and High-Fidelity Prototypes
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Now that you've received feedback on your low-fi prototypes, we will refine our designs into mid-fi versions. What might this involve?
Using digital tools to make a cleaner design?
Yes! Mid-fi prototypes focus on improved interactivity. And later, we will progress to high-fidelity prototypes. Why are high-fidelity prototypes important?
They help show what the final product will look like!
Exactly! They can also be used for deeper usability testing. Letβs see how we can prepare for this next stage!
Reflection and Final Presentation
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Finally, itβs time for your final presentations! What should you include while explaining your design evolution?
We should talk about the problems we solved and how we got from the first idea to the final prototype.
Great! Reflection is key. What questions should you ask yourself during this process?
What feedback surprised me, and how did I incorporate it?
Exactly! You should discuss your learning journey and how it influenced your design. Letβs get ready to present our work!
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The extended classroom project encourages students to identify a problem, brainstorm solutions, and create prototypes in various fidelities while receiving and integrating feedback. The project culminates in a final presentation showcasing the evolution of their prototypes and reflections on their learning journey.
Detailed
Extended Classroom Project: Overview
In this section, students embark on a project where they will design a prototype that addresses a small, everyday problem (e.g., a school supply organizer). The process involves several iterative rounds of prototyping, encompassing low-fidelity, mid-fidelity, and high-fidelity prototypes.
1. Identify Problem & Ideate: Students begin by brainstorming various solutions to their identified problem. This collaborative ideation phase sets the foundation for their prototypes.
2. Low-Fi Round: Utilizing materials like paper or cardboard, students create initial models and enact scenarios (role-plays) to explore the functionality of their ideas.
3. Test & Feedback: Peer reviews and sticky notes provide constructive feedback that students will use to refine their prototypes further.
4. Mid-Fi Round: Students move on to creating digital mockups or improved foam/cardboard versions of their prototypes, enhancing details and interactivity.
5. Test Again: Observing peers using their prototypes allows students to gain insights into usability issues or other enhancements.
6. High-Fi Round: Aiming for detailed and interactive final versions, students apply their refined designs to create prototypes that are closer to their intended final product.
7. Final Presentation: The project concludes with students presenting their prototypes. Theyβll explain their design journey, how they responded to feedback, and what they learned throughout the process.
Reflection:** Students will engage with reflective prompts that encourage them to consider how their understanding evolved, feedback surprises, impactful iterations, and their comfort with the prototyping materials used.
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Objective of the Project
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
Objective: Design a prototype for a small everyday problem (e.g., school supply organizer).
Detailed Explanation
The project's main goal is to create a prototype that addresses a minor problem people often face in their daily lives. For example, students may find that their school supplies are disorganized. By designing a prototype, students will brainstorm and select a specific problem to solve through their creations.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you have a desk with pencils, erasers, and papers scattered everywhere. It's hard to find what you need quickly. Now, think about creating a box or an organizer that keeps all these supplies sorted so that whenever you need something, you can grab it quickly without making a mess.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
Process Overview:
1. Identify Problem & Ideate: Brainstorm many possible solutions.
2. Low-Fi Round: Paper or cardboard model + role-play.
3. Test & Feedback: Peer reviews, sticky notes for thoughts.
4. Mid-Fi Round: Digital mockup or foam/cardboard refined version.
5. Test Again: Observe peers using it; note frustrations or praise.
6. High-Fi Round: Create final versionβdetailed and interactive.
7. Final Presentation: Explain evolution, show improvements, reflect on learning.
Detailed Explanation
This project consists of several steps that guide students through the prototyping process. First, students identify a problem they want to solve. Next, they brainstorm various ideas and select one. During the low-fidelity round, students create a basic model out of paper or cardboard and act out scenarios to test their designs. They then gather feedback from their peers to make improvements.
In the mid-fidelity round, students refine their prototypes, possibly using digital tools or better materials. They test again to see how users interact with their prototypes. Finally, students create a high-fidelity version that is polished and functional. They present their prototypes, explaining how they evolved through the process and what they learned.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the process like training for a sports event. You start by identifying what type of sport you want to compete in. Then you practice the basics (low-fi), get some feedback on your performance, refine your technique (mid-fi), and finally, you work on perfecting your skills while preparing for the actual competition (high-fi). When you compete, you reflect on what youβve learned and how you can improve for next time.
Reflection Prompts & Assessment
Chapter 3 of 3
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Chapter Content
Reflective questions for students:
β How did prototyping help your understanding evolve?
β What feedback surprised you?
β Which iteration was most impactful and why?
β How comfortable do you feel with making things in clay/foam/digital?
Assessment focuses on:
β Thought progression across iterations.
β Quality of feedback and reflection.
β Evidence of improvement prompted by testing.
Detailed Explanation
After completing the project, students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and the learning process. This reflection includes answering specific questions about how their understanding of the problem evolved as they worked on their prototypes. Students are also prompted to think about how their peers' feedback affected their design choices. Assessment of the project considers the growth in ideas throughout the iterations, the quality of feedback exchanged, and the demonstrated improvements in their final designs compared to initial versions.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how writers often reflect on their drafts. After writing a story, a writer might ask themselves how their ideas changed after getting feedback from others. They may realize that a character's motivations were unclear, and that feedback leads them to improve that character's story in the next draft. Just like in writing, students reflect on how feedback helped their prototypes evolve, making them better through each round.
Key Concepts
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Prototyping Process: The structured approach of identifying problems, creating prototypes, and refining designs.
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Iterative Reflection: The importance of evaluating feedback and making adjustments to improve prototypes.
Examples & Applications
Creating a cardboard model of a school supply organizer to visualize the layout and spacing of compartments.
Using digital tools to create wireframes that illustrate different layouts and features of a mobile app.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Build it fast, test for fun, improve your design, and you have won!
Stories
A group of students wanted to organize their supplies. They sketched and made cardboard models, testing them until they found the best design. They learned that listening to feedback improved their final creation.
Memory Tools
P-2-I: Problem, Prototype, Improve - steps in the prototyping process.
Acronyms
L-M-H
Low
Mid
High - prototype fidelity levels.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Prototype
An early, simplified model of a design used to explore ideas and test usability.
- LowFidelity Prototyping
Basic mockups created quickly without much detail, often using inexpensive materials.
- MidFidelity Prototyping
Prototypes that are more refined and might include basic interactivity.
- HighFidelity Prototyping
Detailed and interactive prototypes that closely resemble the final product.
- Feedback Culture
An environment where constructive criticism is encouraged for improvement.
- Iterative Cycle
The process of repeatedly building, testing, and improving a prototype.
Reflection Students will engage with reflective prompts that encourage them to consider how their understanding evolved, feedback surprises, impactful iterations, and their comfort with the prototyping materials used.
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