Making something to help someone
Design & Technology · Early Years · The School
A real problem first
Before you design anything, find a REAL problem. Can a grown-up not reach the top shelf? Does a toy box keep tipping over? Does someone always forget their water bottle? Start with the problem, not a fun idea.
Who is it for?
Ask who has this problem. Ask what they actually need. A helper for a high shelf must be tall and safe to stand on. A helper for carrying two things needs room for both hands. Different people need different things.
Simple can still help
A good helper does not need to look impressive. A plain card tray that carries two cups without spilling helps far more than a fancy design that does not solve the real problem at all.
A little brother keeps knocking over his juice cup. That is the real problem. Why does it tip so easily? It has a narrow base and a light bottom. A small knock is enough. Design a simple wide holder. Tape a ring of card round the base of the cup. Test it with a gentle nudge. Does the cup with the holder stay up, while the cup without it falls? If so, the design has really solved the problem it was built for.