Working with your designer

You have the freedom, in collaboration with your designer, to decide what type of activity you do. In previous years this has resulted in a huge variety of creative projects. Please bear in mind that your designer is a volunteer, so how much time they spend with you and your students is for them to decide.

To get you started we've provided some pointers based on information gathered from previous years. The case studies showing previous years activities may also be useful.

Give your class enough time

Schools which secured a period of time 'off timetable' for students to work with their designer enthused about this welcome break from the restrictions of the timetable.

Keep your brief open-ended

Students really appreciated being allowed to look for their own design opportunities and decide which problems to solve.

A demonstration of the designer's techniques

Encourage your designer to show the class how they approach various aspects of design such as brainstorming, researching and prototyping.

Keep up the pace

Imposing deadlines throughout the activity keeps students motivated. It will also make them aware of how important deadlines are in industry.

Encourage teamwork

Teamwork gives students a taste of how designers work. All the students interviewed cited teamwork as one of their main reasons for enjoying their experience.

Let the students get 'hands on' straight away

Many 3D designers encouraged students to make prototype models right from the start. This generated great excitement among students, as one put it: 'We usually have to spend far longer planning things out before we can get our hands on anything.'

Ask the designer to show some of their own work

Students and teachers found the design process came alive for them when their designer presented an in-depth look at one of their projects. It can provide a fascinating glimpse into the industry and how client relationships are managed.

Ask the designer to show examples of designs from their particular field

Designers have a unique insight into the latest developments in their field and this can be shared with your students - perhaps through a presentation, or by bringing along objects or photos to look at.

An emphasis on ideas as well as drawing

Students have been happy to learn that they don't have to be great draughtsmen to become designers. Wayne Hemingway told students at Preston Manor School in Wembley that ideas themselves are more important than the way they're presented.

Please remember that although it may be appropriate for the designer to lead an activity, you are responsible for classroom and behaviour management and the designer must NOT at any time be left in sole charge of students as this contravenes current DfES child protection guidelines and health and safety regulations.