Build-The-Box Building the box is a tool to help you

identify the constraints (B1) and define

the problem better.

You can also use it to help you develop

your research (A2), write your intent
(A1), and write your design brief (A4). It’s
super useful!

Develop your constraints so

you can develop your idea
Constraints define what a
solution should do

Designers use constraints to

guide their thinking and to
understand what a
successful solution looks like
 Brainstorm about the materials and constraints related
to materials. For example:
● Do the materials need to be environmentally
friendly?
● What properties do they need to have (flexible,
stiff, hard, soft, etc)?

Materials

List the performance constraints here:

Performance
List the user constraints here:

Users
What characteristics of the user should your design
address?
How should your design make the user feel?

● List additional or important constraints here:

Aesthetics
● Cost
● Time State the Design Question or Design
● Dimensions Problem here
● Environmental
 Materials

Performance

Users
Aesthetics
 ● Made from food safe
material
● BPA free plastic
● Durable, impact-resistant
material
● waterproof
● Easily repairable (holes can
be patched or repaired
easily)

● One person can use ● People who must travel long

● Easy to fill at water source Materials distances to gather water
● Can easily get drinking water ● Daily or every-other-day
from container chore
Lid or top is easy for a child How might we
● ● Developing countries with

Performance
to remove develop a way for
limited water infrastructure

Users
Doesn’t leak or waste water individuals to
● ● Usually women or children
during use effectively and
who gather water
Made with minimum # of safely transport
● ● Users should feel safe when
parts water 1 kilometer?
using this product
● Holds at least 40 liters of ● Users should feel proud that
water Aesthetics they are supporting their
family

● Uses bright, primary colors (Blue, yellow, Red)

● Body is blue to represent water
● Handles, lids, etc., are made of contrasting color to
show their function
● No “Plastic” smell
● Smooth corners and edges that are comfortable
to hold