Create, Experiment, Build, Question and Learn.
I am a specialist Product and Graphic Design Teacher, specialising in the Iterative process of designing, prototyping and evaluating. With a particular focus on entrepreneurship and making, rooted in real-world contexts and challenges.
My mission is to plan and deliver creative, fun and engaging lessons for KS3, 4 and 5, ages 11-18.
Create, Experiment, Build, Question and Learn.
I am a specialist Product and Graphic Design Teacher, specialising in the Iterative process of designing, prototyping and evaluating. With a particular focus on entrepreneurship and making, rooted in real-world contexts and challenges.
My mission is to plan and deliver creative, fun and engaging lessons for KS3, 4 and 5, ages 11-18.
Pupils’ love being creative with this project. Lessons are differentiated with strong cross-curricular (Literacy, Geography, Science) links, whilst requiring very little resources (only paper and product examples). Also Included are diffirenciated resources and student/teacher examples.
In this second lesson, students will continue the iterative product design process. Students write their own specification; through group tasks, individual tasks and class-discussions. We then cover some basic sketching techniques before leading to them sketching their initial ideas which they must then justify, through annotation.
Lesson consists of literacy starter> class discussions>prep task> main task. Lesson is a double but could be extended over several lessons.
If you enjoyed this lesson, please see the other lessons in my Product Design series/SOW (where the full iterative design process is covered). In this unit, pupils will gain an understanding into what is product design and the creative process of a designer, from existing research/analysis, writing a specification, initial ideas, isometric drawing and CAD modelling.
This product design (design and technology) lesson introduces students to market pull and technology push as well as planned obsolescence, in line with assessment criteria for design technology specification criteria.
Lesson consists of a starter, class discussion, relatable examples, videos (contextulisation), main activity and a homework design activity (consolidation activity).
If you enjoyed this lesson, please see other product design theory lessons in my shop, that are all linked to Design Technology theory exam assessment criteria.
This is a collection of KS3 graphic design lessons that do not require the use of specialist equipment or computers. Allowing the work to be set remotely or to be taught in non-specialist classrooms.
A series of Graphic design lessons, where students are introduced to graphic design, typography and advertising. Projects include:
Brand Yourself
Students design their own logo to brand themselves.
Typography
Students learn about personification in advertising and design their own typography and then posters in the style of the illustrator; Paul Thurlby.
Typography Project:
1
Students are introduced to graphic design, personification and anthropomorphism through various questioning activities and a Pixar based exercise. Students learn how brands use personifciation effectively in advertising (M & M’s and Kellogg’s) before creating their own Pixa research page, demonstrating an understanding of the key words learnt; in a visual way.
2
In this second lesson, students are introduced to graphic design and typography through various questioning activities and videos. They are introduced to the illustrator (Paul Thurlby) and shown how he personifies type for commercial gain; through products and advertising. This then leads to students creating their own artist research page, demonstrating an understanding of the key words learnt; in a visual way.
3
In this third lesson, students are tasked with personifying a letter, so that collectively the class can create a personified typeface. This typeface will then be used in later lessons to form the text for a piece of ‘positive advertising’.
4
In this fourth lesson, students are tasked with personifying type to form the text for a piece of ‘positive advertising’. This is in response to an industry style, client brief by the NHS for their ‘Change 4 Life’ campaign. This lesson could be extended over several lessons.
5
In this fifth lesson, students are tasked with designing a promotional piggy bank. This is in response to an industry style, client brief by Halifax encouraging people save with them. This lesson could be extended over several lessons.
This scheme was designed for KS3 but could also be used with KS4 students.
Logo Design Project:
1
Students are introduced to logo design, their importance/significance, colour psychology, and the design process as a whole. Student then begin to sketch out their initial ideas for their own logo. Lesson consists of starter> class discussions> colour psychology (sorting) task> main task> plenary.
2
Students peer feedback on each others initial ideas and then continue to develop the design for their own logo. Lesson consists of starter> class discussions> peer feedback> main task> plenary.
If you enjoyed this lesson, please see the other lessons of my ‘Brand Yourself’ graphics scheme. This scheme was designed for KS3 but could also be used with KS4 students.
A simple introduction to Google Sketchup. Pupils go through the basic features of the software with a differentiated hand-out to create a model toothbrush. This lesson observation was graded as ‘outstanding’.
The lesson consists of a starter activity, step-by-step instructions for each tool, clear assesment criteria and a review.
Also included is a homework task and teacher example.
Pupils’ love being creative with this project. Lessons are differentiated with strong cross-curricular (Literacy, Geography, Science) links, whilst requiring very little resources (only paper and product examples). Also Included are diffirenciated resources and teacher examples.
In this third lesson, students will continue the iterative product design process. Students complete sketching their initial ideas after a warm-up drawing exercise. This then leads to an introduction to isometric drawing techniques through various individual drawing exercises. They then render their own chosen design as a final drawing in an isometric projection.
Lesson consists of literacy starter> class discussions>prep task> main task. Lesson is a double but could be extended over several lessons.
