Session 1 · DESIGN: Explore
Accessibility audit and specification
- 25 minAudit the real space: measure doorways, ramp slopes, heights, path widths; note lighting, signs, noise and seating. Photograph spaces, not people.
- 20 minWrite the specification: 'must', 'should' and 'could' statements, each with a number or a clear test (e.g. 'must hold 100 kg', 'ramp no steeper than 1:12').
- 5 minCheck: can every 'must' be tested in class?
Session 2 · DESIGN: Sketch
Ideas and technical drawing
- 10 minCrazy eights on your problem, then pick two ideas against the spec.
- 25 minTechnical drawing of the chosen idea: front, side and top views with dimensions, plus a 3D sketch with notes on materials.
- 10 minSwap with another group: could they build it from your drawing? Mark anything unclear.
- 5 minFix one unclear part of the drawing.
Getting started
Use the spec template with sentence starters: 'It must… (test: …)'.
Stretch
Add tolerances to your key measurements, e.g. '760 mm clear width, no less'.
Checkpoint
A spec where every 'must' is measurable, and a dimensioned drawing someone else can read.
Activities for this week
- Accessibility audit: How easy is one part of our school or community to use for everyone?
- Specification sprint: What exactly must our design do, and how will we know?
Useful this week
- Universal design ↗ How designers in Tāmaki Makaurau plan spaces that work for everyone.
- Ramps and paths for accessibility ↗ Real NZ numbers for ramp slopes, path widths and landings.
- Tinkercad ↗ 3D models you can measure, rotate and turn into technical views.