This teacher’s guide will provide educators with tips and tricks of how to approach every phase of the design process.

Design Prompt

a semi open-ended description of what a student is aiming to accomplish

Glossary

Intro Activity

a short engaging design challenge (early in the studio) that contextualizes the studio topic, introduces the design process, and fosters student collaboration.

an existing project or concept that can inspire approaches to your own design

a tool to develop and communicate an idea visually

Sketching

Site

Brainstorming

The process of generating ideas to find possible solutions to design problems (through discussions, collaborations, and visual communication)

Glossary

Ideation

The process of coming up with a range of ideas to address a problem/challenge

Informal feedback to students provided by spending dedicated time with each student group

A critical part of the design process whereby a designer continuously explores solutions through new approaches and prototypes until they find an optimal solution

Desk Crits

Iteration

Prototype

An artifact produced in order to test an idea or solution to a problem, such as a physical model, digital wireframe, storyboard, or paper mock up

Glossary

Critique

A form of constructive feedback that is specific and useful for a student - it is provided with the goal of improving a product/project/idea

A description of a design solution and the process of its creation through text, images, and other media

Final Presentation

Phase I:

Studio Introduction

By the end of the Studio Introduction, students will know what their studio is about, be familiar with the NuFolio platform, and learn about the design process through an “Intro Activity”.

Studio Prompt

At the beginning of each studio, you will introduce the Studio Brief, outlining the topic of inquiry and project parameters. This sparks student interest and investment in the project by highlighting its importance and relevance. The prompt should engage students, making them feel invested in the project's exploration.

Welcome to NuVu + NuVu Platform

Introduce the NuFolio platform, guiding them through navigation and use.

Phase I:

Studio Introduction

Phase I:

Studio Introduction

Intro Activity

All studios feature a fun warm-up activity that serves as a microcosm of the design process and familiarizes students with specific materials, tools, and software they will be using throughout the studio.

Connect the Studio Brief to real-world issues or interests.

Outline project parameters, expectations, and timelines clearly.

Foster an inclusive environment for questions and idea-sharing.

Phase I:

Studio Introduction

Tips and Tricks

Relevance

Clear Expectations

Open Dialogue

Phase II:

Context Investigation

By the end of Context Investigation phase students will have learned about a wide range of exciting precedents and research that will inspire their own ideas and concepts.

Precedent Research

Precedent research is a key part of the design process as it exposes students to a wide range of explorations in a similar design space. Review the provided precedents with students, support reflection, and encourage students to look for increasingly relevant precedents throughout their design process.

Phase II:

Context Investigation

Topic Research

Encourage students to explore the studio topic deeply, through the provided studio-specific research activities. Additionally, consider the resources you can provide students to enrich the research experience, such as providing access to experts (parents and alumni are great resources), field observations, documentaries and more.

Phase II:

Context Investigation

Synthesis

Guide students in synthesizing their research findings to identify key insights. This informs and catalyzes the brainstorming process, fueling creativity and problem-solving. If students make physical media that represents their findings, consider hanging it on the walls of the classroom to encourage reflection.



Help students gather insights from different sources

Seek real-world perspectives from professionals or going on field trips

Support student research share out

Tips and Tricks

Exploration

Exposure

Showcase

Phase II:

Context Investigation

Phase III:

Brainstorming

By the end of Brainstorming, students will have a list of project ideas, connections with their peers’ ideas, and a partner or small group to work with for the rest of their studio.



Sharing Ideas to the Whiteboard

Following ideation, each student will share a few of their imaginative project ideas out loud. As their ideas are shared, write them on the board. Guide students in creating connections between similar concepts.

Group Formation

Consolidate and analyze students’ ideas by connecting their concepts to create project pairings for the rest of the studio.

Phase III:

Brainstorming

Ideation Time

Encourage students to generate numerous ideas, especially unconventional ones, in order to develop diverse approaches to the design prompt. Structure brainstorming sessions to include both individual ideation and group discussions.



Help students gather insights from different sources

Seek real-world perspectives from professionals or going on field trips

Support student research share out

Tips and Tricks

Exploration

Exposure

Showcase

Phase II:

Context Investigation

Phase IV:

Low-Fidelity Prototyping

By the end of Low-Fidelity Prototyping, students will have multiple sketches and prototypes that bring their brainstormed ideas to life.



