MYP Grade Overview: Design

All units taught in grades 6 to 10 are continuously being developed and improved to best meet the needs of the students at UWCT. Therefore, the following overview is only a reflection of current plans for the course. Some
changes to these course overviews may occur as a result of planning done throughout the academic year.
Gr Unit Number Design Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To learning skills taught / Content (topics/knowledge/ subject specific skills)
and Title GRASPS Related learned / developed in this unit
Concepts

6 Communication KC: Scientific and Factual: Communication Skills Rapid Prototyping -

Connections Smartphones can be influenced by advancements What is form? Research Skills Introduction to Paper Prototyping
and digital
Technical Innovation What is function?
literacy in technology, which enhance their form and
RC: Semiotics: Visual Communication.
Form function while improving global communication. Conceptual:
Function Models How does technology connect people globally? ● Conflict minerals
Sustainability ● Ethical production
Digital Life ● Supply chain
Debatable:
Smartphones are making our lives better. ● Sustainable design
● Prototyping
● Iteration
● Form/Function
● Mobile devices

6 Resistant KC: Personal and cultural Factual: What are resistant materials? Design Working with resistant materials
Form Understanding properties and available resources Thinking ● Foam
materials &
expression Conceptual: How do properties and alloying ● Wood
prototyping of resistant materials, allows the designer to aptly
RC: make a material more durable? ● Wood Glue
Design manipulate materials for artistry, craft and ● Model making techniques
Ergonomics Artistry & craft Debatable: Does mass production in ● Engineering and building basics
entrepreneurship.
Resources developing countries help or hinder the ● Building to scale
Products
local economy and community? ● Working from a blueprint
Entrepreneurship

KC: Factual: What is brand recognition and brand Communication Graphic Design
6 identity?
Graphic Design Aesthetics Self-management
Introduction to Photoshop
and Photoshop Personal and cultural
RC: Conceptual: How does price and perception ● Understanding the layout
The aesthetics of a design involve the creation,
Form influence a luxury brand? ● Opening Windows
expression
Perspective ● Using the tool pallet
meaning perception, of beauty and taste, which
Resources Debatable: Is it the company or the consumer ● The Type tool
are not always subjective.
who defines a brand ? ● Shape tools
Explorations to
● File saving procedures
develop: ● Fundamentals of design I
● Filters
Artistry, craft, creation, ● Innovative design
beauty

Entrepreneurship,
practice and
competency

6 Sustainable KC: Globalization and Factual: Design Product design:

Development The shape of a product or object should primarily What classification of species does bamboo Communication · Safety
Development
Sustainability belong to and how does it differ from coniferous · Manufacturing techniques
RC: relate to its intended function or purpose. and deciduous trees? · Engineering
Sustainability · Material properties
Function Human impact on the Conceptual: · Hand tools
environment What is the difference between a circular and · Power tools
linear design process? · Testing and evaluating
Conservation
Debatable:
All products should be designed so that they are
green and environmentally friendly.

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Gr Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To learning skills taught / learnt
and Title Related Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
Concepts / developed in this unit
 7 Communication KC: Globalization and
Excessive smartphone use is a key contributor in
Factual: What is digital communication? Thinking skills
Communication Technology
and digital Connections
Sustainability Conceptual: What is artificial intelligence? Communication Skills
literacy the rise of digital dementia and the decline of ● Consumption
RC:
Form peer-to-peer engagement. Research Skills
Debatable:
Markets ● Commodities
Function Smartphones are making us dumber?
Consumption ● Commercialization
Sustainability
Natural resources and -Explain and Justify the need for a solution to a problem
public goods ● Markets and trends
-Present the main findings of relevant research
● Sustainable design
-Create a prototype which outlines a tangible solution
● Prototyping
● Iteration
● Digital literacy

