Design Topics
Everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say.
Summary
Choose a design topic for your class.
Design topics for all levels of student
Students learn design by doing. At the beginning of a design exercise, the teacher sets a design topic (design professionals call it a ‘brief’) for the students to work on individually or in teams.
The Design Thinking for Schools website has a wide variety of design topics to apply in your classroom, ranging from Level I young children (6–8 year-olds) designing a lollipop, to Level IV students (15–17 year-olds) designing a Mars habitat, and everything in between. The interactive design topics map below is used to map design topics to the four levels of student.
Notes about choosing a design topic
We plan design projects according to the process that we expect the students to undertake and the outcomes that we envisage. The design topics in the Design Thinking for Schools website were mapped to student levels by the author in an arbitrary way. Any design topic can be made as simple or complicated as you like, depending on the breadth (the variety of factors that you consider) and depth (the level of detail) of design process that you undertake. Therefore, the teacher must steer a design project so that the topic ends up being sufficiently challenging for their students given the resources at hand and the time available to complete the task. Normally, you should choose a design topic for your level of student from the selection offered on this website. But, you may also choose a topic intended for a lower level or a higher level, as you see fit. Feel free to modify an existing design topic from the options here to better suit your context; or to compose your own inspired design topic using one of the templates that we provide. The possibilities are endless.
Design topics map
The interactive map shows that the Design Topics are sorted into columns A, B, and C according to how technological they are; and into rows 1, 2, and 3, according to how challenging they are. Thus the topics are mapped to the four levels of student. Click on a tab denoting a student level at the top, or click on a column or row to see how design topics are assigned to student levels.
Design topics map
Design topics intended for Level I students are found in cell A1 (these topics are low-tech and simple). Level I is for school years 1, 2, 3; that is 6–8 year-old children.
Design topics map
Design topics for Level II students are in cells B1 (medium-tech, simple); and A2 (low-tech, complicated). Level II is for school years 4, 5, 6; that is 9–11 year-old children.
Design topics map
Design topics for Level III students are in cells C1 (high-tech, simple); B2 (medium-tech, complicated); and A3 (low-tech, complex). Level III is for school years 7, 8, 9; that is 12–14 year-old students.
Design topics map
Design topics for Level IV students are in cells C2 (high-tech, complicated); B3 (medium-tech, complex); and C3 (high-tech, complex). Level IV is for school years 10, 11, 12; that is 15–17 year-old students.
Design topics map
Columns A, B, and C sort the design topics according to how technological they are:
Low-tech topics are those without mechanisms nor electrical parts; for example, a novelty mask.
Design topics map
Columns A, B, and C sort the design topics according to how technological they are:
Medium-tech topics will have only mechanical parts, like a desk with drawers; or simple electrical components, like a desk lamp.
Design topics map
Columns A, B, and C sort the design topics according to how technological they are:
High-tech topics will have electronics, like an LED clock; or computer hardware and software, like a robot.
Design topics map
Rows 1, 2, and 3 sort the design topics according to how challenging they are:
Simple topics involve things that have no interacting parts or a few, basic interacting parts, like a wallet.
Design topics map
Rows 1, 2, and 3 sort the design topics according to how challenging they are:
Complicated topics involve problems that we can expect to have a number of interacting parts, for example a human-powered vehicle like a bicycle.
Design topics map
Rows 1, 2, and 3 sort the design topics according to how challenging they are:
Complex topics involve problems that have vexing considerations, such as social or environmental concerns, such as a system for the disposal of radioactive waste, or a city transport system.
Everything you can imagine is real.
If you can dream it, you can do it.
If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it — then I can achieve it.
Design means ‘making impact in the world.’
LEVEL
I
Years
School yrs 1, 2, 3
AGES
6–8 years old
STEPS
LEARN ➔ DRAW ➔ MAKE
Design topics for Level I students
Design topics for Level I students in school years 1, 2, 3; that is 6 to 8-year-old children.
Children learn how to design by doing. The teacher starts the design exercise by setting a topic for the children to work on individually or together. The design topics intended for Level I young children are located in cell A1 on the design topics map. Identify a design topic that you would like to try from the list below, then click the link to view the design topic handout for your students.
Design topic
DT1001
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw a fun and colourful backpack pattern. Make your backpack pattern using coloured paper or card.
