Designing Ideas and Activities |
You may have an idea for a project to design and make that comes from a desire for something you may want or a need to solve a problem. For example, you may be worried about somebody going into your bedroom and want a system to alert you if an unwanted visitor tries to enter when you are not there.
Other people, in different situations and places, will have their own needs and wants too. You may be unaware of these and find there is a good opportunity for a project if you start considering and looking into these different contexts. You could begin by asking a friend if they, or their family, have any possible project ideas. Perhaps they have a pet that you could design and make an electronic toy for so they are kept stimulated when their owners are not about. Humans like games involving skills or challenges, so maybe you could think of a fun interactive game that you could theme to fit with their interests. You could also explore and research less familiar situations and see if you can find some opportunities or ideas to get you started there. Activities involving People and Places: 1, People 1a, Identify and write down a range of people, who work in different jobs. This could include your parents.Try to think of at least ten different occupations or jobs and write down the activities or tasks that these workers are involved in. You may find it is easier to present your thoughts on a spider chart. 1b, Now add the different items of equipment or resources they use. 1c, Identify and write down as many difficulties or problems you think they might face when doing their work - Is there anything they might need or want to help them in their activities? 2, Places 2a, Make a list of as many different places where people gather and go to do things - a playgroup, library, sports centre or youth club for example. You could begin by considering more familiar places - such as: home, down town, the park or school. 2b, List the different activities that are carried out at these places. It may be possible for you to visit some of them and actually ask the people working there if they have any problems or needs that you could assist with and design a solution for them. Using the information you identify or find out: Whilst carrying out research, or visiting places to get ideas, it is important to carefully observe what people are doing. See if you can find out or identify any opportunities for a design and make project so you can create something of use that people might need or want. Example: When visiting a play group, it was found young children were very poor at remembering to hang their coats and bags on hooks when they arrived. If you think about it, this is a great opportunity for a design project! - By designing a coat hook which automatically creates a fun feature when something is hung on it - such as: moving a cartoon figure or making an electronic sound or light flash, would be a simple and effective way to encourage a young person to use it - especially if you introduce them to the idea, personalise the hooks and try to put the user at the centre of the design work you do. If you think carefully about what you discover and learn whilst doing your own research, you might find this triggers some thoughts for a really interesting or unusual design and make project... Further activities and resources, to identify needs and opportunites, to help get you started designing and making, are provided on the left.
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