Informed Design

Burghardt, M. & Hacker, M. (2003). Informed design: A contemporary approach to design pedagogy. Retrieved from https://www.e-education.psu.edu/drupal6/files/sgam/pedagogy_ctl_informeddesign_003.pdf 

Informed design is a pedagogical approach to design that was developed and validated through the NSF-funded NYSCATE Project (New York State Curriculum for Advanced Technological Education) (Burghardt and Hacker, 2003).
Informed design enables students to enhance their own related knowledge and skill base before attempting to suggest design solutions. In this way, students reach design solutions informed by prior knowledge and research, as opposed to trial-and-error problem solving, where conceptual closure is often not attained. Informed design emphasizes design challenges that rely on math and science knowledge to improve design performance. The approach prompts research, inquiry, and analysis;
fosters student and teacher discourse; and cultivates language proficiency.
Engineers and other designers do not always follow these steps in a sequence. As with most design
cycles, the informed design cycle is iterative and allows, even encourages, users to revisit earlier
assumptions and findings as they proceed. It was created with knowledge gained from works in cognitive science and learning.
The phases of design are described as follows:

1. Clarify design specifications and constraints.
2. Research and investigate the problem: Complete a series of guided knowledge and skill builder activities that will help students identify the variables that affect the performance of the design, and inform students’ knowledge and skill base.
3. Generate alternative designs:. Don’t stop when you have one solution. Approach the challenge in new ways and describe  alternatives.
4. Choose and justify optimal design.:Rate and rank the alternatives against the design specifications and constraints. Reflect on what is the best design; justify your choice based upon ratings, and new learning acquired from knowledge and skill builders. Your chosen alternative will guide your preliminary design.
5. Develop a prototype.
6. Make a model of the solution. Identify modifications to refine the design, and make these modifications.
7. Test and evaluate the design solution
8. Redesign the solution with modifications
9. Communicate your achievements.

Complete a design portfolio or design report that documents the previously mentioned steps. Make a group presentation to the class justifying your design solution.