Lesson overview
Learning objectives
- Write measurable design criteria.
- Create and refine a prototype.
- Collect useful user-testing evidence.
- Evaluate a product against its criteria.
Resources
- Card, paper, rulers, pencils and permitted cutting tools
- Design brief sheet
- Testing observation form
Starter
Give pupils a deliberately poor puzzle: either impossible, trivial or unclear. Ask them to identify whether the problem lies in the object, rules or instructions.
Main activity
- Choose a target user and intended difficulty.
- Write criteria covering safety, size, durability, number of moves and clarity.
- Sketch three concepts before choosing one.
- Create a low-cost prototype.
- Observe another person attempting it without coaching.
- Record where they hesitate, misuse a component or misunderstand the goal.
- Refine the design and instructions.
Plenary
Each designer states one change supported by testing evidence rather than personal preference.
Differentiation
Offer templates for a sliding, packing or folding puzzle. Extend by creating CAD files, estimating manufacture cost or designing progressive hints.
Assessment evidence
Design criteria, annotated concepts, prototype photographs, observation notes and an evidence-based evaluation.