Design @ISNS Part3: Enhancing Skills & Proficiency | ISNS设计课程（下）

At ISNS, every student in sixth to eighth grade is introduced to design classes, paving the way for a deeper exploration in ninth grade. The curriculum during these crucial years sets the stage for tackling more complex design tasks. From product design to structure design, graphic design, product design and illustration, students engage with a diverse range of design topics. 

This week, MYP design teacher Mr Prathap explained how we enhance students' design skills and proficiency in the design process. 

Framework sets for the future

At ISNS, particularly for grades 9 and 10, we are completely overhauling our design units to meet current industry demands. Our goal is to provide students with varied perspectives on design at each grade level. We focus on equipping them with the necessary tools for real-world applications. 

Grade 9 focuses on product design and video production, while grade 10 delves into VR game production for storytelling. In the latter part of grade 10, students undertake a studio project, granting them autonomy to choose a project aligned with their interests.  

A Typical Unit-Grade 9 Toy Design Unit

For the grade 9 project, our initial focus is on Toy Design. This project aims to foster community connections by addressing the lack of personalized toys in today's mass-manufactured market. To kickstart the process, our students visited our kindergarten to gather input from the children themselves. After receiving sketches from the kids, our students refined these initial ideas into designs suitable for production using our 3D printers. 

A key aspect of this project is involving parents in the design process. Our students created a survey, which was sent to kindergarten parents, outlining the proposed toy designs based on their child's drawings. This direct input from parents ensures that the final product resonates with the intended recipients. 

Furthermore, weight considerations are integrated into the design process. By obtaining the weight of K5 students, typically around 20 kilograms, our students incorporate this data to reinforce the durability of the toys. Analyzing how the toy withstands accidental weight pressure informs design iterations, ensuring the final product is sturdy and safe for play.  

Assessments

One of our assessments focuses on the ability to interpret industrial drawings, also known as technical drawings. We allocate approximately ten hours of class time to instruct and enlighten students on the workings of blueprints, which serve as the cornerstone of industrial and product design. For instance, if Apple were to produce a technical drawing for a new iPhone, our grade 9 students, upon completing this unit, will possess the skills to decipher the dimensions and intentions conveyed in such sketches. This skill transcends geographical boundaries, proving valuable globally. 

The second assessment involves providing students with explicit training on utilizing industry-standard software to create models. After drafting their initial technical sketches, students proceed to generate a 3D part or model suitable for manufacturing. To accomplish this, we utilize Fusion 360, a program widely employed in the industry. Upon completion of training, students apply their newfound skills to design a personalized toy for the intended recipient. We evaluate the fit and functionality of the 3D-printed part to ensure it aligns with the design requirements. 

Furthermore, we assess students' ability to transfer design concepts from the original sketch provided by the kindergarten student to the final product. This highlights our emphasis on critical thinking and transfer skills, ensuring that the personalized toy reflects the child's vision and transforms into a tangible product.