Lesson Plan

• Describe the process of identifying user needs and prioritising requirements.
• Analyse research findings to inform a design brief.
• Produce a concise design brief that includes purpose, target users, constraints and success criteria.
• Develop measurable specifications that translate brief requirements into testable criteria.
• Evaluate how sustainability considerations influence each stage of the design process.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed worksheets with case‑study brief
• Sticky notes and pens for brainstorming
• Sample product examples (physical or images)
• Specification template handout
• Laptop with internet access for research

Begin with a quick “problem‑hunt” where students note everyday frustrations they encounter. Link these observations to prior knowledge of the design process and set the success criteria: students will be able to move from a real need to a measurable specification.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list personal problems; share a few examples.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of the four design stages with real‑world examples.
3. Group activity – Identify needs (15’) – Using a case study, observe the user scenario, conduct a role‑play interview, and record functional & aesthetic needs on sticky notes.
4. Research sprint (15’) – Teams conduct quick market and material research online, fill a research table, and present key findings.
5. Design brief workshop (20’) – Draft a brief (title, purpose, target users, constraints, success criteria) on a worksheet; peer feedback follows.
6. Specification writing (15’) – Convert brief statements into measurable specifications using the provided template; discuss appropriate test methods.
7. Whole‑class reflection (5’) – Highlight links between stages and discuss sustainability considerations.

Recap how each stage builds on the previous one and why measurable specifications are essential. Students complete an exit ticket stating one need, one research insight, and one specification they created. For homework, they refine their brief and specification based on today’s feedback.