Concrete Design

Description

Design a physical space or object to meet a specified goal while working within realistic resource constraints.

Instructional Purpose

To develop knowledge of the options (physical things, styles, themes) available within a given domain as well as the trade-offs involved in choosing among them. To develop deeper understanding of practical constraints and how to determine good solutions. To provide practice at calculation and quantifying things and knowledge of the laws of physics, statutes, economics, and any other realm that governs activity within this domain.

Examples

• The Architect's Chair
• Design a Home

Templates

• Student 1-Page
• Teacher 1-Page

Applicability

Concrete design projects can be created when you can create a plausible scenario that requires that something be created or done to achieve a prespecified desired end state. These can include creating things from scratch (a new kind of shovel), changing something to improve it (renovating a room), or designing a sequence of events (like a party).

Limitations

This model should not be used when the constraints are less important, as in creative productions. It applies more to problems that are more engineering-like than artistic, though that does not rule out aesthetics as one of the variables to be accommodated.

Variations

This Design Pattern was authored by Bernie Dodge