Learning Resources
Lesson
There are two different components to this part.
- research into possible ways to solve the problem
- identification of resources to solve this problem
Research
This is the part that is most like traditional research. You will be looking for information on similar problems and how they were solved. You will also want to find information on techniques for doing things, on the tools and materials and how they are used.
This can be a time consuming process. It is recommended that this component be kept brief in the initial stages. You will likely be doing additional research as work progresses in the development stages of the design activity.
Resources
The investigation and research phase is an opportunity to stop and think about those things that are available to solve this particular problem. You should categorize resources in the standard headings shown below. You may not know in advance all the things you will need, but the exercise is useful to help you focus your activities. The list is also a factor in determining the best solution, i.e., it is not a viable solution if resources are not available to develop and implement it.
Categories of resources used in technology activities are:
- People The most important resource. People have ideas and skills. People do the work, make the products and services, and buy them, pollute the environment and sometimes clean it up...
- Information is a commodity (product) that is bought and sold, given away and traded for other information. Information is essential to technological problem solving. Sources range from books to the internet. Information exists independently of individuals.
- Knowledge is built by the individual (or group) as a consequence of practical experience through doing and by acquiring and internal processing of information. It is constructed by the individual or person and is not the same as just information, since it also encompasses technical know-how and skills. Design teams collectively bring different kinds of knowledge to the process. Knowledge exists only in people's minds
- Time is a critical resource. An hour, a day, a week or a month will dramatically affect what can be done. Knowing how much time is available allows for budgeting of time. If there are 2 days and 15 tasks to be done, they need to be scheduled with appropriate sequencing and amounts of time.
- Tools and Machines Traditionally, tools and machines have been physical devices. A tool was a simple device and a machine was a complex device with many subsystems and parts. The descriptions have evolved to include computers as machines and software as tools. Associated with the selection and use of tools and machines are technical skills. Technical skills often involve several levels of complexity. One is the know-how and ability to use the tool, and the other is the know-how and ability to apply it to a useful purpose. For example, knowing how to use a music editing program is not the same as knowing how to write music. Many people know how to use Corel Draw - many fewer of them know how to draw.
- Materials are generally consumed in the process of solving technological problems. Materials may be naturally occurring like wood or cotton, they may be synthetic like nylon or polyethylene, or they may be some composite of natural and synthetic like masonite or the 'marble' that is used to construct bathroom vanities.
- Money is, of course, an essential resource. Money is required for all other resources, either in the form of previous expenditures (where existing tools, etc are being used) or for new expenditures (where new resources must be obtained).
Activity
Activity
Actions you need to take
Research information on solutions to similar problems, technologies and techniques to solve this problem
As you compile your findings enter them into your design portfolio, in the appropriate tables in the file designstage2/d2-part3.htm
Develop a list of technological resources available to solve this problem
As you compile your findings enter them into your design portfolio, in the appropriate tables in the file designstage2/d2-part3.htm
Publish the portfolio
When you are done, publish the portfolio to your design portfolio web site.
Notify your instructor when you are done