Backpack Pattern
Design topic
DT1002
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw a badge for your school or club. Make your badge out of coloured paper or card.
Badge
Design topic
DT1003
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw a birthday cake for your friend or family member. Make your birthday cake out of coloured paper and card, or out of coloured clay.
Birthday Cake
Design topic
DT1004
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw your own cap. Make your cap out of coloured paper or card.
Cap
Design topic
DT1005
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw your own chocolate bar. Make your chocolate bar out of coloured modelling clay or paper.
Chocolate Bar
Design topic
DT1006
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw a pretty flag for your school or club. Make your flag out of coloured paper or card.
Flag
Design topic
DT1007
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw your own fun mask. Make your fun mask out of coloured card.
Fun Mask
Design topic
DT1008
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw an ice lolly just for you. Make your ice lolly out of coloured modelling clay, or out of coloured card.
Ice Lolly
Design topic
DT1009
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A1, Low-tech, Simple
Summary
Draw a lollipop just for you. Make your lollipop out of coloured modelling clay, or out of coloured card.
Lollipop
Design topic
DT1010
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
Half-day (1 session)
Map
1 session (half-day)
Summary
Draw a pencil case just for you. Make your pencil case out of coloured card.
Pencil Case
Design topic
DT1011
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
Half-day (1 session)
Map
1 session (half-day)
Summary
Draw fun and colourful sport shoe pattern. Make your sport shoe pattern using coloured paper and coloured card.
Sport Shoe Pattern
Design topic
DT1012
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
Half-day (1 session)
Map
1 session (half-day)
Summary
Draw a wallet just for you. Make your wallet out of coloured paper or card.
Wallet
About guides for Level I teachers…
Read the next section on guides for teachers of Level I children (6 to 8 years old).
To teach design in your class…
Or, return to the section on how to teach design in your class using the resources of this website.
LEVEL
II
YEARS
School yrs 4, 5, 6
AGES
9–11 years old
STEPS
LEARN ➔ DRAW ➔ MAKE ➔ TRY
Design topics for Level II children
Design topics for Level II students in school years 4, 5, 6; that is 9 to 11-year-old children.
Children learn how to design by doing. At the beginning of a design exercise, the teacher sets a topic for the children to work on individually or together. The design topics intended for Level II children are located in cells B1 and A2 on the design topics map. Identify a design topic that you would like to try from the list below, then click the link to view the design topic handout for your students.
Design topic
DT2001
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a bedroom desk. Make your bedroom desk and try it.
Bedroom Desk
Design topic
DT2002
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design bedroom storage furniture for your bedroom at home. Make your bedroom storage furniture and try it.
Bedroom Storage Furniture
Design topic
DT2003
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a suite for your bedroom at home. Make a model of your bedroom suite to show it.
Bedroom Suite
Design topic
DT2004
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a hobby workstation for yourself. Make your hobby workstation and try it.
Hobby Workstation
Design topic
DT2005
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a library workstation. Make your library workstation and try it.
Libary Workstation
Design topic
DT2006
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a lunchbox. Make a model of your lunchbox out of coloured card.
Lunchbox
Design topic
DT2007
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a stand for a mobile device. Make your mobile device stand and try it.
Mobile Device Stand
Design topic
DT2008
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a library workstation. Make your library workstation and try it.
Musical Instrument From Scrap
Design topic
DT2009
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a pill box. Make your pill box and try it.
Pill Box
Design topic
DT2010
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a reuse object made from old or discarded objects. Make your reuse object and try it.
Reuse Object
Design topic
DT2011
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a secret compartment furniture piece. Make your secret compartment furniture and try it.
Secret Compartment Furniture
Design topic
DT2012
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a solar-powered cooker. Make your solar-powered cooker and try it.
Solar-Powered Cooker
Design topic
DT2013
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a stool made from cardboard. Make your stool from cardboard and try it.
Stool From Cardboard
Design topic
DT2014
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a battery-operated task lamp. Make your task lamp and try it.
Task Lamp
Design topic
DT2015
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a toy box cart for racing. Make your toy box cart to compete in a championship race in class.
Toy Soapbox Cart
Design topic
DT2016
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B1, Medium-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a battery-operated ventilation fan. Make your ventilation fan and try it.
Ventilation Fan
Design topic
DT2017
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design an arcade game using simple materials like cardboard. Make your arcade game and try it.
