Valiant Technology Ltd.

Introduction	Design	Ideas	Design & Control	Project Suggestions
Design Process	Design Brief	Evaluation	The Design	Design Review

DESIGN REVIEW

The Design Review is the final phase of the design process. It is not the same as Evaluation. Evaluation is the ongoing review of previous decisions. The Design Review is checking whether the finished product meets the requirements of the Design Brief. The Review phase also allows the designer the opportunity to assess how ideas worked.

In practice the Design Review can take the form of teacher/pupil or pupil/pupil discussions and can be presented in informal or formal reports.

Even if it is not intended to modify the design, the Review should always endeavour to suggest improvements and identify the design's strengths and weaknesses. It is through reflection that the most is learnt from each design experience.

In addition to these ideas the Roamer Activity Book and most of the Activity Books for the Accessories contain ideas and themes suitable for Roamer design projects.

Sometimes designs need very exhaustive testing, even to the extent that specialist test equipment needs to be designed for that purpose. Expensive equipment will be subjected to "Commissioning" tests. The buyer will create check lists against which the product is reviewed. Devising specific "Design Review" procedures can be an effective activity across a range of age groups.

Written test reports can be made even by very young children.

DESIGN REVIEW - BICEPS
FEATURE	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE	NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
LIFTING MECHANISM
LOAD LIFT CAPABILITY
EASE OF MANUFACTURE
STYLE
FACE
EASE OF PROGRAMMING

A simple Check list is one possible approach. These will include aspects of the Design Brief, factors considered by the designer and areas about which the designer is uncertain.

Test for Roamer
with Gripper Arm

1. Place weight in box
2. Grip
3. Lift gripper arm
4. Hold for 5 seconds
5. Lower Gripper Arm
6. Release grip
Repeat process for increasing weight.

Testing may involve devising test and test equipment. Equipment to test the grip capability of a Roamer grab arm provides a good science project.

Teacher: "You said you used a different technique to cut out the main shape of the material which would be easier."

Paul: "Yes. I would cut out squares and put it on it then when you get to the edges you would cut around it so it fits properly."

Teacher: "Would that be easier for you to do?"

Paul: "Yeah."

Teacher: "Would it have been just as good?"

Paul: "It wouldn't have turned out as good."

Teacher "Are you happy wifh the way its turned out?"

Paul: "Yes very happy - I wouldn't change anything."

Transcript of discussion between teacher and pupil on the success of the dog design

Questionnaire for testing reaction to designs of Smaug the Dragon from the Hobbit

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