MYP Design Cycle
Challenge:
The Dallas skyline is known for unique skyscrapers outlined in colorful LED lights. A new business in
town approaches your team for a proposal to build the best skyscraper in Dallas yet. Before they hire you,
though, they want to make sure you fully understand all the elements of the design cycle. As a test, they
ask your group to build the tallest skyscraper that you can using the materials provided. The materials
include 20 pieces of spaghetti, one yard of tape, and one yard of string. The marshmallow must be at the
top of the tower. Measurements to determine the tallest tower will be taken from the marshmallow to the
ground. You must build from the ground up. Follow the steps of the design cycle to build the biggest
tower. Use this document to guide you through the cycle.
Design Cycle A: Inquiring and Analysing
i. Explain and justify the need for a solution to a problem for a specified
client/target audience
1. State the problem:
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2. Explain why this problem must be solved:
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3. Justify the need for the solution:
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ii. Identify and prioritize primary and secondary research needed to
develop a solution to the problem
1. What questions need to answered? (brainstorm 5-10 questions)
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2. Put a checkmark by all questions that must be answered to solve this
problem.
3. Research each question. Record your findings.
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4. Summarize your findings and your proposed solution, based on the
research.
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iii. Analyse a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the
problem
 Name of existing solution/product:
 Main features of existing solution/product:
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 Important facts about the existing solution/product:
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Sketch the existing solution/product, including dimensions:
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Name of existing solution/product:
 Main features of existing solution/product:
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 Important facts about the existing solution/product:
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Sketch the existing solution/product, including dimensions:
iv. Develop a detailed design brief, which summarizes the analysis of
relevant research.
1. Summarize the information found in ii and iii to present your proposed
solution to the problem.
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Design Cycle B: Developing ideas
i. Develop a list of design specifications/success criteria for the solution
1. List the design specifications/success criteria for your solution (at least 6)
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ii. Develop a range of feasible design ideas, which can be correctly
interpreted by others
Sketch including
Materials
dimensions
Design 1
Pros:
Cons:
Design 2
Pros:
Cons:
iii. Present the chosen design describing the key features
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iv. Develop accurate and detailed planning drawings/diagrams and outline
the requirements for the creation of the chosen solution.
1. Which design will you create?
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2. Explain which details made you choose the design?
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Design Cycle C: Creating the solution
i. Construct a logical plan, which describes the efficient use of time and
resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution
1. List all resources and the time you think it will take you to build it.
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ii. Demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the solution
1. Did you work safely with all materials? Explain.
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2. Did you worked effectively with your group members? Explain.
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3. Did everyone in your group contribute equally? Explain.
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iii. Follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended.
iv. Fully justify changes made to the chosen design and plan when making
the solution
In colored ink, draw any changes you made to your design during the creation.
Design Cycle D: Evaluating
i. Design detailed and relevant testing methods, which generate data, to
measure the success of the solution
1. How are you defining success for your tower?
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ii. Critically evaluate the success of the solution against the design
specification
1. What were the results?
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2. Based on the results would you say your final solution was successful?
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3. Do you think you solved the problem? Explain:
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iii. Explain how the solution could be improved
1. Based on your test/survey, how could you improve your solution?
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2. Based on your experience and knowledge base, how could you improve your
solution?
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iv. Explain the impact of the solution on the client/target audience.
1. How successful will your solution be for the client/target audience?
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2. How would you choose to present your solution to the client/target
audience?
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