Materials
12"x18" white drawing paper and ebony pencils
Resources
A few differently designed versions of the same kind of product/object (such as cell phones, pens, kitchen tools, cups, etc.) A grab-bag of slips of paper describing different design scenarios and types of customers. Up to four students can work on the same scenario.
1. Have students choose a targeted audience scenario from a grab bag. Up to four students can be assigned to a scenario.
2. Distribute 12"x18" white drawing paper and ebony pencils. Have students brainstorm ideas and sketch an idea for their chair under the guidance of these questions:
- Who is your audience?
- What are their needs of a chair?
- What sort of function can your chair have to satisfy their needs?
- What sort of form or shape(s) will support the function?
- What sort of form will go well with the characteristics and style of your audience?
Put up students' sketches organized by scenario (targeted audience). View and discuss differences and uniqueness in each design. Have students describe their thought processes and choice in function and form. If time is tight, select and discuss all the sketches from one scenario.
Have students research two to three chairs that fit their scenario/targeted audience. They can research online, at sites such as www.designpublic.com. Have them print out their chosen chairs as visual resources for the following lesson.