Activity 1.2.1 Design Process
Introduction
All humans have the ability to design and solve problems. Design is a creative
process that allows people to solve problems, realize dreams, and implement ideas
to improve lives. Good designs turn ideas into products and systems to meet the
needs of the consumer. Engineers and designers use a systematic method of
solving problems called the design process. Because there is never just one solution
to a problem, the process of design is iterative – that means that potential solutions
are continually tested and improved upon until the best possible solution under
current circumstances is reached. As new technology is available, there may be new
problems that arise and new solutions that become possible. Imagine if we were still
driving the first practical gasoline-powered automobile invented, an open threewheeled vehicle? Innovations to the automobile have occurred because new
technology has become available and modern consumers demand more
sophisticated systems to meet their needs and desires.
Equipment
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Gateway notebook
Computer with Internet access
Headphones to plug into the computer
Procedure
In this activity you will learn about the steps in the Design Process and apply them to
a challenge completed by the PBS Kids Design Squad team.
1. Complete the Design Process Notes page of the handout attached as your
teacher explains the PLTW Design Process using the Design Process
presentation.
2. Log in to a computer with headphones and listen to one of the Design Squad
videos from Season 2. Use this URL: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/, then
choose from one of the design challenges that the Design Squad completed. You
can choose from: Cardboard Furniture, PVC Kayak, Green Machines, Gravity
Bikes, Water Dancing, Backyard Thrill Ride, Big Bugs, Aquatic Robotics, Band
Cam, No Crying in Baseball, Hockey Net Target, Off-Road Go-Karts 1, and OffRoad Go-Karts 2.
3. Complete the Design Squad area of the handout after watching the video on the
computer.
4. Complete the conclusion questions and turn in the activity to your instructor.
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Introduction Activity 1.2.1 Design Process – Page 1
Design Process Notes
1. What is design?
2. What is the design process?
Design Process Step
Definition
Example
Define Problem
Identify a valid
problem that is
justifiable. (design
brief)
Generate Concepts
Brainstorm ideas,
research, goals,
STEM principles
(design matrix)
Develop a Solution
Detailed design
solution, detailed
technical drawings
The science room
is not set up for the
laptops. Mrs.
Garcia cannot get
to her cupboards.
The need is to
redesign the room
arrangement so it
is easy to use
computers and
access to the
cupboards.
Looked at other
rooms. Brainstorm
ideas from images
from the interweb.
Created a design
matrix to choose
the best idea.
Draw out a detailed
drawing of the
room with
measurements on
how we want it to
look.
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Introduction Activity 1.2.1 Design Process – Page 2
Construct and Test
Prototype
Construct and test a
workable prototype
and gather data
Evaluate Solution
Reflect on
design…recommend
changes as needed
Present Solution
Workable “room”
to test the solution
Analyze the test
data. If there are
changes to be
made redo the
matrix and
technical drawings.
If design meets all
Presented, take
requirements; present video, do a mock of
your solution to the
the classroom.
problem
Design Squad
1. Which video did you watch?
2. In your own words, describe the problem/challenge that was given to the teams.
3. List the criteria and constraints that were given to the teams.
4. Complete the table below, describing what each team did at each stage of the
design process.
Green Team
Purple Team
Define Problem
Generate
Concepts
Develop a Solution
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Introduction Activity 1.2.1 Design Process – Page 3
Construct and Test
Prototype
Evaluate Solution
Present Solution
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Introduction Activity 1.2.1 Design Process – Page 4
Conclusion Questions
1. Why do we use a design process?
2. Which stage of the design process do you think is most important? Why?
3. Teamwork is an important part of completing projects and design challenges. If
you were working on a team, how would you contribute to the team?
4. Which team won the challenge that you viewed? Based on what you saw, how
would you explain their success?
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Introduction Activity 1.2.1 Design Process – Page 5