DES1020: The Design Process
- Students develop an understanding of design problems through research and select, generate and evaluate possible solutions.
- Prerequisite: None
Assignment 1 - Design Brief
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You will be designing and either printing or laser cutting your own 3D object examples could include a key fob, cookie cutters, pen holder, board game piece, terrarium decoration, or a replacement part for some larger device. For more ideas check out Thingiverse, but don’t simply download a model. Create a design brief (on paper or digitally) that includes:
- The problem you are trying to solve.
- Some existing solutions or attempted solutions by others.
- A description of the object you want to build and why you want to build it.
- A rough sketch of your object with dimensions (x, y, and z), preferably in millimeters.
- Why you are wanting to design this object and the purpose it will serve.
You will submit your design brief document (or a photo of it) with your module submission.
Assignment 2 - Creating
Using your design brief as a guide, create a physical model of your object.
Export your model as an STL file for 3D printing or a vector file for laser cutting/engraving. You will also submit this file.
Use the appropriate software to prepare your model for 3D printing or laser cutting/engraving.
Take a picture of your completed object to submit.
Assignment 3 - Self-Evaluation
In a document or slide deck, write a self-evaluation that includes:
- Was the intention of your design successfully met?
- What worked well about your process?
- What could have gone better?
- What specific alternations or changes would you make that could enhance the quality of your model?
- Would this be useful for others? Why or why not?
- Are there any legal or copyright issues related to your design?
- What are two things your learned through this process?
Complete an Employability Skills Self-Assessment and a Personal Inventory Checklist.
Outcomes
The student will:
- identify the steps in the design process
- recognize and apply the components of the design process, including:
- identifying the problem or need (design brief)
- researching the problem
- generating ideas and visualizing potential solutions
- choosing the best solution
- choosing the best method of presentation
- making or modelling a solution
- presenting the solution
- evaluating the solution
- identify the elements; e.g., line, shape (2-D) or form (3-D), colour, texture, depth (perspective), light, direction (motion), mass (visual weight), tone (black and white) or value (colour), space (positive and negative)
- identify the principles of design, e.g., balance, emphasis, proportion (scale), repetition (rhythm/pattern), unity, contrast, harmony, proximity and variety, as they apply to form and function
- apply the steps in the design process through production of a designed solution
- follow the design process to create solutions for one or more 2-D or 3-D projects
- select and use appropriate tools and materials as outlined in the design brief
- effectively communicate intentions and decision making related to the design project; e.g., form, function, aesthetics
- use and maintain tools and materials in a safe and appropriate manner
- present a portfolio-ready drawing, rendering or model that the student produced
- present sketches, drawings and/or models for assessment
- maintain a design folder, journal or sketchbook as part of the portfolio of ongoing observational drawing and modelling activities
- identify copyright restrictions and permissions and put them into practice
- apply consistent and appropriate work station routines
- demonstrate good health and safety practices; e.g., posture, positioning of hardware and furniture
- demonstrate security for hardware, software, supplies and personal work
- show trogram
- demonstrate basic competencies
- demonstrate fundamental skills to:
- communicate
- manage information
- use numbers
- think and solve problems
- demonstrate personal management skills to:
- demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
- be responsible
- be adaptable
- learn continuously
- work safely
- demonstrate teamwork skills to:
- work with others
- participate in projects and tasks
- make personal connections to the cluster content and processes to inform possible pathway choices
- complete/update a personal inventory; e.g., interests, values, beliefs, resources, prior learning and experiences
- create a connection between personal inventory and occupational choices