Making, testing and improving — Design, 7–10 years
A first model is a question you can hold in your hands. Testing it reveals what works, and changing one part at a time turns evidence into a better design.
Improve from evidence
A prototype is an early, simple version of a design. You try it, notice what happens and change it; the aim is not to defend the first idea but to make the result work better.
Why test a model?
A design can look sensible while failing in real use: a box may open, but its lid may fall off. Testing became important because hands, weight, weather and mistakes reveal problems drawings cannot.
Testing a paper bridge
1. Fold a paper bridge between two books. 2. Put coins on it one at a time. 3. It bends after 6 coins, so record 6. 4. Fold the next sheet into concertina ridges and test again. It holds 14 coins, so that change helped.
The first-try trap
When you care about an idea, a failure can feel like a judgement on you. It is reasonable to feel disappointed, but a failed test is useful information about the design, not about your ability.
Improving everyday objects
A company may test a new water bottle by dropping it, opening it with wet hands and carrying it in a bag. If the lid leaks, the shape or seal changes before many bottles are made.
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