7 Resistant KC: Personal and cultural

Understanding the properties of resistant material
Factual: What are resistant materials and where Design
Working with resistant materials
materials & Form do they come from?
expression Research Skills
prototyping allows the designer to aptly manipulate said ● Foam
RC: Conceptual: How do external environmental
Design materials into a tangible solution. factors impact design decisions regarding the Self-Management
Artistry & craft ● Wood
Ergonomics materials they are made from?
Products ● Glue
Resources
Entrepreneurship -Present the chosen design
Debatable: Does mass production in
● Model making
developing countries help or hinder the local
-Demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the
economy and community? ● Popsicle sticks
solution
● Adhesive techniques
KC: Factual: What is the difference between analogue
7 Aesthetics and digital?
-Follow the plan to create the solution
● Engineering for strength
Graphic Design Identities and ● Orthographic projection
and Photoshop Communication through compelling and engaging
RC: Conceptual: How can the fundamental ● Building to scale
digital design can shift consumer attitudes and principles of design enhance the intended
Form relationships
Perspective message?
behaviours globally.
Resources Communication Skills
Attitudes
Debatable: Does digital manipulation, filters and Digital Design and Branding
Identity formation
plugins used to enhance the aesthetics, create Design
Lifestyle choices ● Shooting techniques
more harm than good?
● Composition
-Present feasible design ideas which can be interpreted by
● Rule of Thirds
others
● Post-Production
-Outline how the solution could be improved
● Editing using Alpha Layers
-Outline the impact of the solution on the client/target market.
● Graphic resolution
-Justify and give valid reason(s) or evidence to support an
● File management
idea or conclusion.
● Introduction to Animation

7 Product design KC: Fairness and

The shape of a product or object should primarily
Factual: Self-management
Product design:
and Innovation Creativity What is planned obsolescence and what impact
Development does this have on consumerism? Communication Skills
RC: relate to its intended function or purpose · Safety
Sustainability Conceptual: · Manufacturing techniques
Innovation Power and privilege How does form following function dictate the -Exchanging thoughts, messages and information
Politics · Engineering
usefulness of a product.
Inequality -Interpret and use effective modes of non-verbal
· Material properties
Debatable:
communication
Modern design suggests that form and function are · Hand tools
not mutually exclusive. -Organization: Managing time and tasks effectively
· Power tools
-Share ideas
· Testing and evaluating

Gr Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To learning skills taught / learnt /
and Title Related Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
Concepts developed in this unit

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 8 Communication KC: Globalization and
The exchange or transfer of signals, facts, ideas or
Factual: What is planned obsolescence? Thinking skills
Communication Technology
and digital Connections
Sustainability Conceptual: Communication Skills
literacy or symbols using digital devices content is ● Environmental impact
RC: Is consumerism impacting humankind and
Form transforming the ways in which we interact with the environment? Research Skills
people. ● Conservation
Function
● Natural resources
Sustainability Debatable:
-Explain and Justify the need for a solution to a problem
Is creative expression a requirement for ● Infrastructure
innovative design? -Present the main findings of relevant research
● Sustainable design
-Create a prototype which outlines a tangible solution
● Prototyping
● Iteration
● Globalization
● Obsolescence

8 Resistant KC: Personal and cultural

The process of iteration is used to test and
Factual: What is the difference between Design
Working with resistant materials
materials & Form deciduous and coniferous?
expression Research Skills
prototyping determine the most suitable materials and their ● Foam
RC: Conceptual: What properties make a material
Design properties in order to create and design the most more durable? Self-Management
Artistry & craft ● Wood Glue vs Hot Glue
Ergonomics
effective solution. ● Model making vs Prototyping
Resources Debatable: Does mass production in
Products -Present the chosen design
developing countries help or hinder the local
Entrepreneurship ● Popsicle sticks and wood bending
economy and community?
-Demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the solution
● Adhesive techniques
-Follow the plan to create the solution
● Engineering for strength
● Orthographic projection
● Building to scale

8 Graphic Design KC: Identities and

Consumer engagement in the digital age requires
Factual: What is the difference between a mat Communication Skills
Digital Design and Branding
and Photoshop Aesthetics and a maskl?
compelling communication in order to shift Design
relationships ● Classic design theory
RC: Conceptual: How can digital manipulation alter
Form consumer attitudes and behaviours globally. the intended message? ● Composition and natural light
Perspective -Present feasible design ideas which can be interpreted by
Attitudes ● Adjustment layers
Resources Debatable: Does digital art lack authenticity
Identity formation others
when filters and plugins are used?
● Adjusting levels
-Outline how the solution could be improved
● Editing using layer masks
-Outline the impact of the solution on the client/target market.
● Graphic resolution
-Justify and give valid reason(s) or evidence to support an idea
● File management
or conclusion.
● Introduction to Animation

