Design Process
Apply the design process to solve problems
Applying the Design Process
In Grade 8, you apply the full design process to increasingly complex problems. This means: writing a design brief, developing specifications, generating multiple solutions, choosing the best one using evaluation criteria and making a detailed plan before building.
Example
Design Brief Format
Design Brief:
Problem: Grade 8 learners need a device to charge phones using solar energy at school.
Specifications:
• Must charge a phone in under 3 hours
• Must be portable (carry in a school bag)
• Must cost under R200 to make
• Must be durable (last at least 1 year)
• Must be safe (no exposed wires)
Generate 3 different design solutions, then evaluate each against the specifications.
Note
Remember
A good design brief clearly states the problem, who it's for and the constraints. Specifications are measurable requirements the solution must meet. Always generate multiple solutions before choosing one — your first idea is rarely the best. Evaluate objectively against your specifications.
Key Vocabulary
Design briefA clear statement of the problem to be solved
SpecificationsDetailed requirements the design must meet
CriteriaStandards used to evaluate and choose between options
PrototypeA first working model of a design
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Design brief
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