1. Investigation - (i) Explain and justify the need for a solution to a problem for a specified client/target audience.
At the end of year 5 you should be able to:
You may ask the following questions to identify a problem from the situation.
- interpret an open-ended design situation
- explain the needs of the client/target market to solve the problem
- independently explore real-life design problems set in unfamiliar contexts
- design products for a client or an identified target market group
You may ask the following questions to identify a problem from the situation.
- What is the nature of the problem?
- Who is it a problem for?
- Where is the problem occurring?
- What is the cause of the problem?
- What effect is the problem having?
- identifying a target user by applying brainstorming or mind-mapping techniques
- interviewing, surveying and/or polling potential clients
- observing, filming and/or photographing users interacting with a product
- collecting data from experts to confirm there is a real need for a solution to the problem
- seeing the situation from the user’s/client’s point of view (as an example, refer to “Paul Bennett: Design is in the details” from Ted Talks)
Examples
My mom’s desk is scattered with pens, pencils and other tools, such as glue sticks, scissors, rulers, tape, hole punchers, staplers, etc., she needs while doing paperwork. Therefore I want to solve this problem for her, by creating a storage device, which she can put on her desk and use to store everything that is momentarily lying across her desk. It shouldn’t take up too much space, but be big enough to store everything that she needs.
This problem is caused, because the containers that she is using momentarily are not big enough to hold all of her tools/equipment. A custom made storage device for her needs would be perfect for her.
President of Energy Design and author of "Feng Shui: So Easy a Child Can Do It", writes the following on the topic of a clean work space increasing work efficiency:
“Whether you are working in a huge corporation or a one-person office, there are several benefits to uncluttering and organizing:
Considering these points, if my mom were to get a custom made storage device, she would be able to get a lot more done in a lot less time. She would be less stressed looking for her stuff and what she needs. There would be less accidents or things falling to the floor as she is searching for a pen. That way she would be done with her work a lot quicker, would be able to complete more on one day, and be much more relaxed overall.
This problem is caused, because the containers that she is using momentarily are not big enough to hold all of her tools/equipment. A custom made storage device for her needs would be perfect for her.
President of Energy Design and author of "Feng Shui: So Easy a Child Can Do It", writes the following on the topic of a clean work space increasing work efficiency:
“Whether you are working in a huge corporation or a one-person office, there are several benefits to uncluttering and organizing:
- Increase productivity and profitability increase
- Keep information confidential and secure
- Reduce mental overload and stress
- Reduce workplace accidents and spills
- Save time and improve effectiveness”
Considering these points, if my mom were to get a custom made storage device, she would be able to get a lot more done in a lot less time. She would be less stressed looking for her stuff and what she needs. There would be less accidents or things falling to the floor as she is searching for a pen. That way she would be done with her work a lot quicker, would be able to complete more on one day, and be much more relaxed overall.