Research for Designers: Using NoodleTools to scaffold inquiry

Research has taken on an important role in design, especially as we direct our students to undertake user centered design (UCD) approaches to their inquiry. Part of our approach in MYP Design incorporates tools such as NoodleTools to plan and organize research, and the user—task–environment framework for analyzing design opportunities. Together, these two tools help students organize their research, identify connections, and synthesize new understandings.

Below you can find a short workshop that I presented to faculty that outlines how we use NoodleTools to develop and support research skills (ATLs) in a design inquiry. You can see an example of that is incorporated as task-specific instruction here.

We are using Noodletools to scaffold the research process for students. After they have identified a source and created an MLA citation, we guide them in using the NoteCard feature to move their thinking from low-order (identifying) to high order (synthesis).

Using NoodleTools to develop research skills in MYP Design Aidan Hammond Head of Design Branksome Hall Asia

Design Inquiry Bookshelf

We've started to build a Design Library to support our students and teachers in their inquiry. This is part of a greater literacy initiative at our school. Our goal is to encourage students to read in order to develop their understanding of a topic. Plus, books offer a different mode of accessing information than a computer screen.

There's lots of research highlighting the benefits of a classroom library, and a design classroom should be no exception. In our case, having the resources close at hand is essential for students supporting their inquiry.

We've organized our library according to our needs. The books are sorted according to themes that match the major steps of the design inquiry cycle (such as research, materials, and processes), as well as significant topics (sustainability, human factors, and user-centered design). It's our hope that the library comes to play a significant part in our students' inquiry.