MYP Design Year 1 · Unit 2 · Lesson 15
Redesign an Everyday Object for a User
L15 · 01

Analyse One Existing Product

Existing products are evidence of decisions that another designer already made.

Student Materials
A.iii lens
1
ONE PRODUCTYear 1 asks for the main features of one existing product.
F
FEATURESFocus on details that affect function, use, form, or construction.
H
HOW IT WORKSDescribe what the important features do.
Use ← → / Space to navigate.Lesson 15 · A.iii formal
Learning Focus
Criterion A.iii
L15 · 02

Today’s formal task: describe the main features of one existing product.

DESCRIBEGive the important features and enough detail for another person to understand them.
YEAR 1 EXPECTATION

You do not need a range of products. Analyse one relevant product carefully.

A.iii summative evidenceOne relevant product
What Counts as a Main Feature?
Focus on what matters
L15 · 03

Form

Shape, proportions, layout, profile.

Material

What it is made from and where.

Interaction

Grip, opening, access, controls, contact.

Construction

Joints, support, moving parts, reinforcement.

Choose features relevant to the design problem.Main features
Teacher Demo
Feature → function
L15 · 04
Example: small tabletop phone stand

A wide base increases the area supporting the stand. An angled back support positions the phone for viewing. A front lip prevents the phone from sliding forward.

Name the feature → describe it → explain what it does.
Use a real product if available.Model concise product analysis
Workshop
Hands-On Product Analysis
L15 · 05
Workshop

Examine one product that is relevant to your challenge.

STEP 01

Handle

Use the product safely and notice how it works.

STEP 02

Sketch + label

Show the main features clearly.

STEP 03

Describe

Explain the features that are most relevant to your redesign.

Teacher can provide comparable products if needed.Main workshop
Avoid Generic Analysis
Specific observations
L15 · 06

Generic

“It is made of plastic and looks nice.”

Useful

“The wide plastic base keeps the stand stable while the raised front edge stops the object from sliding forward.”

Students need not judge every feature.Describe the main ones well.
Formal A.iii
Complete your analysis
L15 · 07

Use your sketch and notes to present the main features.

A strong Year 1 analysis is clear, specific, and connected to how the product works.
Student completes A.iii page.Summative evidence
Exit Reflection
What did the product teach you?
L15 · 08

Finish one sentence.

“One existing-product feature that may influence my future ideas is _______ because _______.”

Next lesson

Students use a controlled secondary-source pack to gather missing evidence for their redesign.

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