Criterion C: Creating the Solution

Objective C: Creating the solution

(i) Construct a logical plan that outlines the efficient use of time and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution.

By the end of year 3 you should be able to:

• construct a series of logical steps to create the solution, using charts, diagrams and text that include aspects of quality control and quality assurance
• construct a plan to create the solution that makes effective use of resources and time
• construct a clear and concise plan that peers will be able to follow to create the solution

What are resources?

Resources can be categorized in two ways: materials and tools.

 When identifying digital materials, you should consider text, fonts, images, audio, video, animation, sprites and icons.

For digital design, tools include both software and hardware (input, processing and output devices). For product design, tools include: hand tools, machinery, CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, EDA Electronic Design 

Examples of plans

Step-by-step plan

Step	Process (including quality control, health and safety considerations)	Tools	Materials	Time to complete
1
2

                                                                  Step-by-step plan template

Step	Description of the tasks	Duration	Resources; Tools,  & Materials required	Place/Venue
1	Create background.  I will design my background to show the color scheme of the client's business of blue and yellow colors.	1 hour	Animation software: animaker.com	In class
2	Create props to show the different furniture; counter, fridge, cashier desk and shelves	50 min	animaker.com	In class
3
4
5
6

                                                                                                  Step-by-step plan example
Gantt chart/slippage chart

A Gantt chart is a project-management tool used to provide an overview of a process. A Gantt chart divides the manufacture of a product into small tasks. It indicates the time estimated for each of these tasks and the resources required. It does not provide a detailed set of instructions, but instead is an overview to self-assess progress with a project. You should indicate when each task is complete.

Gantt chart example

• Gantt charts using Excel and free online software

A slippage chart goes one step further than the Gantt chart in that it has room below each task to mark when it was completed (in green), allowing you to identify when they are behind in their plans and take action to get back on schedule.

Slippage chart example

The following questions can help you consider your planning.

• Does your plan contain a sequence of logical steps?
• Is the use of resources explained clearly?
• Have you made sure you have enough time to complete your product?
• Have you given time for practising or learning a new skill?
• Have you allowed extra time in case something goes wrong?
• Have you considered alternative ways of creating the solution?
• Have you planned for testing at appropriate times in the manufacturing process?

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(ii) Demonstrate excellent technical skill when making the solution

At the end of year 5 you should be able to:

• develop manipulative skills to effectively use a wide range of tools, techniques and equipment
• use a wide range of tools and equipment proficiently to create high-quality solutions
• ensure a safe working environment for themselves and others

To determine the correct level of technical skill which you are operating at, teachers need to consider the complexity of skill demonstrated as well as the level of guidance that the teacher needs to provide in order for you to complete the task.
When determining the complexity of skill demonstrated by you, a number of indicators will be considered.

• Accuracy of the solution: Have all parts been made as detailed in the plan? Have all parts been made accurately?
• Final aesthetic quality of the solution: Has the student given appropriate attention to detail, considering the final overall look and feel of the solution?
• Assembly of the solution: Do all components fit together or combine as detailed in the plan?

When determining the level of guidance and support needed, teachers will consider that you:

• can be given initial guidance and demonstrations by the teacher
• can practise the processes as required
• must work independently when making the solution, if they are to achieve the higher levels
• should demonstrate safe working practices.

For digital design, the level of technical skill demonstrated can be shown through the functionality of the assembled solution. For product design, the level of technical skill demonstrated can usually be shown through the functionality and the final finish of the assembled solution.

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(iii) Follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended

By the end of year 5 you should be able to:

• independently follow the plan to produce the solution, which functions as intended
• manage time effectively to produce the solution to the deadline stated in the plan

You will demonstrate that the planning process was sufficiently thorough if the final product matches the planning drawing and no changes were made to the plan, in whatever form it was presented. If the drawings/diagrams and the plan match what has been made, then you have followed the plan.
If a you do not follow the plan, it will usually result in the solution not fully meeting the specification and/or matching the design detailed in the drawings/diagrams.

