Unit 1: Ergonomics & Everyday Objects

This unit introduces the principles of user-centered design and ergonomics regarding everyday objects, focusing on redesigning an ergonomic hand tool.

Unit Overview

This unit introduces the principles of user-centered design, ergonomics, and material selection for everyday objects, culminating in a hands-on project focusing on the redesign of an ergonomic hand tool.

Global Context: Identities And Relationships

This section examines how product design influences human interaction and overall well-being, emphasizing the relationship between user needs and product ergonomics.

Key Concepts

This section outlines essential concepts in ergonomics and design principles, focusing on functionality and aesthetics in product development.

Related Concepts

This section discusses key related concepts integral to understanding ergonomics and user-centered design in product development.

Learning Objectives (Aligned With Myp Design Criteria)

This section outlines the learning objectives aligned with the MYP Design Criteria, emphasizing the importance of user-centered design and ergonomics in product development.

Criterion A: Inquiring And Analysing (Maximum Focus)

This section emphasizes the importance of user-centered design and ergonomic considerations in product development, particularly focusing on the redesign of an everyday hand tool.

A.2. Identify And Prioritize Primary And Secondary Research Needed To Develop A Solution.

This section focuses on understanding the importance of primary and secondary research in developing ergonomic hand tools.

A.3. Analyze Research Findings To Develop A Detailed Design Brief, Including User Profile, Functional Requirements, And Ergonomic Considerations.

This section emphasizes the critical process of synthesizing research findings to formulate a comprehensive design brief, which encompasses user profiles, functional requirements, and ergonomic considerations for product design.

A.4. Develop A Prioritized List Of Specifications For The Hand Tool Redesign Based On Research.

This section details the importance of creating a prioritized list of specifications for the redesign of a hand tool, focusing on measurable criteria to ensure effective evaluation.

Criterion B: Developing Ideas (Maximum Focus)

This section emphasizes generating, developing, and justifying feasible design solutions based on analytical findings in ergonomic product design.

B.1. Develop A Design Brief That Justifies Exploration Areas.

This section focuses on developing a design brief that outlines and justifies specific exploration areas for designing an improved ergonomic hand tool.

B.2. Present A Range Of Feasible Design Ideas (Sketches, 2d Drawings, Simple 3d Models) For The Hand Tool.

Students will create and present multiple design ideas for an ergonomic hand tool, considering user needs and ergonomic principles.

B.3. Present The Chosen Design Idea, Justifying Its Selection Based On The Detailed Design Brief, Ergonomic Principles, And Potential User Benefit.

This section focuses on presenting and justifying the chosen design idea for a hand tool, ensuring that it aligns with ergonomic principles and addresses user needs effectively.

B.4. Develop Accurate And Appropriate Detailed Design Specifications And Initial Planning Drawings/diagrams For The Chosen Hand Tool.

This section focuses on the creation of precise design specifications and initial drawings for a hand tool, ensuring that designs meet ergonomic and functional criteria.

Criterion C: Creating The Solution (Maximum Focus)

This section outlines the structured process of planning, executing, and evaluating the prototype of a redesigned hand tool, emphasizing practical skills and iterative thinking.

C.1. Construct A Logical Plan Outlining The Steps And Justified Use Of Resources To Create A Low-Fidelity Prototype Of The Hand Tool.

This section outlines the logical steps needed to create a low-fidelity prototype of a hand tool, emphasizing the justified choice of resources and techniques involved.

C.2. Demonstrate Competent Technical Skills When Constructing The Prototype.

This section emphasizes the importance of demonstrating technical skills in prototype construction, focusing on accuracy, precision, and effective material handling.

C.3. Follow The Plan To Create The Prototype, Documenting Any Changes Made With Clear Justifications.

This section emphasizes the importance of adhering to a pre-planned approach while creating a prototype, highlighting the necessity of documenting any changes along with justifications for those modifications.

C.4. Present The Physical Prototype, Explaining How It Aligns With The Design Brief And Specifications, Particularly Focusing On Ergonomic Features.

The section focuses on presenting the physical prototype of the redesigned hand tool, ensuring it demonstrates alignment with the design brief and ergonomic specifications.

Criterion D: Evaluating (Maximum Focus)

This section focuses on how students can evaluate their prototypes and analyze findings for potential improvements.

D.1. Design And Justify A Simple Method For Evaluating The Ergonomic Success Of The Prototype.

This section outlines methods for evaluating the ergonomic effectiveness of a prototype hand tool, emphasizing user feedback and observational techniques.

D.2. Evaluate The Success Of The Prototype Against The Design Brief And Specifications, Using Feedback And Observations.

This section discusses evaluating the prototype's success by comparing it with the design brief and specifications, using collected feedback and observations.

D.3. Explain How The Prototype Could Be Improved Based On Evaluation Findings.

This section discusses specific improvements for the prototype based on evaluation findings, linking changes directly to user feedback.

D.4. Explain The Potential Impact Of The Redesigned Hand Tool On The User's Comfort And Efficiency.

The redesigned hand tool aims to enhance user comfort and efficiency through ergonomic improvements.

Activities

This section outlines a sequence of activities designed to enhance students' understanding of product design and ergonomics through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects.

1. Introduction To Product Design & Ergonomics

2. Ergonomics Case Studies & Analysis

3. Identifying User Needs & Anthropometry

4. Research Deep Dive: User Empathy & Materials

5. Design Brief Development & Specification Writing

This section focuses on the creation of a design brief and specifications for developing or improving ergonomic hand tools, emphasizing user-centered design and ergonomic considerations.

6. Ideation & Visual Communication

7. Selection & Detailed Design

This section emphasizes the critical importance of the selection and detailed design process in developing effective ergonomic hand tools.

8. Prototyping & Skill Development

9. Evaluation & Reflection

Assessment

This section explores the various assessment criteria and methods used to evaluate the design process of ergonomic products.

Formative Assessment (Ongoing Feedback And Skill Development)

This section emphasizes the importance of formative assessment as a continuous feedback mechanism that supports skill development in product design and user-centered design processes.

Summative Assessment (Demonstration Of Unit Mastery)

This section outlines the comprehensive summative assessment focused on students' mastery of the design process related to ergonomics and product redesign.