Page 187 - Design Thinking C11

21 st #Creativity
Century
Skills #Critical Thinking
In this task, you will explore the concepts of elements of form and form vs function by analysing
everyday products around you. This activity will help you understand how the design of different
products impacts their usability, appearance, and overall effectiveness.
Step 1: Select a Product

T Choose an everyday product that you use at home or school. It could be anything, such as a
A calculator, chair, or stapler.
S
K Step 2: Analyse the Elements of Form
1 Using what you have learned about the elements of form (shape, size, proportion, colour, texture,
line, and material), answer the following questions about your chosen product:
l Shape and Size: Describe the shape and size of the product. How does its shape contribute to its
functionality?
l Colour: What colours are used, and why do you think these colours were chosen? Do they make
the product more attractive or easier to use?
l Texture and Material: What is the texture of the product, and what materials are used? How do
these elements contribute to comfort, durability, or usability?
l Proportion: Are the different parts of the product proportionate? How does this help in using the
product effectively?
Step 3: Evaluate Form vs Function
Consider the balance between form and function for your product. Answer the following questions:
l Form Follows Function: Does the form of the product seem to be designed mainly to serve its
function, or do you think the aesthetics play a bigger role?
l Functionality: Does the product work effectively for its intended use? Give an example of how
the design helps or hinders its usability.
l Improvements: Suggest one change you would make to improve either the form or function of
the product. Explain how this change would impact the overall design.

Step 4: Present Your Analysis
Write a brief report (around 150-200 words) summarising your analysis. Include the name of the
product, its elements of form, and your thoughts on how well it balances form and function. If
possible, include a drawing or photo of the product to support your analysis.
Add On Task: Imagine you are a product designer. Create a simple sketch of a new version of your
chosen product, incorporating the changes you suggested in Step 3. Label the elements of form that
you modified and explain why these changes would make the product better.

Nature and Design—Learning from the Natural World
Designers and engineers often turn to nature for inspiration, recognizing that the natural world offers some
of the most effective and efficient solutions to complex problems. Nature is, in many ways, the greatest
architect, and understanding its principles can lead to groundbreaking designs that are both functional and
sustainable.
One iconic example of this is the bullet train in Japan, whose design
was inspired by the beak of the kingfisher bird. The original version of
the train faced issues with noise when it exited tunnels at high speeds,
causing a loud boom due to the sudden change in air pressure.
Engineers looked to the kingfisher, a bird known for its ability to dive
into water with minimal splash, thanks to its streamlined beak.

Fundamentals of Product Design
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