LSC S2: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN

Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN Our world is full of products and items designed and made of different materials. For example, structures such as buildings, roads and bridges. The items we use in our homes, like utensils and tools, all went through a process of determining their physical appearance, size, functionality etc.
This process is known as design.
In this chapter, therefore, you will learn basic design concepts and how they
apply in daily life.
Design Features of Objects or Items
Every object or item is made of different parts. Look at your shoes. What features do you observe? Can you see the different design features on your class desk?

Exploring the design features of different items or objects in the environment
What you need: 2H pencil, geometry set, ruler, a pair of compass, dividers,
eraser, T-square, board and clips, exercise book, pen.
What to do: In groups, carry out this activity.

1. Look around your classroom and the list items you observe. Sketch at
   least four of them and state their function.
   Take the chair in Figure 1.1 as an example.

2. Using the example above, draw a chart of the items you selected and relate their respective design features to their function.
3. Present your work to the class in your respective groups.

Function in Design
If an item or object serves the purpose for which it was made, we say it is functional.
Activity 1.2
Exploring function in design
What you need: Exercise book, illustration of a table, crutch and furniture in class.
What to do: In groups, carry out this activity.
Study the following figures and answer the questions that follow.

1. Study Figure 1.2 and Figure 1.3. Name the parts of the table. Do you notice anything missing in Figure 1.3? Do you think the table in
   Figure 1.3 can stand on its own? Give reasons for your answer.
2. Observe the illustrations of the crutches in Figure 1.4. What is missing on crutch (ii)? What is the function of the missing part? Would one be able to use the crutch well without the missing part?
3. If you found the furniture in Figure 1.5 in your classroom, would you be able to do your work comfortably? Give reasons for your answer.
4. Present your work to the class in your respective groups While designing any product or item, ensure that it will function properly and serve the purpose for which it is being made.

Basic Elements of Design
Everything that is designed has certain features that define or characterise it. We refer to such features as elements of design.
Elements of design include:
Line
Shape
Form
Texture

Colour

Space

Activity 1.3
Exploring the elements of design
What you need: Exercise book, pens, pencils, manila or bond paper, textbooks & a dictionary, a computer with an internet connection. What to do: In pairs, carry out this activity.

1. Identify and draw the different types of lines.
2. Write down the importance of a line in design?
3. Observe at least 10 items in your class and identify the different shapes you see in them.
   Present your findings in a table as shown below.

What is texture? What is the importance of texture in design?

4.Name the textures shown in Figure 1.6 above. Why do you think the
items above have those particular textures?
5. Discuss and write short notes on form. State the difference between
geometrical and natural forms. Give examples of each and sketch
the forms.
6. Write short notes on what you understand by space?
7. What do you understand by colour? What is the use of colour in
design?

Principles of Design
Look at your surrounding environment and observe how the walls are positioned in relation to each other. How the windows and doors are placed. The position of the chalkboard in relation to the wall; where it is placed and your sitting arrangement. What would the learner’s experience be if
the chalkboard was placed in the corner?
Many factors are put into consideration when putting together various elements for any design, be it a structure, object or product. The guidelines you follow to arrange and organize various elements of design are known as principles of design. Principles of design include:

Activity 1.4
Exploring the principles of design
What you need: Exercise book, pens & pencils, manila or bond paper, textbooks, a dictionary and a computer with an internet connection where possible.
What to do: In pairs, carry out this activity.

1. Define and write short notes on each of the following principles of design
   a Balance

Do you observe balance in any of the pictures in Figure 1.7? Give reasons for your answer.
proportion and scale

Do you see proportion in picture A? What is wrong in picture B and C in Figure 1.8? Give reasons for your answers. Em hasis

What parts stand out in each of the images in A, B and C in Figure 1.9? Give reasons for your answer.
Contrast

2. Identify what feature is used to show contrast in each of the respective images in Figure 1.10 above.
3. Discuss with your teacher the other principles of design; rhythm, movement, and unity.
   .6 Materials
   Take a look around you. You will notice that every item or product that you see or use in your home, school or workplace is made of a certain material. Therefore the matter from which anything is made is known as a material.

Exploring materials from which different items are made Activity 1.5
What you need: Exercise book, pens and pencils, manila or bond paper, textbooks and a dictionary, a computer with an internet connection.
What to do: In groups, carry out this activity.

1. Study the pictures in Figure 1.11 A, B, C and D and name the materials used to make each of the items. Indicate the source of the respective materials.

Draw a table and put your findings as shown below.

2. Present your findings to the class in your respective groups and get feedback.
3. What have you learnt from other groups’ work? Write it down in your books.

Sustainable Materials
Materials that can be produced in required volumes without destroying the environment and key natural resource systems are known as sustainable materials. Natural materials such as wood and clay are good examples of
sustainable materials.

Activity 1.6
Exploring sustainable materials
What you need: Exercise book, pens and pencils.
What to do: As a class, carry out this activity.

1. Discuss and suggest ways in which the following materials can be used sustainably.
   a) Metal
   b) Wood
   c) Clay
   d) Plastic
2. Discuss how culture and society have influenced the design of the items in Figure 1.12 below.

Individually, write what you have learnt about sustainable use of different materials.