Active learning ideas
Design Research and Ideation marks the beginning of the DCG Student Assignment, a project that accounts for 40% of the final Leaving Cert grade. In this phase, students move from being 'drawers' to being 'designers.' They must analyze a specific brief, such as designing a new game controller or a sustainable desk lamp, and conduct deep primary research into existing products.
Activity 01
In small groups, students take a common object related to the brief (e.g., an old kettle or a toy). They 'dissect' it, identifying every component and discussing its purpose, material, and ergonomic success. They then present their findings as a 'research board' for the class.
How do we effectively analyze a design brief?
Activity 02
Students have 8 minutes to sketch 8 different, wild ideas for the design brief. They then pair up to 'pitch' their best two ideas to a partner, who must provide one 'plus' (what works) and one 'wish' (what could be better).
What makes primary research valuable in product design?
Activity 03
Students pin up their primary research (photos, sketches, material samples). The class moves around with sticky notes, asking questions or suggesting related products that the designer might not have considered, fostering a community of inquiry.
How can freehand sketching communicate initial ideas rapidly?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Students often think 'research' just means printing pictures from the internet.
Emphasize 'primary' research. Encourage students to take their own photos, interview potential users, and take physical measurements. A peer-discussion on 'what I learned from holding the object' vs. 'what I saw in the picture' helps clarify the value of hands-on research.
Believing their first idea is their best idea.
Use the 'Crazy 8s' activity to force quantity over quality initially. When students are forced to move past their first three 'obvious' ideas, they often find more creative and innovative solutions in the later sketches.
Methods used in this brief
Concept Development and CAD Realisation
Students select their best design concept and develop it using parametric CAD software. They focus on detailed part modeling, assembly, and ergonomic considerations.
8 methodologies
Portfolio Compilation and Evaluation
In this final topic, students compile their research, sketches, and CAD renders into a cohesive electronic portfolio. They critically evaluate their final design against the original brief.
8 methodologies