1.5.3.3 - C.3. Follow the plan to create the prototype, documenting any changes made with clear justifications.
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Following the Plan
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Today, we will discuss the importance of following a plan when creating your prototypes. Can someone remind me why having a plan is helpful during this process?
Having a plan helps us stay organized and focused on what we need to do.
Exactly! A plan acts like a roadmap. It ensures we have all the necessary steps covered. What happens if we deviate from this plan?
We might forget important steps and compromise our prototype's effectiveness.
Correct! That's why documentation is crucial. What should we document when we make changes?
We should write down what we changed and why we made those changes.
Great point! Clear justifications for alterations help us reflect on our design choices. Let's remember this as we proceed with our prototypes.
In summary, a solid plan is your guide, and documenting changes will facilitate an iterative design process. Make sure to communicate any necessary changes clearly.
Documenting Changes
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Letβs delve into how to document the changes made to your prototypes effectively. Why do we think documentation is critical?
Documentation helps us remember what we did and why we did it.
That's right! It creates a record that not only supports our design process but can also inform future projects. How should we structure our documentation?
We could write down the original plan, the changes made, and then explain why those changes were necessary.
Excellent structure! For each change, ensure you address three core points: the specifics of the modification, the reason for the alteration, and its potential impact on your prototypeβs effectiveness.
To wrap up this session, remember: effective documentation is as important as the construction itself; it forms the basis of reflective learning.
Iterative Design Process
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Now let's connect our discussions about following a plan and documenting changes to the idea of iterative design. Does anyone want to explain what iterative design means?
Iterative design is when we continuously improve designs based on feedback and changes we make along the way.
Exactly! It's a cycle of designing, testing, making changes, and retesting. When we document our changes, we can see how each iteration improves or alters our prototype. Why do we think this process is beneficial?
It allows us to refine our designs based on real-world testing rather than assumptions.
Spot on! Documenting changes aids us in tracking our progress and understanding how each version of our prototype differs. In summary, the iterative process ensures our prototypes evolve into effective solutions through continuous improvement.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, students learn how to construct their prototype according to a developed plan, emphasizing the importance of documenting modifications made during the process. The section also stresses the significance of clear justifications for changes to ensure a reflective and iterative design process.
Detailed
In this section, students are guided to follow a structured plan for creating their prototypes, ensuring that each step is executed logically and that resources are used effectively. The process includes preparing, marking out, cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing the prototype. Importantly, students are required to document any deviations from the original plan in a design journal or portfolio, providing clear justifications for these changes. This iterative approach is crucial as it reinforces the concept that design is not a linear process but rather one that involves reflection and adaptation based on hands-on experiences and challenges encountered during construction. Clear justifications for changes are vital to understanding why certain materials or designs may have been reevaluated, ensuring that the prototypes ultimately serve their intended ergonomic purpose most effectively.
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Adherence to the Plan
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
Students will largely follow their meticulously developed plan from C.1. This demonstrates discipline and systematic work.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk emphasizes the importance of following a well-structured plan when creating a prototype. The plan serves as a guideline that helps students stay focused and organized throughout the building process. By adhering to the plan, students show commitment to their project and ensure that they cover all necessary steps in a logical sequence.
Examples & Analogies
Think of following a recipe while cooking. When you follow the recipe step by step, you're more likely to end up with a delicious dish at the end. If you skip steps or do things in the wrong order, the dish may not turn out as expected.
Documentation of Changes
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
Students will keep a running log (e.g., in their design journal or portfolio) of any deviations from the original plan.
Detailed Explanation
This part focuses on the iterative nature of design. As students work on their prototypes, they might find that some aspects of their original plan are not feasible or effective. Keeping a log of these changes allows them to reflect on their decision-making process and learn from it. This documentation can also help in evaluating the prototype later by showing the thought process and rationale behind each change.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are building a model from a kit. If you realize that a piece isn't fitting as it should, you might decide to cut it down or replace it with another piece. By writing down what changes you made and why, you can figure out what worked best for future projects, similar to refining your skills as a builder.
Clear Justifications for Changes
Chapter 3 of 3
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Chapter Content
For each modification, students must provide a logical and well-reasoned explanation. Examples:
- "Original plan used cardboard for the grip, but during initial handling, it was too rigid; switched to dense foam to better simulate the desired soft-touch feel and allow for more ergonomic shaping (justification: improved ergonomic simulation)."
- "Realized the chosen adhesive was insufficient for bonding foam and cardboard; substituted with hot glue for stronger, faster bond (justification: improved structural integrity and efficiency)."
- "Adjusted the angle of the main shaft by 5 degrees after initial mock-up revealed a more natural wrist alignment (justification: refinement based on early ergonomic assessment)."
Detailed Explanation
This chunk outlines the necessity for students to justify their design choices. When modifying their prototypes, students should articulate their reasons clearly. This helps them think critically about their design decisions and ensures that every change is purposeful, enhancing the final product's effectiveness, safety, and functionality.
Examples & Analogies
It's like conducting an experiment in science class. If you change a variable (like the amount of water in a plant experiment), you need to explain why you made that change and how you anticipate it will affect the plant's growth. Providing justifications helps others understand your reasoning and the expected outcome.
Key Concepts
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Prototype creation: The process of building a tangible model of a product.
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Documentation: Keeping track of changes and their justifications during design.
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Iterative design: A cycle of continuous improvement through testing and modification.
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Adhering to the plan: Following a structured approach to ensure all steps are covered.
Examples & Applications
Example of changing a material for better grip during prototype construction.
Example of documenting a design change of the handle angle to improve ergonomics.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Plan your work and work your plan; document changes, that's the fan!
Stories
Imagine you are building a treehouse. You have a blueprint. As you start building, you realize the tree is bent. You change your plan by adding support beams and write down why you did this to remember for later projects.
Memory Tools
DREAM: Document, Reflect, Evaluate, Adjust, Modify.
Acronyms
PRACTICE
Plan
Record changes
Adhere to plan
Continuous improvement
Transform
Implement
Communicate
Evaluate.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Prototype
An early sample or model of a product used to test a concept or process.
- Documentation
The act of recording changes and justifications made during the design process.
- Iterative Design
A design process that promotes continuous improvement through repeated cycles of prototyping and testing.
- Plan Adherence
Following outlined steps and guidelines during the prototype construction process.
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