8 Product design KC: Personal and cultural

Quality manufactured products require quality
Factual: Self-management
Product design:
and Innovation Creativity A product that cannot successfully perform its
expression intended function is not viable. Communication Skills
RC: materials and rigorous testing to in order to ● Manufacturing techniques
Sustainability eliminate cradle to grave consumerism. Conceptual: ● Printing type
Innovation How does form following function dictate -Exchanging thoughts, messages and information
● Plotter and CnC
the usefulness of a product.
-Interpret and use effective modes of non-verbal communication
● Engineering
Debatable:
-Organization: Managing time and tasks effectively
Modern design suggests that form and function are ● Material properties
not mutually exclusive. -Share ideas
● Hand tools
● Power tools
● Testing and evaluating

8 Digital Media KC: Science and Technical

Markets and trends are shaped by innovative
Factual: Communication Skills
How-To Video
Production Communication Social media platforms use different codecs
Innovation and aspect ratios for hosting digital content. ● Shot composition
RC: content creators using digital media to -Exchanging thoughts, messages and information
Markets and Trends communicate to a mass audience. Conceptual: ● Rule of thirds and framing
Content is king and the medium is the message. -Reading, writing and using language to gather and
● Shooting techniques
communicate information
Debatable:
● Audio recording and Narration
Influencers are the individuals in our society who
● Visual Effects
are the drivers of markets and trends.
● Titles and Graphics
● Output formats
● Editing techniques
● Premier Pro Proficiency

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 Gr Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To learning skills taught / Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
and Title Related learnt / developed in this unit
Concepts

9 Communication KC: Globalization and

Innovation can diffuse into a global market by
Factual: Thinking skills Communication Technology
and digital Connections What is electronic waste? Communication Skills ● Conflict resolution
Sustainability Research Skills ● Demography
literacy understanding the target audience and using
RC: Conceptual: ● Global perspectives
Form authenticl and targeted communication How does the supply chain impact -Explain and Justify the need for a solution to a ● Technological advances
Function problem -Present the main findings of relevant ● Sustainable design
Sustainability sustainability? Debatable: All designs should research ● Prototyping
-Create a prototype which outlines a tangible solution ● Iteration
be sustainable?

9 Resistant KC: Personal and cultural

Human factors and ergonomic considerations are
Factual: What is the difference static and Design Working with resistant materials
materials & Form dynamic anthropometric data? Research Skills ● Foam
expression Self-Management ● Wood Glue vs Hot Glue
prototyping an integral parts of the design cycle in order to
RC: Conceptual: How do data sets help to ● Model making vs Prototyping
Design increase efficiency, reduce stress and strain, inform a design? -Present the chosen design ● Popsicle sticks and wood bending
Ergonomics Artistry & craft -Demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the ● Adhesive techniques
improve safety and functionality.
Resources Debatable: Does mass production in solution -Follow the plan to create the solution ● Engineering for strength
Products
developing countries help or hinder the local ● Orthographic projection
Entrepreneurship
economy and community? ● Building to scale

KC: Factual: What is the difference between Communication Skills Digital Design and Branding
9 Aesthetics analogue and digital? Design ● Interior design color theory
Graphic Design
● Composition and natural light
and Photoshop Identities and
RC: Conceptual: How can the fundamental -Present feasible design ideas which can be interpreted ● Adjustment layers
Digital tools can be used to enhance the
Form principles of design enhance the intended by others ● Understanding angles and perspective
aesthetics only when a fundamental underasting
Perspective message? -Outline how the solution could be improved ● Adjusting levels
relationships
Resources of the universal principles of design exist. -Outline the impact of the solution on the client/target ● Editing using layer masks
Debatable: Does digital manipulation, filters and market. -Justify and give valid reason(s) or evidence to ● Graphic resolution
Attitudes plugins used to enhance the aesthetics, create support an idea or conclusion. ● File management
Identity formation more harm than good? ● Introduction to Animation
● Vector vs. Raster

9 Product design KC: Personal and cultural

Products that have been designed for the dump
Factual: Self-management Product design:
and Innovation Creativity A product that is designed to break, (such as Communication Skills ● Safety
expression the lightbulb) is not a sustainable. ● Manufacturing techniques
RC: are having a negative impact on the environment, -Exchanging thoughts, messages and information ● Engineering
Sustainability innovation and consumerism. Conceptual: -Interpret and use effective modes of non-verbal ● Material properties
Innovation How does form following function dictate communication -Organization: Managing time and tasks ● Hand tools
the usefulness of a product. effectively ● Power tools
-Share ideas ● Testing and evaluating
Debatable: ● Sustainable design
All products should be designed so that they
are green and environmentally friendly.

