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Facing hurdles in design or sketching? As a student, do you grapple with balancing schoolwork and creative pursuits? This blog provides in-depth, tailored advice, directly tackling issues in design, sketching, and academic management. It's a place where you may find the necessary support and guidance to overcome these challenges. (Copyright © 2007-2024 Daniel Lim) Feel free to share the topics you're eager to explore in this blog. Additionally, if my content has inspired or aided you, I'd love to hear about it. Your feedback is invaluable.

26 May 2024

Design Development: A Basic Guide and Checklist for Students

Welcome to a simple guide on the “Development” phase of the design process! 

In this video, we explore the essential steps to fine-tune and finalize your design concepts, ensuring your project is ready for realisation and presentation.

Watch the video HERE

1. A Basic Guide to Design Development

The “Development” phase is where you transform your initial ideas into detailed, workable designs. Here’s what you need to focus on:

  • Functionality: Test and improve features to ensure reliable performance.
  • Material Choice: Select materials based on strength, flexibility, and sustainability.
  • Color Scheme: Choose colors that enhance the design’s appeal and functionality.
  • Jointing Methods: Determine the best techniques for assembling your design.

2. A Simple Checklist for Students

Use this checklist to ensure you’ve covered all necessary elements in your design development:

Shape and Form refinement

Functionality testing and improvement

Material selection and justification

Color scheme planning

Jointing methods determination

Finishing methods application

Detailed production documentation

By following this guide and checklist, you’ll be well-prepared in your Design & Technology coursework. Remember, a thorough development is the key to creating a successful and remarkable design.

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23 May 2024

Three Levels of Using SCAMPER in Ideation

SCAMPER is a popular technique for ideation and development in design. It provides a structured method for generating creative ideas and solutions. The ability to use SCAMPER effectively varies depending on a student's aptitude, competency, and proficiency in the art of designing, visualizing, and drawing. 

By structuring SCAMPER into three distinct levels, students of varying abilities can engage with this powerful tool, ensuring they have the opportunity to develop their ideation skills progressively.


3-Levels to Use SCAMPER Suitable for Every Design-Ability Level



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Level 1 (Basic Level):

At Level 1, the student simply uses one SCAMPER acronym at a time independently for each modification of the basic form.

The student will either use one acronym at a time in sequence or choose those that they can manage and ignore the rest. Each acronym used results in an exclusive design, meaning if three acronyms are used, three exclusive designs are produced. 

The outcome of the designs matches the number of acronyms used, providing a straightforward and manageable approach for beginners.

Level 2 (Intermediate Level):

Level 2 represents an intermediate stage where the student has developed the competency and proficiency to merge two or more independent modified ideas into one. 

This process is dependent on the student's capacity and proficiency, as well as their ability and aptitude for design. Typically, when one idea is combined with the basic form, it will automatically require modifications. Basic modifications to the Level 1 forms are necessary to produce a new, integrated design after merging two SCAMPER elements from Level 1. 

This stage begin to challenge students to think more critically and creatively about combining and enhancing their ideas.

Level 3 (Pro Level):

At Level 3, the student has a thorough understanding of SCAMPER and possesses the aptitude and intellectual capacity for advanced design. 

The student can use Levels 1 and 2 at will, applying SCAMPER elements in any order and not necessarily in sequence. Not every acronym needs to be used, which allows for a high level of free play and creativity. At this level, the basic form evolves continuously as SCAMPER elements are added, reflecting the progression and sophistication of the ideation process. 

The Pro Level encourages students to innovate and refine their designs dynamically, utilizing SCAMPER flexibly to achieve complex and well-developed outcomes.

Conclusion

This structured approach to using SCAMPER, from Level 1 to Level 3, provides a clear pathway for both teachers and students in Design & Technology. It ensures that students can gradually build their skills and confidence in ideation, ultimately reaching a level where they can fully exploit the creative potential of the SCAMPER technique.

If you need any help or clarification, do not hesitate to write to me.

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Purchase the  guide  here. As coursework ends, ensure your design journal is thorough and complete. Missing parts and areas needing improvem...