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(iv) Fully justify changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution

By the end of year 5 you should be able to:

• justify, through the use of drawings/diagrams, any changes made to the design while making the solution and how they affected the plan

As you implement your plans, you will often come to a point where you will have to modify the plan or the design. You will need to ensure that you detail and justify any changes that you make during the creation process.

If you do not make any changes to your product or plan, this strand does not have to be addressed with evidence. However, if any changes are made, 

you must address this strand.

There are two main changes and modifications I have made to my original idea: The hole on the edge of the small wooden pieces (used for the numbers) used to help lift the pieces was originally a square of dimensions 15mm x15mm. Nevertheless, I have found a better solution that is easier to create and is more practical. I will instead create a circle of radius 10mm. This will be done using a bench drill which is easier and faster than cutting it in a square shape using a saw, especially since I will be creating 20 pieces of these. In the original plan, the snake was supposed to be painted on the top 600 x 420mm wooden piece, with the holes for the number pieces being in it. Nevertheless, I have found a better solution which is to cut out the snake (with the dimensions listed in the ‘Parts list’ page) and create the holes in the snake itself. This would not only make the product more attractive, it would additionally make its creation more practical and easier since it would be easier to rotate the snake than the whole board when creating the holes.

Changes made to design example: Educational toy

Modification to my Design Now that I have made a plan to follow and thought about all the materials, tools I am going to use and how much time the project is going to take, some features of my design changed. To start with, I changed the thickness of the circle of the sun which is where I am going to locate the clock mechanism. This is because the part of the clock mechanism that has to be drilled through the material is 6cm long. So, it is going to take a long time to drill a whole about 14cm deep on an 18cm thick material. I thought it would take less time drilling a whole about 2 cm deep on an 8cm thick material Now that I thought about how long it is going to take to create stickers, I decided make more Number Stickers. Before I made the plan, I thought it would take the longest time to create the stickers on the vinyl cutter; however, I realized it actually doesn’t. I was going to only make four stickers: 12, 3, 6 and 9. But, since it doesn’t take so much time creating them, I decided to make all twelve stickers. I also realized that while I am waiting for the stickers to be cut out by the vinyl cutter, I could be using the time and start working on the next step which is putting the clock mechanism on to the clock design. The last change I have made is to use spray paint for one or two parts. If I use paint, I have to paint several coats and dry them. Same goes for spray paint; however, if you compare the time on how long it takes to paint and spray a material once, to spray paint takes less time.                                                                                          Modifications to a design example

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(iv)(a) Present the solution as a whole

At the end of year 5 you should be able to:

• present the solution in an appropriate format that shows all details of construction

A digital design product will be presented as either an executable file or readable file.

A product design outcome will be presented as a set of photographic images, which must show detail and scale.

As we journey into our third leg of the design cycle, your task will entail the following;

i) Construct a detailed and logical plan, which describes the efficient use of time and resources, 

sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution. (1-3 pages)

ii) Create the product that demonstrates excellent technical skills usage. (ii and iii, 6 pages)

In this stage, there should be clear evidence that the plan is followed, the final product 

should meets the design specifications and should be a close as possible to your chosen 

design, and that the solution functions as intended and is presented appropriately.

iii) follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended

iv) fully justify changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution ( 2 pages or 4 minutes of video)

a. present the solution as a whole.

It's expected that a dated process journal is kept with detailed screenshots justifying any 

improvements in your product development progress. The screenshots will normally show 

how a particular complex techniques are applied before and after.

Criterion C: Creating the solution
0	The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.
1 — 2	The student demonstrates minimal technical skills when making the solution, creates the solution, which functions poorly and is presented in an incomplete form.
3 — 4	The student constructs a plan that contains some production details, resulting in peers having difficulty following the plan, demonstrates satisfactory technical skills when making the solution, creates the solution, which partially functions and is adequately presented, outlines changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution.
5 — 6	The student constructs a logical plan, which considers time and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution, demonstrates competent technical skills when making the solution, creates the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately, describes changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution.
7 — 8	The student constructs a detailed and logical plan, which describes the efficient use of time and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution, demonstrates excellent technical skills when making the solution., follows the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately, fully justifies changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution.