Sunday, September 23, 2018

Criterion C: Creating Solutions

  • The Plan:
    • I have constructed a logical plan (a step-by-step procedure) for the creation of the solution.  (sufficient for peers to be able to follow)
    • I have stated the resources that will be needed.
    • I have completed a timeline / Gantt chart
  • The Creation Process:
    • I have demonstrated excellent technical skills when making the solution.
    • I have fully justified changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution.
    • Process Journal: I have maintained a process journal through the entire creation process.
      • I have explained the tools and techniques used in the process of creation.
      • I have included evidence in the creation phase that I have followed my time plan.
      • I have reflected any changes I made to my plan during the creation phase.
      • I have included screen shots and other photographic evidences of the key phases of creation.
      • I have kept notes in my process journal about how well I worked, problems encountered, and use of time - to be used in the evaluation.
  • The Final Project: I have presented the solution as a whole, either in electronic form, or through photographs of the solution from different angles, showing details.
  • Evaluate: I have evaluated and reflected on my performance in the this stage.
    • Challenges and successes
    • Areas of concerns
    • The strengths and weaknesses.
    • Observations on how this stage could have been improved.
    • General reflections 

(i) Construct a logical plan that describes the efficient use of time and 

resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution. 

pages 1- 2

By the end of year 4 you should be able to:



  • construct a series of logical steps to create the solution, using charts, diagrams and text that include aspects of quality control and quality assurance
  • construct a plan to create the solution that makes effective use of resources and time
  • construct a clear and concise plan that peers will be able to follow to create the solution


Step
Description of the tasks
Duration
Resources required
Place/Venue
1

Create background. 
I will design my background to show the color scheme of the client's organisation of blue and yellow colors.

1 hour
Animation software:
animaker.com

In class
2

 Create props to show the different furniture; counter, fridge, cashier desk and shelves
50 min
animaker.com
 In class
3





4





5





6






Objective C strand 1
In objective C, your role switches from designer to prototype-developer or manufacturer. Objective C 
focuses on the realization or creation of a solution to a problem.
One of the most difficult aspects of design is to take an idea from paper and create a product that someone can interact with: a solution to a problem. In objective B, you developed planning drawings and/or diagrams to clearly depict what you are making. In this first strand of objective C, you detail how they will make your solution.
By constructing a logical plan that details the steps required to make a solution, you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding about how solutions can be made.

What are resources?

Resources can be categorized in two ways: materials and tools.
It is simple to identify tangible materials such as hardwood or nylon; however, it can become more problematic to determine digital materials. When identifying digital materials, you should consider text, fonts, images, audio, video, animation, sprites and icons.
For digital design, tools include both software and hardware (input, processing and output devices). For product design, tools include: hand tools, machinery, CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, EDA Electronic Design Automation software (EDA) (e.g. Fritzing) and CAM hardware (e.g. Fritzing Fab).

Quality control and assurance

Quality assurance covers all materials from design to documentation. It includes the regulation of quality of raw materials, assemblies, products and components, services related to production and management, and inspection processes.
Quality control manifests itself in the development checking and testing of systems to ensure that products or services are designed and made to meet or exceed specifications.


Examples of plans

Step-by-step plan
 Step Process (including quality control, health and safety considerations) Tools Materials Time to complete
 1
 2
                                                            

                                                                                            
   
Gantt chart/slippage chart
Gantt chart is a project-management tool used to provide an overview of a process. A Gantt chart divides the manufacture of a product into small tasks. It indicates the time estimated for each of these tasks and the resources required. It does not provide a detailed set of instructions, but instead is an overview to self-assess progress with a project. You should indicate when each task is complete.





Gantt chart example

slippage chart goes one step further than the Gantt chart in that it has room below each task to mark when it was completed (in green), allowing you to identify when they are behind in their plans and take action to get back on schedule.

Slippage chart example

The following questions can help you consider your planning.

  • Does your plan contain a sequence of logical steps?
  • Is the use of resources explained clearly?
  • Have you made sure you have enough time to complete your product?
  • Have you given time for practising or learning a new skill?
  • Have you allowed extra time in case something goes wrong?
  • Have you considered alternative ways of creating the solution?
  • Have you planned for testing at appropriate times in the manufacturing process?