If you enjoyed this lesson, please see the other lessons in my Product Design series/SOW (where the full iterative design process is covered). In this unit, pupils will gain an understanding into what is product design and the creative process of a designer, from existing research/analysis, writing a specification, initial ideas, isometric drawing and CAD modelling.
Full MYP Units Bundle which can cover the entire MYP 1 - 5 Design curriculum, representing a significant saving over buying units individually.
In these outstanding, creative units, students are tasked with designing and making solutions in line with specific client-led briefs. With practical, written, and theory work closely related to the new MYP Design Specification and four assessment criteria.
These units/projects have been designed for a term (12-14 weeks) or half-term (6-8 weeks) though each can be extended or condensed by modifying the design process and portfolio accordingly. Included is a unit planner that maps each project to units of inquiry (IB), sustainable development goals (UN), ATL skills (IB), and inner development goals (IDGs).
Each project covers the entire iterative (non-linear) design process as well as relatable theory. The units are flexible and can be adapted to be taught throughout MY1 to MY5. The recommended MY year group can be found below.
Units include:
Product Design Unit - Desk Tidy Product (MY1).
Graphic Design Unit - Personified Typography (various briefs) (MY1).
Product Design Unit - Cardboard Up-cycling Project (industry brief) (MY2).
Product Design Unit - Phone Stand Product (MY2 or 3).
Architecture Unit - Introduction to Architecture. Worlds’ Leading Architects and Their Creative Processes (MY2 or 3).
Product and App Design Unit - Smart Water Bottle and App (MY3).
Architecture Unit - Designing Accessible, Innovative, and Sustainable Schools. (MY3 or 4).
Product Design Unit - LEDC Solar Light. (MY4).
Product and App Design Unit - Smart Toothbrush. (MY4).
Architecture Unit - Microhouse. (MY5).
Engineering - 3D Printed Bridge. (MY5).
For more information about each unit please click on each relevant individual resource.
Lesson includes objectives, keywords, engaging activities, videos and current real-world examples that students can relate to. Lessons culminate in a task where students consolidate and apply the key theory that they have learnt so that they are prepared for any IB assessments.
↠ Projects work in Powerpoint or Google Slides. This file may be zipped. Once downloaded right-click the file and select ‘extract all’ to open. ↞
✎Please note I am a UK seller and unless otherwise stated the product uses standard English. This should not affect the use of this product in other countries.
♥ After using this product please leave a rating and comment.
♦ If there are any issues with the product please contact me (via the Ask a Question tab) before leaving feedback.
Pupils’ love being creative with this project. Lessons are differentiated with strong cross-curricular (Literacy, Geography, Science) links. Also Included are diffirenciated resources and teacher examples.
In this fourth lesson in the scheme, students will continue the iterative, product design process. Students are tasked with realising their final drawing as a CAD model, using SketchUp software. Included is a 6, page step-by-step guide for students to follow (self-directed learning).
Lesson consists of a starter> class discussions> main task (with guide) and plenary/review. Lesson should ideally be extended over several lessons. Also included is an additional starter that could be used in the next, subsequent lesson.
If you enjoyed this lesson, please see the other lessons in my Product Design series/SOW (where the full iterative design process is covered). In this unit, pupils will gain an understanding into what is product design and the creative process of a designer, from existing research/analysis, writing a specification, initial ideas, isometric drawing and CAD modelling.
Pupils’ love being creative with this hands-on project. Lessons are differentiated with strong cross-curricular (Literacy, Science) links, whilst requiring very little resources; only paper and desired material (I have used Fimo clay but another material could be used instead, such as cardboard). Also Included are diffirenciated resources and student/teacher examples.
In this first lesson, students are introduced to biomimicry, ergonomics and the project brief; ‘Design a series of contemporary interlocking (or complimenting) espresso cups based on biomimicry’.
Students design; through group tasks, individual tasks and class-discussions. We then cover some basic sketching techniques before leading to them sketching their initial ideas, which they must then justify, through annotation (clear success criteria).
Lesson consists of starter> class discussions> main task> peer assessment> plenary> Independent study (homework). Lesson is a double but could be extended over several lessons.
If you enjoyed this lesson, please see the other lessons in this or other Product Design series/SOW (where the full iterative design process is covered). In this unit, pupils will gain an understanding into what is product design and the creative process of a designer, from initial ideas, final isometric sketching, writing a specification and clay model making (prototyping).
Pupils’ love being creative with this hands-on project. Students are tasked with creating a mini prototype piece of flat-pack furniture for a furniture manufacturer. I have used Cardboard and envelopes (to personify flat-pack packaging) with a craft knife and tape or glue gun but this project but it could be adapted for other materials such as HIPS or wood. Also Included are differentiated resources and student/teacher examples.
In this first lesson, students are introduced to the benefits of flat pack furniture in logistics and manufacturing through class discussions and group tasks. They they create their own piece of furniture that can be disassembled and placed flat inside an envelope. There is also an extension task where they can draw ‘wordless’ instructions for another student to try to assemble there design.
