Tech Directions - December 2007 - (Page 28)

around the entire design.” Students then produce final posters like those shown in the photos using the directions given in Fig. 5. Posters include relevant technical definitions and a technical writing section. Including definitions and the writing prompt gives students Another completed poster practice with communicating solutions through earlier design and concept sketches. written expression. The written At this point in the instruction, I expression is also a good way to often found it beneficial to discuss include student self-evaluation of the design loop model (Fig. 1) again. the design. is a functioning scale model. Both can be used to finalize an idea before full production. Products are often mass constructed in large numbers, and mock-ups and prototypes offer a final step for testing and refining. If problems arise in the prototype or mock-up phase, changes can be made to the working drawing and a new model can be constructed for testing. Students should again refer to the design loop model. They should also be reminded that the final model constructed must follow the procedures stated in the design brief. References Hutchinson, J. (1990). Designing and documenting the design process in technology courses. New Jersey State Department of Education. Hutchinson, P. (1986). Problem solving in the British craft, design, and technology Programs. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. New York University. Hacker, M., & Barden, R. (1992). Living with technology (2nd ed.). New York: Delmar. Soman, S., & Swernofsky, R. (1997). Experience technology. New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. Elements of Graphic Design After completion of the research Mock-ups and Prototyping and graphic design steps, students With all planning steps comreceive an overview of graphic depleted, students can begin producsign principles. Hacker and Barden tion of a mock-up or a prototype. A describe the elements of graphic mock-up is a nonworking model that design as follows: is typically used to demonstrate “Eight elements help to communidesign elements to scale. A prototype cate designs effectively. These elements are shape, Title of Project line, texture, color, proporSchool, Class, or Sponsoring Organization Name tion, balance, unity, and Technical Definitions rhythm. Shapes can inThe selected definitions that are technical in Concept Sketches Design Sketches nature and may not be commonly understood clude geometric figures or One page of thumbOne page of at least by classmates. irregular shapes such as nail Ideas two rough ideas those found in nature. Design Elements No erasing or markNo erasing or marking A one page technical writing. Describe the Lines are boundaries ing out of ideas out of ideas goals of the project. Also provide a critical around space and form Ideas appear neat examination of the work done. Finally, provide Ideas appear neat, objects. Texture refers to but not fully detailed. a description of the good points, shortcommore detailed. Ideas ings, and improvements needed. The writing are shown with how the surface of an should be expressed in the form of a written dimensions and object looks and feels. self-evaluation. material descriptions. Color can also make an Be certain to include the following elements object appear larger or in your writing: smaller, heavier or lighter, ● Description of project and goals or closer or farther away. ● Description of how project was conducted Selected Solution Drawing ● Description of the positive/negative points, Proportion and balance One selected solution developed from concept and the improvements that are needed. refer to the sizes within a and design ideas. Additional student notes: This poster will be design and how they relate Should be fully dimensioned with a materials evaluated on the following criteria: to each other. Some dedescription (bill of materials). ● Neatness, appropriate use of color, layout, etc. signs have symmetry. Selected solution is the technical drawing that ● Definitions will be used to produce a prototype or mock-up. ● Technical writing Unity refers to the way all ● Quality and completeness of design process parts of a design produce a simple effect. Rhythm relates to the way the eye of the viewer moves Fig. 5—Student instructions 28 techdirections ◆ DECEMBER 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - December 2007

Tech Directions - December 2007 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology Today Technology's Past Mastering Computers Is This Op-Amp Any Good? Lab-Built Checker Removes All Doubt Here Comes the Sun! Residential Solar Systems Add Up to Savings Pinhole Cameras—For Science, Art, and Fun! Poster Project Maps Out Design Process Gifts for Geeks E-gallery More than Fun

Tech Directions - December 2007

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