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Gr Unit Number Key and Global Context Statement of Inquiry Inquiry Questions Approaches To learning skills taught / learnt /
and Title Related Content (topics / knowledge/ subject specific skills)
Concepts developed in this unit

10 Communication KC: Globalization and

Sustainable Design meets the needs of the
Factual: What is the triple bottom line of Thinking skills
Rapid Prototyping:
and digital Connections sustainability?
Sustainability Communication Skills
literacy present without compromising the ability of ● Working with corrugated cardstock
RC: Conceptual:
Form future generations to meet their own needs. What are the opportunities and tensions provided Research Skills
● Pepakura folding software
Function by world-interconnectedness?
● Balsa Wood scale models
Sustainability
-Explain and Justify the need for a solution to a problem
Debatable: Is climate change is a ● Material properties
result of consumerism? -Present the main findings of relevant research
● Joints and joinery
-Create a prototype which outlines a tangible solution
● Adhesive methods

CAD Drawing:
● Autodesk Fusion 360 Software
● Preparing models for 3D printing.
 10 Resistant KC: Personal and cultural
Understanding the properties of resistant
Factual: What are the properties of Design
Working with resistant materials
materials & Form coniferous trees?
expression Research Skills
prototyping material allows the designer to aptly
RC: Conceptual: How can you make a natural Self-Management
Design manipulate said materials into a tangible material stronger and more durable? ● Wood - Native Thai Hardwood
Ergonomics Artistry & craft ● Introduction to the Bandsaw
solution. -Present the chosen design
Resources Debatable: Engineered materials and
Products ● Model making vs Prototyping
composites are better because of their resistant
Entrepreneurship -Demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the solution
properties and unique characteristics.
● Shaping and abrading
-Follow the plan to create the solution
● Adhesive techniques
● Engineering for strength
KC: Factual: What is the difference between Pixel
10 Aesthetics and Vector?
● Finishing techniques.
Graphic Design ● Building to scale
and Photoshop Identities and
RC: Conceptual: How has social media
A strong brand identity is both ubiquitous and
Form impact branding? Communication Skills
omnipresent and has the ability to transcend
Perspective relationships Digital Design and Branding
Resources cultures and languages Debatable: A strong brand identity can only Design
be achieved over a long period of time. ·
Attitudes ● Isometric explosion
Identity formation -Present feasible design ideas which can be interpreted by others
● Line weight
-Outline how the solution could be improved
● Color consistency
-Outline the impact of the solution on the client/target market.
● Shading, highlights and shadows
-Justify and give valid reason(s) or evidence to support an idea or
● Adjustment layers
conclusion.
● Understanding angles and perspective
● Adjusting levels
● Editing using layer masks
● Graphic resolution
● File management

10 Product design KC: Personal and cultural Factual: Self-management

Creativity Attractiveness bias states that A product that cannot successful Product design:
and Innovation
expression perform its intended function is not Communication Skills
RC: anthropomorphic forms are more aesthetically viable. ● Prototyping
Sustainability pleasing to the eye but are subjective Design
depending on the culture. ● Concept modelling
Innovation Conceptual:
● Safety
How does an anthropomorphic product engage
-Exchanging thoughts, messages and information
the consumer and subliminally impact
● Manufacturing techniques
consumer choice?
-Interpret and use effective modes of non-verbal communication
● Engineering
Debatable: -Organization: Managing time and tasks effectively
In the advertising and marketing world sex sells ● Material properties
-Share ideas
● Hand tools
● Power tool Testing and evaluating

10 Packaging and KC: Fairness and Factual: What ecological impact is Communication Skills
Development Responsible innovation is the philosophy of plastic packaging having on the Packaging and Sustainability
Sustainability
Development environment? Design
RC: designing physical objects, the built ● Concept Modelling
Function environment, and services to comply with the Conceptual: Why should every company ● Typography
Sustainability principles of social, economic, and ecological consider the triple bottom line of sustainability -Present feasible design ideas which can be interpreted by others
sustainability. ● Color Theory
when designing physical objects and
packaging? -Outline how the solution could be improved
● Printing techniques
-Outline the impact of the solution on the client/target market.
Debatable: There needs to be a complete ban ● Paper Prototype
on single use plastic packaging? -Justify and give valid reason(s) or evidence to support an idea or
● Cutting techniques
conclusion.
● Lighting and Photography
● Innovation through design

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