Arcade Game
Design topic
DT2018
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a battery-operated ventilation fan. Make your ventilation fan and try it.
Cardboard Packaging
Design topic
DT2019
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a castaway hut. Make a model of your castaway hut to show it.
Castaway Hut
Design topic
DT2020
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a desk tidy for your desk at home or at school. Make your desk tidy and try it.
Desk Tidy
Design topic
DT2021
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a doll’s house. Make your doll’s house to show it.
Doll’s House
Design topic
DT2022
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a dream house for a family like yours. Make a model of your dream house to show it.
Dream House
Design topic
DT2023
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design egg packaging made from paper or card. Make your egg packaging and try it.
Egg Packaging
Design topic
DT2024
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a future fashion accessory. Make a model of your future fashion accessory to show it.
Future Fashion Accessory
Design topic
DT2025
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design the future fashions for children like you. Make your future fashion outfit to show it.
Future Fashions
Design topic
DT2026
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a lifeboat. Make a scale model of your lifeboat to show it.
Lifeboat
Design topic
DT2027
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a medieval castle. Make a model of your medieval castle to show it.
Medieval Castle
Design topic
DT2028
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design paper dinner set. Make your paper dinner set and try it.
Paper Dinner Set
Design topic
DT2029
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Find a problem to solve and design something that solves that problem. Make your something and try it.
Problem Solver
Design topic
DT2030
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design something made from recycled textiles. Make your product and test it.
Recycle Textiles
Design topic
DT2031
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a refreshment stand. Build your refreshment stand and try it.
Refreshment Stand
Design topic
DT2032
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a satchel or handbag for you or someone you know. Make your satchel or handbag and try it.
Satchel / Handbag
Design topic
DT2033
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a simple clock. Make your clock and try it.
Simple Clock
Design topic
DT2034
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a spice rack. Make your spice rack and try it.
Spice Rack
Design topic
DT2035
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design sports shoes for yourself. Make your sports shoes to show them.
Sports Shoes
Design topic
DT2036
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a suit of armour. Make your suit of armour and try it.
Suit of Armour
Design topic
DT2037
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
2 sessions (one full day)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a t-shirt graphic for your club or group. Print your t-shirt graphic to show it.
T-Shirt Graphic
Design topic
DT2038
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a tool station for yourself or a family member. Make your tool station and try it.
Tool Station
Design topic
DT2039
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a toolbox. Make your toolbox and try it.
Toolbox
Design topic
DT2040
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a tote bag for shopping. Make your tote bag and try it.
Tote Bag
Design topic
DT2041
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Find an old and unwanted piece of furniture to upcycle. Make your upcycled furniture and try it.
Upcycled Furniture
Design topic
DT2042
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a wildlife feeder. Build your wildlife feeder and try it.
Wildlife Feeder
Design topic
DT2043
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A2, Low-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design work overalls for yourself. Make your work overalls and try them.
Work Overalls
About guides for Level II teachers…
Read the next section on guides for teachers of Level II children (9 to 11 years old).
To teach design in your class…
Or, return to the section on how to teach design in your class using the resources of this website.
LEVEL
III
YEARS
School yrs 7, 8, 9
AGES
12–14 years old
Stages
UNDERSTAND ➔ DECIDE ➔ CREATE ➔ BUILD ➔ TEST
Design topics for Level III students
Design topics for Level III students in school years 7, 8, 9; that is 12 to 14-year-old students.
Students learn how to design by doing. At the beginning of a design thinking exercise, the teacher sets a topic for the students to work on individually or in teams. The design topics intended for Level III students are located in cells C1, B2, and A3 on the design topics map. Identify a design topic that you would like to try from the list below, then click the link to view the design topic handout for your students.
Design topic
DT3001
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C1, High-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a boombox. Build your boombox and test it.
Boombox
Design topic
DT3002
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C1, High-tech, Simple
Summary
Design an environmental monitor. Build your environmental monitor and test it.
Environmental Monitor
Design topic
DT3003
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C1, High-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a LED device. Build your LED device and test it.
LED Device
Design topic
DT3004
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C1, High-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a useful LED sign. Build your LED sign and test it.
LED Sign
Design topic
DT3005
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C1, High-tech, Simple
Summary
Design an LED-illuminated fashion piece. Build your LED-illuminated fashion and test it.
LED-Illuminated Fashion
Design topic
DT3006
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C1, High-tech, Simple
Summary
Design a novelty LED clock. Build your novelty LED clock and test it.
Novelty LED Clock
Design topic
DT3007
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design an audio station that is an ideal environment for listening to music. Build your audio station and test it.
Audio Station
Design topic
DT3008
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a battery operated toy. Build your battery operated toy and test it.
Battery Operated Toy
Design topic
DT3009
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a bicycle accessory. Build your bicycle accessory and test it.
Bicycle Accessory
Design topic
DT3010
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a vehicle converted for camping. Build a scale model of your campervan to show it.
Campervan
Design topic
DT3011
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a set of camping utensils. Build your camping utensils set and test it.
Camping Utensils Set
Design topic
DT3012
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a workstation for e-learning. Build your e-learning workstation and test it.
E-Learning Workstation
Design topic
DT3013
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design fruit and vegetable storage for the home. Build your fruit and vegetable storage and test it.
Fruit and Vegetable Storage
Design topic
DT3014
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a gaming station for yourself or a friend. Build your gaming station and test it.
Gaming Station
Design topic
DT3015
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a home gym apparatus for you and your family. Build your home gym and test it.
Home Gym Apparatus
Design topic
DT3016
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a home irrigator, either for use indoors or outdoors. Build your home irrigator and test it.
Home Irrigator
Design topic
DT3017
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a human-powered land vehicle, either a bicycle, a tricycle, or a quadricycle. Build your human-powered land vehicle and test it.
Human-Powered Land Vehicle
Design topic
DT3018
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a paper luminaire (a light fitting made from paper). Build your paper luminaire and test it.
Paper Luminaire
Design topic
DT3019
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a pet environment for your pet at home. Build your pet environment and test it.
Pet Environment
Design topic
DT3020
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a pet feeder. Build your pet feeder and test it.
Pet Feeder
Design topic
DT3021
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a pinhole film camera. Build your pinhole camera and test it.
Pinhole Film Camera
Design topic
DT3022
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a remote planetary rover. Build a model of your planetary rover.
Planetary Rover
Design topic
DT3023
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a battery-powered pocket torch for general use. Build your pocket torch and test it.
Pocket Torch
Design topic
DT3024
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design puppets and a puppet theatre for a group performance. Build your puppets and theatre and perform for an audience.
Puppet Theatre
Design topic
DT3025
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a useful renewable energy-powered device, using either solar, wind, or water power. Build your renewable energy-powered device and test it.
Renewable Energy-Powered Device
Design topic
DT3026
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a robot explorer to explore a natural geographic feature, an ecosystem, or a species of life on Earth. Build a model of your robot explorer.
Robot Explorer
Design topic
DT3027
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a satellite for low Earth orbit. Build a model of your satellite to demonstrate it.
Satellite
Design topic
DT3028
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a sculptural bedside-table lamp made from found objects. Build your bedside-table lamp.
Sculptural Bedside Lamp
Design topic
DT3029
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a soap box car. Build your soap box car and race it.
Soap Box Car
Design topic
DT3030
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a space probe to explore our solar system. Build a model of your space probe to demonstrate it.
Space Probe
Design topic
DT3031
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a sports training device for a chosen sport. Build your sports training device and test it.
Sports Training Device
Design topic
DT3032
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a sweet dispenser. Build your sweet dispenser and test it.
Sweet Dispenser
Design topic
DT3033
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a tent for camping. Build your tent and test it.
Tent
Design topic
DT3034
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design an upcycled object made from discarded objects or appliances. Build your upcycled object and test it.
Upcycled Object
Design topic
DT3035
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design an upcycled toy made from discarded objects. Build your upcycled toy and test it.
Upcycled Toy
Design topic
DT3036
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B2, Medium-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a table-top vivarium. Build your vivarium and test it by populating it with plants or animals.
Vivarium
Design topic
DT3037
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a board game. Build your board game and test it.
Board Game
Design topic
DT3038
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a canteen menu for your school. Demonstrate your canteen menu in a presentation to class.
Canteen Menu
Design topic
DT3039
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a card game. Build your card game and test it.
Card Game
Design topic
DT3040
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a club facility. Build a small-scale model of your club facility to show it.
Club Facility
Design topic
DT3041
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a set of disposable cutlery that is made from environmentally sustainable materials. Build your disposal cutlery and test it.
