Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a leading provider of STEM education in the United States. PLTW’s Design Brief program is a structured process for students to develop and solve real-world problems. The goal of the program is to develop students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
The PLTW Design Brief template is a tool that can be used to guide students through the Design Brief process. The template includes sections for the following information:
The Design Brief Process
The Design Brief process consists of the following steps:
- Identify the problem. The first step in the Design Brief process is to identify the problem that you are trying to solve. This can be a problem that you have experienced yourself, or it can be a problem that you have learned about through research.
- Research the problem. Once you have identified the problem, you need to research it to learn more about it. This will help you to understand the problem and to develop potential solutions.
- Develop a solution. The next step is to develop a solution to the problem. This can be done through brainstorming, sketching, and prototyping.
- Test the solution. Once you have developed a solution, you need to test it to see if it works. This can be done through user testing, simulations, or other methods.
- Refine the solution. Based on the results of your testing, you may need to refine your solution. This can involve making changes to the design, the materials, or the manufacturing process.
- Communicate the solution. The final step in the Design Brief process is to communicate your solution to others. This can be done through a presentation, a report, or a website.
Using the PLTW Design Brief Template
The PLTW Design Brief template can be used to guide students through the Design Brief process. The template includes sections for the following information:
- Problem statement. The problem statement is a brief description of the problem that you are trying to solve.
- Research. The research section includes notes on your research into the problem.
- Solution. The solution section includes a description of your solution to the problem.
- Testing. The testing section includes a description of your testing process and the results of your testing.
- Refinement. The refinement section includes a description of any changes that you made to your solution based on the results of your testing.
- Communication. The communication section includes a description of how you will communicate your solution to others.
Conclusion
The PLTW Design Brief template is a valuable tool for students who are working on Design Brief projects. The template provides a structured process for students to follow, and it helps them to stay on track and complete their projects successfully.
The PLTW Design Brief program is a great way for students to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The program is also a great way for students to learn about the engineering design process. If you are a student who is interested in engineering or design, I encourage you to participate in the PLTW Design Brief program.