1.2 Investigate & Inquire

Research, compare, and build on what already exists.

Core idea

Inquiry asks what we need to know before choosing a solution.

Need → Look → Choose → Change

  1. What do we need?
  2. What already exists?
  3. What could work for us?
  4. What would we change?

Research is not copying. Use existing solutions to learn, compare, and improve.

Inquiry worksheet

  • Focus the inquiry.
  • Ask useful questions.
  • Compare at least two existing solutions.
  • Record where the ideas came from.
  • Identify what fits the needs and what does not.
  • Brainstorm before judging ideas too quickly.
  • Borrow, combine, adapt, or improve.
  • Explain which need, requirement, or restriction the idea meets.

Class material

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Add one useful inquiry question, comparison, or example that changed a design decision.