Designing for people |
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Choosing a worthwhile control project to design and make is very important. It is better to try and make something that other people may want to use rather than designing something just for yourself. This is what professional designers do. To start thinking about different people, decide what they are interested in or might need or want. Do they do a job, for instance, that involves the use of special equipment. Could a hobby or activity be made more fun or easier for them. Perhaps with a product that you could make them?
To help you get started choosing your project here are a number of things you could do. (You will find it easier to come up with ideas if you work with a partner or small group). 1a, Brainstorm a range of different people in different jobs even your mum or dad working at home. 1b, List the activities or tasks that they are involved in. 1c, Now list the things that they use or might need. Try to think of at least ten different occupations / jobs and note down what equipment would be useful to them. You could present your ideas as a spider chart. 2a, Make a list of as many different places where people gather and do things: a playgroup, sports centre or youth club for instance. 2b, What activities/work do these people get involved in? It may be possible for you to visit some of these places and look for ideas or ask for suggestions from the people you meet. 3, Consider also, more familiar situations such as: At Home - In the Town - At School Are there any opportunities or people's needs that could lead you to designing a control project for them? Perhaps somebody else in your family, or a pet could benefit from an electronic system that you could design and make.
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