Design Methods

Question 1

Why do inventors invent?

Answer 1

• They are dissatisfied with an existing product or situation. (Constructive discontent)
• They want to make money.
• They want to do something to help others.
• They are interested in technological or scientific progress.

Question 2

Give an example of Constructive discontent.

Answer 2

• James Dyson
• Wheelbarrow
• Difficult to use on soft ground - wheel too thin
• Developed the ‘Ballbarrow’
• Uses a ball instead of a wheel.

Question 3

Give an example of ‘to make money’.

Answer 3

• K.C. Gillette
• Realised while shaving, that is was the edge of the razor that was the vital part of shaving.
• Wanted to make a disposable product that would ensure customers kept buying replacements, thus ensuring constant demand.
• Now one of the largest razor and grooming product manufacturers in the world.

Question 4

Give an example of ‘wanting to help others’.

Answer 4

• Trevor Bayliss
• Watching documentary about the spread of HIV/Aids in Africa, poor people weren’t hearing the message about safe sex because they had no batteries for their radios.
• Produced a prototype clockwork radio powered by winding it up.

Question 5

Give an example of ‘exploration of science and technology’.

Answer 5

• Charles H. Townes and Arthur L. Shadlow
• Worked at Bell Labs in the USA.
• Created the first laser.
• Today, lasers are used in applications such as, eye surgery, CD and DVD players, and barcode scanners.