Intro to Prototyping

Transition swiftly into the prototyping phase after forming teams. Students should rapidly create prototypes (aka models) of their ideas using easy-to-use materials such as paper and cardboard. Help students understand that their project concepts and physical prototypes will evolve throughout the process.

Phase IV:

Low-Fidelity Prototyping



Rapid Sketching + Prototyping

Prioritize sketching as a tool for communication with your and their partners about their project ideas.

Prototype Evaluation

Encourage students to evaluate their prototypes within their teams. Provide feedback to help them improve the concept and design of their prototypes. Encourage rapid creation, feedback, and iteration.

Phase IV:

Low-Fidelity Prototyping

Tips and Tricks

Safety

Expression

Materials

Mentorship

Help and demonstrate with the experimentation of folding, bending, and layering for efficient 3D forms.

Phase IV:

Low-Fidelity Prototyping

Phase V:

Feedback & Critique

By the end of the Feedback & Critique phase, you will have provided students feedback through desk crits and mid-reviews. Students will have analyzed their work and outlined next steps.

Desk Crits

Desk crits offer valuable feedback and guidance through personalized discussions between project teams and teachers. Once students have constructed initial prototypes, teachers move between student groups, providing specific feedback, and leaving them with guidance on what they should accomplish before the next check-in.

Phase V:

Feedback & Critique

Mid-Review

Mid-Review presentations allow students to share their preliminary concepts and prototypes with the class. They will share which project ideas they are considering for their final projects. Teachers moderate the presentations, encourage class-wide feedback, and direct student teams to choose a final project direction following the presentations.

Synthesis

Following Mid-Review, student teams will consider the feedback they received during the session and determine the singular project direction they wish to follow for the remainder of the studio.

Phase V:

Feedback & Critique

Tips and Tricks

Inquiry

Insight

Positives

Curiosity

Lead with questions - make sure you understand the students’ intent

When giving feedback, focus on the disconnect between what the students are saying and what they’re presenting

Talk about strengths - understanding what is working well is as important as identifying what isn’t

Encourage the students to ask meaningful questions about each other’s work

Phase V:

Feedback & Critique

Phase VI:

High-Fidelity Prototyping

By the end of High-Fidelity Prototyping, students will have created many iterations of their project and will have a final version of their prototype that is executed with a high level of care.



Final Prototyping

Students will craft refined prototypes with precise cuts and assembly, reflecting the culmination of the iterative design processes.

Incorporate New Tools (if you choose)

Teachers will prepare students to integrate more advanced processes and materials, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, or programming, to create prototypes that closely resemble the look and functionality of a final product. Alternatively, students may continue to work with cardboard (and other low-fidelity materials) but must continue to refine the construction of their prototype with each new iteration.

Phase VI:

High-Fidelity Prototyping



Client Testing



In cases where studios involve clients, students should test their final prototypes and receive feedback. Teachers will facilitate and moderate these interactions to ensure productive exchanges and meaningful learning experiences.

Phase VI:

High-Fidelity Prototyping

Tips and Tricks

Hybrid

Refinement

Precision

Testing

Combine traditional and digital fabrication methods for final prototyping

Continuously refine prototypes based on feedback and testing results.

Focus on precise cuts and assembly for a polished prototype.

Test the functionality with end users

Phase VI:

High-Fidelity Prototyping

Phase VII:

Storytelling

At the end of Storytelling, students will have told the story of their project, from first ideas and sketches through their final iteration in a Final Presentation.

Crafting the Narrative

Students will create compelling presentations to showcase their final projects. They'll emphasize their design journey and decision-making process, aided by high-quality, well-lit photos of all stages of the project, along with supporting text.

Presentation Preparation

Students will create Final Presentations to effectively communicate their concepts to a wider audience. Rehearsing the presentation with fellow students or a teacher can ensure articulation of their ideas and process.

Phase VII:

Storytelling

Reflective Evaluation



After Final Presentations, students will reflect on their studio experience with teachers. They'll assess successes and challenges, identifying areas for personal and collective growth to inform future endeavors.

Phase VII:

Storytelling

Tips and Tricks

Prep

Celebration

Audience

Reflection

Help students prepare a clear and concise presentation

Feedback at this stage is celebratory, emphasize student success

Invite outside reviewers or guests to attend presentations

Studio doesn’t end with presentations- reflect on students’ journeys

Phase VII:

Storytelling