Disposable Cutlery
Design topic
DT3042
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a educational game. Build your educational game and test it.
Educational Game
Design topic
DT3043
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a collection of exclusive confections for sale. Make your confections from their real ingredients and try them.
Exclusive Confections
Design topic
DT3044
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a museum exhibition. Build a small-scale model of your museum idea and use other ways to show important aspects of your museum.
Museum Exhibition
Design topic
DT3045
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design an open-air museum exhibition site. Build a small-scale model of your open-air museum exhibition idea and use other ways to show your idea.
Open-Air Museum Exhibition
Design topic
DT3046
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
1 session (half-day)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a food service product made from paper. Build your paper food service and test it.
Paper Food Service Set
Design topic
DT3047
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a playground game. Build your playground game and test it.
Playground Game
Design topic
DT3048
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a facility for the disposal of radioactive waste. Build a small-scale model of your radioactive waste disposal system to show it.
Radioactive Waste Disposal
Design topic
DT3049
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a warning system to protect people from stored radioactive waste. Construct a small-scale model of your radioactive warning to demonstrate it.
Radioactive Waste Warning
Design topic
DT3050
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a school facility. Build a small-scale model of your school facility to show it.
School Facility
Design topic
DT3051
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a sign system for your school. Make your sign system out of coloured card and show it in place.
Sign System For School
Design topic
DT3052
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a social impact game. Build your social impact game and test it.
Social Impact Game
Design topic
DT3053
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
A3, Low-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a game used to for sports training. Build your sport training game and test it.
Sport Training Game
About guides for Level III teachers…
Read the next section on guides for teachers of Level III students (12 to 14 years old).
To teach design in your class…
Or, return to the section on how to teach design in your class using the resources of this website.
LEVEL
IV
YEARS
School yrs 10, 11, 12
AGES
15–17 years old
Stages
EMPATHISE ➔ DEFINE ➔ IDEATE ➔ PROTOTYPE ➔ TEST ➔ REFLECT
Design topics for Level IV students
Design topics for Level IV students in school years 10, 11, 12; that is 15 to 17-year-old students.
Students learn how to design by doing. At the beginning of a design thinking exercise, the teacher sets a topic for the students to work on individually or in teams. The design topics intended for Level IV students are located in cells C2, B3, and C3 on the design topics map. Identify a design topic that you would like to try from the list below, then click the links to view the design topic handout for your students.
Design topic
DT4001
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a drone delivery vehicle for delivering consumer goods. Prototype your drone delivery vehicle and test it.
Drone Delivery Vehicle
Design topic
DT4002
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design an electronic arcade game using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your electronic arcade game and test it.
Electronic Arcade Game
Design topic
DT4003
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design an electronic bicycle accessory using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your bicycle accessory and test it.
Electronic Bicycle Accessory
Design topic
DT4004
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a useful electronic kitchen device using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your electronic kitchen device and test it.
Electronic Kitchen Device
Design topic
DT4005
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design an electronic musical instrument using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your electronic musical instrument and test it.
Electronic Musical Instrument
Design topic
DT4006
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a food dispenser using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your food dispenser and test it.
Food Dispenser
Design topic
DT4007
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a gaming controller using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your gaming controller and test it.
Gaming Controller
Design topic
DT4008
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a home automation system. Prototype your home automation system and test it.
Home Automation System
Design topic
DT4009
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a container system for the home. Prototype your home container system and test it.
Home Container System
Design topic
DT4010
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a useful home robot using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your home robot and test it.
Home Robot
Design topic
DT4011
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a system for last-mile transport of goods. Prototype a scale model of your last-mile transport system to demonstrate it.
Last-Mile Transport
Design topic
DT4012
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design an LED wayfinding system for school or other location using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your LED wayfinding system and test it.
LED Wayfinding System
Design topic
DT4013
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a lighting system for your home or other location. Prototypea your lighting system and test it.
Lighting System
Design topic
DT4014
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a PC application. Prototype your PC application and test it.
PC Application
Design topic
DT4015
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a PC embedded in furniture for your home or school. Prototype your PC in furniture and test it.
PC Embedded in Furniture
Design topic
DT4016
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a personal mobility e-vehicle. Prototype a scale model of your personal mobility e-vehicle to demonstrate it.
