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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can generate ideas by carrying out research through interviews.

Key learning points

  1. Designers need to find out what user needs are through research.
  2. Research interviews can collect information from the user.
  3. Research interviews can develop the design specifications.
  4. Research interviews can include sizing up for a made-to-measure prototype.

Keywords

  • Research - finding out information

  • Interview - asking someone questions

  • Design specification - a list of things a product must have or do

  • Made-to-measure - made to a person's exact requirements, including measurements

Common misconception

Hat designs templates will fit all users.

Hats, and other items, can be tailored to fit an individual by taking measurements before planning a design.

Teacher tip

Make sure pairings are considered. Allow pupils time to consider what type of hat they want and why before the interviews.

Equipment

Paper (or worksheet), pencils and a tape measure.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What did the designer Virgil Abloh originally train to be?

a DJ
an artist
a milliner
Correct answer: an architect

Q2.
Match the job titles to the descriptions.

Correct Answer:milliner,designs and makes hats

designs and makes hats

Correct Answer:fashion designer,designs and makes clothes and accessories

designs and makes clothes and accessories

Correct Answer:architect,designs buildings

designs buildings

Correct Answer:DJ,mixes and plays music

mixes and plays music

Q3.
Which of the three main parts of a hat do these hats not have?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: brim
crown
band

Q4.
A design sets out what a product should have or do.

drawing
prototype
measurement
Correct answer: specification

Q5.
Which of these is a question?

It is blue.
Correct answer: Do you like this shade of blue?
What a lovely shade of blue!
Choose a nice blue fabric.

Q6.
What is this?

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: tape measure, a tape measure, measuring tape, a measuring tape

4 Questions

Q1.
What would a milliner use to measure someone's head?

a ruler
measuring jug
weighing scales
Correct answer: a tape measure

Q2.
What is included in a research interview?

a presentation
Correct answer: questions
drawings
prototypes

Q3.
How do we describe products that are made to a person's exact measurements?

suitable for all
mass produced
Correct answer: made-to-measure
homemade

Q4.
Which of these is not included in a design specification?

materials
Correct answer: questions
performance
appearance

To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Research interviews, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...