Comparing Design Solutions
Analyse data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each design
What a learner can do afterwards
- Test two designs that address the same problem and collect data on their performance
- Compare the results, identifying strengths and weaknesses of each design
- Use data as evidence to recommend which design works better and suggest improvements
1 · Read
You have shown design ideas in sketches or models. Now test two designs for the same job. If the job is flying far, record each flight's distance. Use the same starting place and test conditions. Give both designs several turns and record each result.
In one test, Car A rolled 2 metres and Car B rolled 6 metres. Compare: 6 is more than 2, so B rolled farther. To find how much farther, count up from 2: 3, 4, 5, 6. That is 4 steps, so B rolled 4 metres farther.
A strength is something a design does well. A weakness is something it does less well. An umbrella might keep you dry but feel heavy to carry. Staying dry is a strength. Being hard to carry is a weakness. Which matters most depends on the job.
Choose using the goal and test results. For flying far, compare distances. For staying in the air, compare times. For carrying blocks, compare block counts. Colour does not answer these questions. To improve a design, change one part and test again. The new result shows whether the change helped.
Test both designs for the same job. Record and compare the results. Choose using the goal, then test any changes.
2 · Watch
Take it off screen
Where it sits
Learn first
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.