Introduction to SOW
Class discussion/group tasks on flat pack furniture
Modelling
Optional extension
Activities should be spread over 2/3 lessons
If you enjoyed this lesson, please see the other lessons in this or other Product Design series/SOW (where the full iterative design process is covered). In this unit, pupils will gain an understanding into what is product design and the creative process of a designer, from initial ideas, final isometric sketching, writing a specification and clay model making (prototyping).
In this creative, though theoretical lesson, students are introduced to/or consolidate their knowledge of Access FM. Students are given a series of Ikea lamps (though this could be easily changed to other products), which they must analyse using the ACCESS FM criteria. Students then consolidate their analysis into a short presentation through group-work, in a ‘dragons den style’ format.
Introduction to ACCESS FM
Preparatory Task
Consolidation Task
Presentation
Peer assessment (vote)
If you enjoyed this lesson, please see the other lessons in this or other Product Design series/SOW (where the full iterative design process is covered). In this unit, pupils will gain an understanding into what is product design and the creative process of a designer, from initial ideas, final isometric sketching, writing a specification and model making (prototyping).
In this lesson, students explore the various needs, wants, interests etc of a target market and how designs can use this information to influence their design decisions, then are given a specific target market to explore through a creative exercise. They then consolidate this information to present their findings to the rest of the class. This lesson can be used for KS3, 4 or 5 in a variety of lessons around the ideas of user-centred design and entrepreneurship.
The only materials required are large sheets of paper and marker pens. Also included are 2 students examples.
How can we design affordable, sustainable solutions that can help people in lower economically developed countries?
In this project, students are given a brief from the UN to design a sustainable, solar light for people in developing economies, that have limited or no access to electricity.
Statement of inquiry: Considering the interconnection of global infrastructures creates a more equal and sustainable future for our shared planet.
Students are taught a range of creative, STEAM, and research skills using both digital and physical techniques, evidencing their design process through a 23-page digital portfolio (Powerpoint) in line with the four assessment criteria. Alternatively, this can be printed or used as a template. Included are extension tasks, as well as teacher and student examples.
Lessons cover:
♦ Introduction to LEDCs and the environment - historical factors and innovative solutions to provide sustainable, affordable, off-grid energy sources. What are LEDCs? What might life be like without power? What are the alternatives?
♦ Product Analysis using the ACCESS FM technique.
♦ Ideation using the SCAMPER technique.
♦ Advanced sketching techniques: isometric drawing - Which advanced sketching techniques do designers use? Isometric resource sheets.
♦ CAD Prototyping - Sketchup (free online cloud-based program)
♦ Iterative Design and Prototyping - How and why do we prototype? 2D design and/or physical prototyping. Evaluating our designs.
♦ Making the circuit - Solar Panel, LED, Switch - How do we make working circuits using different components?
♦ Final Prototyping - TinkerCad (free online cloud-based program)
♦ Final Prototyping - 3D printing or Laser Cutting
If you enjoyed this project/scheme of work please leave a review and visit my shop where there is a range of creative and engaging design and engineering projects.
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↠ Projects work in Powerpoint or Google slides. This file may be zipped. Once downloaded right-click the file and select ‘extract all’ to open. ↞
✎Please note I am a UK seller and unless otherwise stated the product uses standard English. This should not affect the use of this product in other countries. ✎
♥ After using this product please leave a rating and comment.
♦ If there are any issues with the product please contact me (via the Ask a Question tab) before leaving feedback.
Pupils love being creative with this project which covers the entire design process of designing a physical smart toothbrush and an accompanying app, with the aim of encouraging and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The project does not include any coding, rather it is focused on the design process, critical thinking and communicating ideas, culminating in a physical prototype and a clickable digital prototype of an app.
SOI: Scientific and technical innovation can be made by connecting physical and digital products.
Lessons are differentiated with strong cross-curricular (literacy) links that align with the international IB curriculum. The project requires very few resources and any apps used are free and cloud-based. The project can be adapted for different physical and/or digital learning spaces.
Included is a digital portfolio which follows the four assessment objectives of the IB Design curriculum. The portfolio can be delivered digitally, printed or used as a guide. Student/teacher examples are also included.
Lessons include:
♦ Ergonomics and Anthropometrics theory.
♦ Internet of Things theory.
♦ Understanding and writing a design brief.
♦ Writing a design specification for a particular user and client.
♦ User-centered design and user research methods.
♦ Ideation strategies.
♦ Sketching techniques: isometric, orthographic.
♦ Prototyping in foam, card or 3D printing (depending on learning space).
♦ UX design and wireframing an app.
♦ UI design and prototyping a clickable prototype of an app (Figma).
A simple introduction to Content Form Process Mood terminology in Art & Design. This could be adapted and is a great way to introduce almost any artist(s) the students may be studying in any given scheme as it can be altered easily whilst maintaining the same structure.
Lesson consists of group work; a ‘warm-up’ task and then application as a 30 second presentation to their peers.
Also included is a CFPM game that could be used as an extension activity.
If you found this useful, please review.
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