Activity 1.1.2  Product Evolution
DUE: Friday, September 16, 2011

Purpose

People are surrounded by everyday products, such as the automobile, that have gone through seemingly countless iterations of a design process. Any object that is constantly redesigned is experiencing the process of innovation. It is through innovation that a product evolves. As most products evolve, it is assumed that they become better. Sometimes this is true, and sometimes it is not. Close examination of the history, purpose, and evolution of a product will greatly enhance your understanding of product design.

 Equipment

·         Computer

·         Internet access

·         Microsoft PowerPoint

·         Portfolio

 Procedure

In this activity, you will analyze the evolution of a product and trace it from its beginning to its current use or end.

In teams of two, you will select a product from your hobbies or interests that has undergone noticeable improvements over some time period. The product that you select must be pre-approved by your instructor.

Use the Internet, books, and other reference materials to search for information on the evolution of the product you have selected. Save information and graphics to your student network folder to be used in the development of a PowerPointÒ presentation. Make sure you record and properly reference all information sources in your engineer’s notebook. Your research should focus on the following information:

·         When was the product invented?

·         Who invented the product?

·         What materials were originally used to make the product?

·         How was the product originally made?

·         What improvements have been made to the product over the years?

·         Why were these improvements made?

·         Who uses the product?

 Develop a three-to-five minute PowerPoint presentation that includes the following information:

·         Title Slide with your name, class, period, and selected product

·         Explanation of the product

·         A timeline showing the history of the product

·         Major changes that have occurred in the design of the product

·         Effects on society and the environment

·         A Reference page of at least four sources used to gather your presentation information; recorded in APA style.

You and your partner will present your findings to the class.

DUE: Friday, September 16, 2011

Product Evolution Rubric                           Topics and Partners

IED Home