    (ii) Demonstrate excellent technical skill when making the solution

    At the end of year 4 you should be able to: ( strand 2 and 3. 6 Pages)


    • develop manipulative skills to effectively use a wide range of tools, techniques and equipment
    • use a wide range of tools and equipment proficiently to create high-quality solutions
    • ensure a safe working environment for themselves and others

    To determine the correct level of technical skill which you are operating at, teachers need to consider the complexity of skill demonstrated as well as the level of guidance that the teacher needs to provide in order for you to complete the task.
    When determining the complexity of skill demonstrated by you, a number of indicators will be considered.

    • Accuracy of the solution: Have all parts been made as detailed in the plan? Have all parts been made accurately?
    • Final aesthetic quality of the solution: Has the student given appropriate attention to detail, considering the final overall look and feel of the solution?
    • Assembly of the solution: Do all components fit together or combine as detailed in the plan?
    When determining the level of guidance and support needed, teachers will consider that you:

    • can be given initial guidance and demonstrations by the teacher
    • can practise the processes as required
    • must work independently when making the solution, if they are to achieve the higher levels
    • should demonstrate safe working practices.
    For digital design, the level of technical skill demonstrated can be shown through the functionality of the assembled solution. For product design, the level of technical skill demonstrated can usually be shown through the functionality and the final finish of the assembled solution.


    By the end of year 4 you should be able to:


    • independently follow the plan to produce the solution, which functions as intended
    • manage time effectively to produce the solution to the deadline stated in the plan

    You will demonstrate that the planning process was sufficiently thorough if the final product matches the planning drawing and no changes were made to the plan, in whatever form it was presented. If the drawings/diagrams and the plan match what has been made, then you have followed the plan.
    If a you do not follow the plan, it will usually result in the solution not fully meeting the specification and/or matching the design detailed in the drawings/diagrams.

    (iv) Fully justify changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution

    By the end of year 4 you should be able to: Pages 2 or 3 minutes Video.


    • justify, through the use of drawings/diagrams, any changes made to the design while making the solution and how they affected the plan

    As you implement your plans, you will often come to a point where you will have to modify the plan or the design. You will need to ensure that you detail and justify any changes that you make during the creation process.
    If you do not make any changes to your product or plan, this strand does not have to be addressed with evidence. However, if any changes are made, you must address this strand.
    There are two main changes and modifications I have made to my original idea:

    1. The hole on the edge of the small wooden pieces (used for the numbers) used to help lift the pieces was originally a square of dimensions 15mm x15mm. Nevertheless, I have found a better solution that is easier to create and is more practical. I will instead create a circle of radius 10mm. This will be done using a bench drill which is easier and faster than cutting it in a square shape using a saw, especially since I will be creating 20 pieces of these.
    2. In the original plan, the snake was supposed to be painted on the top 600 x 420mm wooden piece, with the holes for the number pieces being in it. Nevertheless, I have found a better solution which is to cut out the snake (with the dimensions listed in the ‘Parts list’ page) and create the holes in the snake itself. This would not only make the product more attractive, it would additionally make its creation more practical and easier since it would be easier to rotate the snake than the whole board when creating the holes.
    Changes made to design example: Educational toy
    On the home page…
    The link has moved from the very bottom to almost near the top, I had done this for aesthetical reasons. The quote, instead of having it centered, it is now flushed right, this was because I needed to create more of a visual balance. Other than that, it appears the same in the design as it does in the final product.
     Design Solution



                                                                      Changes made to design example: Website
    MYPdesign43
    Changes made to design example: Making a box
    Modification to my Design
    Now that I have made a plan to follow and thought about all the materials, tools I am going to use and how much time the project is going to take, some features of my design changed.

    1. To start with, I changed the thickness of the circle of the sun which is where I am going to locate the clock mechanism. This is because the part of the clock mechanism that has to be drilled through the material is 6cm long. So, it is going to take a long time to drill a whole about 14cm deep on an 18cm thick material. I thought it would take less time drilling a whole about 2 cm deep on an 8cm thick material
    2. Now that I thought about how long it is going to take to create stickers, I decided make more Number Stickers. Before I made the plan, I thought it would take the longest time to create the stickers on the vinyl cutter; however, I realized it actually doesn’t. I was going to only make four stickers: 12, 3, 6 and 9. But, since it doesn’t take so much time creating them, I decided to make all twelve stickers. I also realized that while I am waiting for the stickers to be cut out by the vinyl cutter, I could be using the time and start working on the next step which is putting the clock mechanism on to the clock design.
    3. The last change I have made is to use spray paint for one or two parts. If I use paint, I have to paint several coats and dry them. Same goes for spray paint; however, if you compare the time on how long it takes to paint and spray a material once, to spray paint takes less time.
                                                                                             Modifications to a design example


    (iv)(a) Present the solution as a whole

    At the end of year 5 you should be able to:
    • present the solution in an appropriate format that shows all details of construction

    A digital design product will be presented as either an executable file or readable file.


    Task strands/Objectives.



    Construct a detailed and logical plan, which describes the efficient use of time and resources, 
    sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution. The plan should be detailed.

    - Create the product that demonstrates excellent technical skills usage. Be proficient and produce 

    an outstanding product that meets the design specs. It's expected that a dated process journal is kept 
    with detailed screenshots showing the progress of your creating stage.

    - In this stage, there should be clear evidence that the plan is followed consistently, the final product 
    should meets the design specifications and should be a close as possible to your chosen 
    design, and that the solution functions as intended and is presented appropriately.

    -fully justify changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution 

    a. present the solution as a whole.

    It's expected that a dated process journal is kept with detailed screenshots justifying any 

    improvements in your product development progress. The screenshots will normally show 
    how a particular complex techniques are applied before and after.


    N/B:
    1.


    Step
    Description of the tasks
    Duration
    Resources required
    Place/Venue
    1

    Create background. 
    I will design my background to show the color scheme of the client's business of blue and yellow colors. 

    1 hour
    Animation software:
    animaker.com

    In class
    2

     Create props to show the differnt furniture; counter, fridge, cashier desk and sheleves
    50 min
    animaker.com
     In class
    3





    4





    5





    6





    Gantt Chart.- Summarizes your design plan.
    Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary elements 
    of a project.

    Sample Gantt Chart

    2. Process Journal
    screenshots.
    -Date
    -Time
    -Duration
    -Detailed description and annotation.

    Task:
    Your challange during the break, is to continue with your Criterion C: Creating the Product at home and document your progress in 
    in your dated Process Journal. Your product is due for submission on the first week of November



    Assessment Criteria

    Criterion C: Creating the solution
    0
    The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.
    1 — 2
    The student demonstrates minimal technical skills when making the solution, creates the solution, which functions poorly and is presented in an incomplete form.
    3 — 4
    The student constructs a plan that contains some production details, resulting in peers having difficulty following the plan, demonstrates satisfactory technical skills when making the solution, creates the solution, which partially functions and is adequately presented, outlines changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution.
    5 — 6
    The student constructs a logical plan, which considers time and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution, demonstrates competent technical skills when making the solution, creates the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately, describes changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution.
    7 — 8
    The student constructs a detailed and logical plan, which describes the efficient use of time and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution, demonstrates excellent technical skills when making the solution., follows the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately, fully justifies changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution.

    Monday, September 3, 2018

    Criterion A: Inquiring and Analysing

    Challenge
    Many businesses have problems that can be solved easily by introducing new or existing 

    information technology solutions. The digital solutions can transform a business in terms 
    of sales or enhance the organization's and the documentation of the business operations.

    Your task is to identify a business related challenge that can be addressed or solved using 

    an IT based solution. The problem should be clearly described and the client's current way 
    of addressing the situation described. The problem description should include the current
     limitations the client is facing and detailed explanation of why you think an IT solution 
    will be the best. 


    Breaking the requirements for each strand;

    i. Explain and justify the need for a solution to a problem for a specified client/target  audience: (Maximum of 2 pages)

    • Have introduction to the unit by highlighting; Global Context, Key Concept, AK strand/s and Learner profile. Ensure that the introduction is link to the unit. 
    • Explain the background of the problem facing the client/target audience, discuss this problem and how long it has persisted, show how it has affected the client and community, show how the client is in dire need for solution. Give examples of social challenges arising from this problem, show how an IT solution will be better placed to solve this problem and share the benefits to the client if the problem is solved.

    Please note the TWO things to consider;
     a) Detailed background information of the current business.
     b) Clear and to the point problem Justification. Why you think IT solution is best suited for the problem.



               Make sure you identify and justify:
                    a) What is the problem?
                    b) Whose problem is it? ( identify the client/target audience)
                    c) Where is the problem occurring? ( identify the situation)
                    d) What is the cause of the problem? 
                    e) What effect is the problem?
       
              Grading 7-8: Section that relates to strand i)
             - A detailed explanation and justification of the problem.

    E       Example: https://oisdesign10.wordpress.com/samples/samples-crita-i/


               ii.   identify and prioritize primary and secondary research needed to develop a solution to the problem: (Maximum of 2 Pages)

    ( clearly identify which sources are primary and secondary and demonstrate understanding of each)
    - construct a detailed research plan which identifies and prioritizes the primary and secondary research needed to develop the solution to the problem. Show the what you need to research, how you will gather the info,(primary/secondary), when the task will be completed.
    - follow the research plan to collect your detailed information from primary/secondary sources.
    - Let your research question cover the business problem and the IT tools in detail.


    - Independently generate 12+ detailed SMART and appropriate questions, which are clearly prioritized (Top 3 must be in a logical order) and identified as the specific type of primary and secondary research sources, to help develop the solution focused on:
    - Client
    ❏ ‐ Time
    ❏ ‐ Resources
    ❏ ‐ Function
    ❏ ‐ Aesthetics


    ❏ ‐ Technical Skills

                 What?
                Task/Question                
                    Priority
                Why is it important?
                   Where to gather info?
                         (sources)
               When to be completed?









































    Level 7-8 Grade

                      -Constructs a detailed research plan, which identifies and prioritizes the primary and secondary research needed to develop a solution to the problem independently


    iii.        Analyse a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the problem: (maximum of 4 Pages)
    (have a clear analysis of exiting products IT tools and finished products which can solve the same problem)


    Discuss different IT tools and products; in each type show examples and how they  work plus their images;  ( software; websites, animations, games, apps,...) you intend to use, in each categories show examples and how they  work plus their images, advantages and disadvantages. Their rating/statistical performance of the existing products other companies have used....


    Finally select one out of the list of tools e.g animation justify why it is the best solution than the rest for the problem, show the different types of your IT solution, e.g different animations software and select one animation software that you will use explaining how it work with supporting images  

    - 4+ products are all analyzed in detail (using ACCESS FM and/or Parts, purposes, complexities thinking routines, etc..). Appropriate usage of subject specific vocabulary ‐ the elements of design ‐ Aesthetic and functional elements.

    Example: https://oisdesign10.wordpress.com/samples/samples-crita-iii/

    iv).      Develop a detailed design brief, which summarizes the analysis of relevant research. (maximum of 2 Pages) ( produce a design brief that summarizes their research and then links it to the client/target audience)



    - Write a detailed design brief that outlines, the client/target audience opinion, the experts opinion, and your personal opinion. Discuss the IT tools you will use, discuss the key features of the tool, specifications  and its benefits to the client based on your research.

    Your design brief should cover all relevant areas of your research and explaining in detail why you did not use IT tools (these) plus justifications and why you will use other tools and justifications.

    - Write a summary of the collected research, with appropriate images, which tie together the findings from the student’s research and how it will affect their project. Include a coherent design brief (in paragraph form) that connects the clients’ needs, and how the student’s product intends to solve the problem and any potential constraints (such as time, materials, etc.). Guidance: 400 + words.

    The design brief must highlight the following aspects of the students research

    ❏ ‐ Time
    ❏ ‐ Resources
    ❏ ‐ Environmental considerations
    ❏ ‐ Safety
    ❏ ‐ Function/Usability
    ❏ ‐ Aesthetics/Visual Communication
    ❏ ‐ Technical Skills

    Sample ; https://oisdesign10.wordpress.com/samples/samples-crita-iv/
    Bibliography should be using APA formatting. ( A maximum of 1 page)

    Using APA Formatting, spelling, and grammar should be done.

    - Your document should page numbered

    - Appropriate diagrams can be used for the explanation in strand