Innovative Spaces at UWCSEA: East Campus Design Technology Labs
John Zobrist, Head of Design & Technology, East Campus
21 December 2018
UWCSEA East's DT labs are designed to equip students with practical and theoretical skills in a range or purpose-designed multi-functional workspaces.
In the design technology curriculum on the East Campus, practical and theoretical skills are developed in a range of multi-purpose workspaces, equipping student designers with the competencies to work individually and collaboratively. Students in Grades 6–12 take part in whole-class discussions and spend time refining their designs before constructing prototypes. In practice this means assigning areas for research and analysis, design, planning and fabrication, as well as testing and evaluation through a range of problem-solving activities that enrich both teaching and learning.
Aspects of design thinking require designers to utilise our ‘clean spaces’ with large collaborative areas for creative design thinking utilising traditional graphical and the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) digital modelling. 2D and 3D display areas enable discussion on the design of form and function, manufacture and assembly of physical products.
UWCSEA East's DT labs are designed to equip students with practical and theoretical skills in a range or purpose-designed multi-functional workspaces.
A. Rapid Prototyping
Computer Aided Design (CAD) operates both 3D printers and laser cutters, enabling our student designers to create a range of physical prototypes. These prototypes are then tested and evaluated from a range of feedback strategies and users further develop and refine their ideas into a successful product.
B. CADCAM
Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is used for planning the different manufacturing operations that go into creating parts of a product. CAM uses data from CAD software to control automated machinery and generate tool paths. Student designers have access to a range of CAM including large Computer Numerically Controlled routers and smaller PCB Electronic Circuit board engravers.
C. CAD: Autodesk Fusion 360
CAD is predominantly used for detailed engineering of 3D models and 2D drawings of physical components. It can also be used throughout the design thinking process: from conceptual design and layout of products, through strength and dynamic analysis of assemblies, to definition of manufacturing methods of components. The product on the laptop screen can be tested, modified and finalised before real production.
D. Systems and Control equipment
Students use this to explore electronics, coding, programming, robotics and wider systems thinking. CAD simulates electronic systems and prototypes with hardware electronics. Problem solving skills are then applied to practical and technological problems in the context of structures, mechanisms and electronics. A range of practical experience helps learners to identify how these areas interrelate.
Read more about the Design and Technology courses available at UWCSEA East in our Curriculum Guides:
Middle School
IGCSE - Design and Technology: Resistant Materials page 19 and Design and Technology: Systems and Control page 20
IB Diploma - Design Technolgy Group 4 pages 21-22