Research techniques
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can select the appropriate techniques to research throughout the iterative design process.
Key learning points
- There are many techniques for research.
- Research is important throughout the iterative design process.
- Research can identify design requirements which shape the iterative design process.
Keywords
Design requirements - something which is needed or wanted to make a product successful
Research needs - what you need to find out
Design brief - outlines the design opportunity and identifies a primary user's needs and wants
Research technique - a method for finding out design requirements
Common misconception
Research only needs to take place at the start of the iterative design process.
Research is vital throughout the iterative design process and is not a linear activity. Pupils can research at any point to aid their design decisions and provide inspiration throughout the iterative process.
Teacher tip
Reassure pupils that it is OK for everyone's research to use different strategies and that no two NEA's will look the same in an iterative process. This can be initally quite daunting to many pupils.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is research?
Q2.Why do designers carry out research?
Q3.Which of these would not be a good way to research user needs?
Q4.What do we call the main person a product is designed for?
Q5.A design describes what the product should do and who it is for.
Q6.Which of the following is not a product stakeholder?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How does research fit into the iterative design process?
Q2.What is the difference between research needs and design requirements?
Q3.Match the key words to the definitions.
something which is needed or wanted to make a product successful
what you need to find out
outlines the design opportunity and identifies a primary user's needs
a method for finding out design requirements
Q4.If a company is designing a new sports shoe, which of these is a research need?
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Research techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Research techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 design and technology lessons from the Iterative Design Principles unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.