Foundations of Technology
Design Principles
Teacher Resource – Unit 2 Lesson 3
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
The BIG Idea
Big Idea:
There are several factors that significantly
influence the design process.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Characterizing Design
Design is an essential action in
engineering and is a primary component
of product development.
Good design focuses on efficiency during
product development and use by the
consumer.
Design problems seldom arise in a clearly
defined form.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Characterizing Design
Design is often driven by profit motive and
the market.
Good design incorporates the principles of
universal design and artistic design.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Principles of Universal
Design
Universal design states that all engineered
products and environments be usable by
all people, without the need for
modification.
This effort is focused on reducing the need
for adaptation or specializing a product
post-development.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Principles of Universal
Design
There are seven factors in Universal
Design:
1. Equitable Use: the design is useful to people
with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use: the design meets a wide
range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: the design is easy
to understand and use.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Principles of Universal
Design
There are seven factors in Universal
Design:
4. Perceptible Information: the design
communicates necessary information to the
user.
5. Tolerance in Error: the design reduces
hazards in use or accidental use.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Principles of Universal
Design
There are seven factors in Universal
Design:
6. Low Physical Effort: the design can be used
efficiently and comfortably.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: the
design is appropriate for all users regardless
of their body type.
For more information, please visit: http://www.ncsu.edu/project/design-projects/udi/
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Artistic Design in
Engineering
For products to be successful, they must
be visually appealing.
The basic principles of design used to
create art are often applied when
developing a product.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Artistic Design in
Engineering
Balance: the product is visually equal (can
be symmetrical or asymmetrical).
Contrast: a change in the product’s color
or a value to distinguish the elements of
the design.
Center of Interest (emphasis): the area
that first attracts the user to the product.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Artistic Design in
Engineering
Directional Movement: the visual flow as
the user manipulates the product.
Harmony: how the product interacts with
the surrounding environment.
Rhythm: the reoccurrence of elements
within the product.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology