PROJECT : PROBLEM

SOLVING SITUATIONS
Statement of inquiry:

Inventions are often the result of an individual or group’s curiosity about whether
something can be done or a problem can be solved.
Design situation
Project 1 tasks:

Role: You are a team of product designers. An international school based in Paris has asked your team to solve a variety of
problems.
Audience: School community
Situation: You have to design a range of products solving a variety of problem the school is facing.
Product: You have to design :
- A watering system for plants
- A portable fume extractor
- A Buzzer for quizz games
- A set of aprons for arts class
- A Bluetooth speaker for music class
- A pollution level detector

Guidelines:
1. You will be using the FabLab resources to create your product.
2. The theme and designs you provide must match the requests in terms of scheme and style.
3. Everything must be of original creation. You have to draw and build everything and not rely on images and resources
found online.
4. It must be original in that you cannot steal another design. You can be influenced by other designs and trends, but your
products must be 100% original.
5. Your products must be set up in the right format for their intended purpose.
Design situation
1. A watering system for plants

Teachers who maintain plants in their classrooms or staffrooms often face challenges in ensuring their plants are adequately
watered during holidays or extended breaks. Many plants suffer neglect during these periods, leading to wilting, disease, or
even death. Existing solutions, such as relying on colleagues or janitorial staff, are unreliable and can create a burden for
others. Teachers value their plants for their aesthetic, educational, and environmental benefits, making it important to
preserve them. However, the lack of an automated or low-maintenance watering solution creates stress and inconveniences
for teachers. A reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use watering system is necessary to maintain plant health during holidays
without requiring additional effort or external reliance.

2. Portable fume extractor

Soldering work generates harmful fumes containing toxic substances like lead, flux residues, and other particulates that pose significant health risks to workers. Without
proper ventilation or extraction systems, prolonged exposure to these fumes can lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and long-term health problems. Many
workspaces, especially hobbyist or small-scale operations, lack adequate fume extraction systems due to cost or limited awareness of the risks. Relying on makeshift
ventilation solutions often proves insufficient and can compromise air quality for others in shared environments. Ensuring a safe and healthy workspace requires an
efficient, portable, and affordable fume extractor system tailored for soldering. This solution would protect workers' health while enabling them to focus on their tasks
without concerns about toxic exposure.

3. Aprons for Arts class

Art classes often involve messy activities, such as painting, sculpting, and working with mixed media, which can result in stains and spills on students' clothing. Without
proper protective gear, students risk damaging their clothes, leading to frustration and additional costs for families. Many schools lack sufficient aprons, leaving students to
use inadequate alternatives like old shirts, which do not fully protect against stains or spills. This lack of proper protection can discourage students from fully engaging in
creative activities for fear of ruining their clothing. A durable, comfortable, and easily washable apron specifically designed for art classes would provide students with the
confidence to experiment freely. Such aprons would enhance the creative learning environment while preserving students’ clothing and reducing stress for both students
and parents.
Design situation
4. Pollution detector

Air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable to respiratory and
developmental issues caused by poor air quality. Schools often lack real-time awareness of indoor or outdoor pollution
levels, which can affect students' well-being and learning environment. Without accurate data, it becomes challenging to
take timely measures, such as adjusting ventilation, limiting outdoor activities, or implementing air purification systems.
This lack of monitoring can result in prolonged exposure to harmful pollutants, negatively impacting students’ concentration
and overall health. A reliable, easy-to-use pollution detector would enable schools to monitor air quality and make informed
decisions to protect students and staff. By ensuring a healthier environment, schools can foster better academic
performance and long-term well-being for their communities.

5. Buzzer game

Interactive learning methods, such as quiz games, are proven to boost student engagement, participation, and retention of knowledge. However, schools often lack
appropriate tools, like a buzzer system, to facilitate dynamic and competitive educational activities. Without a buzzer game, teachers may struggle to create an interactive
and fair environment for group competitions, leading to disorganization and reduced student enthusiasm. Traditional methods, such as raising hands, can result in delays
or disputes over who responded first, disrupting the flow of the activity. A well-designed buzzer game system would provide an engaging and structured way to conduct
quizzes, fostering teamwork and excitement among students. This tool would enhance the learning experience by making lessons more interactive and enjoyable,
encouraging active participation across all age groups.

6. Bluetooth speaker system

Audio plays a vital role in enhancing classroom activities, from listening to educational podcasts and music to conducting language lessons or presentations. However,
many schools lack portable and efficient audio solutions, making it challenging to deliver clear and engaging sound in various settings. Existing equipment, like outdated or
stationary speakers, often fails to provide the flexibility or quality required for modern teaching needs. Without a reliable Bluetooth speaker, teachers may struggle to
create dynamic learning environments, especially during outdoor events or collaborative activities in shared spaces. A portable Bluetooth speaker would offer high-quality
sound, ease of use, and adaptability, empowering teachers to integrate audio seamlessly into their lessons. This solution would enhance the overall learning experience,
making education more interactive and engaging for students.
The Design Cycle now consists of 4 stages. Each stage has been broken down into tasks that you need to
complete. These are all the main sections you will require in your new Design portfolio.

A. Inquiring and analyzing

B. Developing ideas
1. Develop a design specification
2. Develop design ideas
3. Present the chosen design
4. Develop planning drawings/ diagrams

C. Creating the solution

D. Evaluating
1. Design testing methods
2. Evaluate the success of the solution
3. Explain how the solution could be improved
4. Explain the impact of the solution