Personal Mobility E-Vehicle
Design topic
DT4017
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a robot pest control system. Prototype your robotic pest control and test it.
Robotic Pest Control
Design topic
DT4018
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a school learning record app for your school or class. Prototype your learning record app and test it.
School Learning Record App
Design topic
DT4019
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a school utility app. Prototype your utility app and test it.
School Utility App
Design topic
DT4020
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design smart clothing for yourself or someone you know using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your smart clothing and test it.
Smart Clothing
Design topic
DT4021
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a useful smart electronic device for home or school using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your electronic device and test it.
Smart Electronic Device
Design topic
DT4022
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a software control console peripheral for your personal computer. Prototype your software control console and test it.
Software Control Console
Design topic
DT4023
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a vending machine to be used in your school. Prototype your vending machine and test it.
Vending Machine
Design topic
DT4024
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a weather station using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your weather station and test it.
Weather Station
Design topic
DT4025
Team size
(1 or 2)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C2, High-tech, Complicated
Summary
Design a website for students at your school. Prototype your website and test it.
Website
Design topic
DT4026
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a bicycle transport system for your neighbourhood or district. Prototype a model of your bicycle transport system to demostrate it.
Bicycle Transport System
Design topic
DT4027
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a city-in-a-building . Prototype a model of your city-in-a-building to demonstrate it.
City-in-a-Building
Design topic
DT4028
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a custom-built van for a specific application. Prototype a model of your custom-built van to demonstrate it.
Custom-Built Van
Design topic
DT4029
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design an eco-house system. Prototype a model of your eco-house system to demonstrate it.
Eco-House System
Design topic
DT4030
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design an energy harvesting system for the home. Prototype your energy harvesting system and test it.
Energy Harvesting System
Design topic
DT4031
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a food truck. Prototype a model of your food truck to demonstrate it.
Food Truck
Design topic
DT4032
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a Mars habitat. Prototype a model of your Mars habitat to demonstrate it.
Mars Habitat
Design topic
DT4033
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a playground for your town or community. Prototype a model of your playground to demonstrate it.
Playground
Design topic
DT4034
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a sustainable single-use product. Prototype your sustainable single-use product and test it.
Sustainable Single-Use Product
Design topic
DT4035
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a trading app for conducting exchange. Prototype your trading app and test it.
Trading App
Design topic
DT4036
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
B3, Medium-tech, Complex
Summary
Design urban furniture for your neighbourhood or town. Prototype a model of your urban furniture to demonstrate it.
Urban Furniture
Design topic
DT4037
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design an autonomous commercial vehicle. Prototype a maodel of your autonomous commercial vehicle to demonstrate it.
Autonomous Commercial Vehicle
Design topic
DT4038
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design an environmental monitor using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your environmental monitor and test it.
Environmental Monitor
Design topic
DT4039
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design exercise equipment. Prototype your exercise equipment and test it.
Exercise Equipment
Design topic
DT4040
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a game app for a mobile device. Prototype your game app and test it.
Game App
Design topic
DT4041
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a personal health app. Prototype your personal health app and test it.
Personal Health App
Design topic
DT4042
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a personal health station for the home using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your personal health station and test it.
Personal Health Station
Design topic
DT4043
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a school feedback app for your school or class. Prototype your school feedback app and test it.
School Feedback App
Design topic
DT4044
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a smart community app for your local community. Prototype your smart community app and test it.
Smart Community App
Design topic
DT4045
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a smart kitchen. Prototype a model of your smart kitchen to demonstrate it.
Smart Kitchen
Design topic
DT4046
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a smart neighbourhood device. Prototype your smart neighbourhood device and test it.
Smart Neighbourhood Device
Design topic
DT4047
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a social app to perform a social purpose. Prototype your social app and test it.
Social App
Design topic
DT4048
Team size
(3 to 5)
Time
5 sessions (one week)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a sports or club app for your school, or club. Prototype your sports/club app and test it.
Sports or Club App
Design topic
DT4049
Team size
(2 or 3)
Time
15 sessions (one semester)
Map
C3, High-tech, Complex
Summary
Design a wildlife monitor using simple electronics or an Arduino. Prototype your wildlife monitor and test it.
Wildlife Monitor
About guides for Level IV teachers…
To teach design in your class…
Or, return to the section on how to teach design in your class using the resources of this website.