Ergonomics of Pitchers

November 7, 2016

This small "mini-inquiry" into ergonomics was inspired by an exhibition at the Museum of Design Atlanta. The exhibit, "Nine ways to use a pitcher" by Leon Ransmeier, focused on the interaction between the handle, the user, and the vessel.

We used this activity to begin our inquiry into how forms are made and how they feel in the hand. Students all began with a basic cylinder form, and them iterated different design and handle types. This short activity provided a starting point for discussion and analysis of form, function, and usability.

Deconstructing the Design Cycle

August 22, 2016

A big focus this year is integrating the inquiry process to a greater degree with the MYP Design Cycle. It's important for students to understand that the Design Cycle is a cycle of inquiry, not just steps we follow to reach a goal.

Our first step was to look at the cycle and deconstruct it. We looked at each of the steps, and defined and described them in our own language. Students use text, images, charts, keywords, etc., to define and describe the cycle. The final step was to finish with reflection questions about the process.

As we continue our inquiry this year across a number of design units, we will return to this concept map again to help guide us.