Mr. Rogers - IB Design Technology Objectives
Syllabus 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
Invention, innovation and design    
Lesson Plan Practice Test Study Guide

Objectives

I. Invention, innovation and design

  1. How generic technologies (automobile, electric lighting, electronic computing, etc.) develop

  • Concept Development Stage - The invention exists only as an idea in the mind of progressives and dreamers.

  • Demonstration of Basic Concept - Usually comes from scientific research. Prior to this point the invention or technology can only exist as an idea

  • The Trailblazing Stage - Characterized by individual inventors or R&D groups demonstrating inventions which do not become innovations.

  • The Commercial Development Stage - Characterized by highly expensive and/or poorly performing commercial products

  • The Commercialization Stage - Characterized by mass product and applied research aimed at lowering costs and improving performance. The performance/cost ratio vs. time curve takes on a sigmoidal shape.

  • Maturity - The performance/cost ratio stagnates. Sometimes the product is replaced.

  1. Invention/Innovation case studies

  • bicycle

  • automobile

  • electric lighting

  • computers

  • wireless communication

  1. Idea Generation

  • Market Pull: Problems in search of a solution
  • Technology Push: Solutions in search of a problem
  • Demonstration of New Scientific Findings: Example - glowing platinum wire led to the light bulb.
    •

  1. Take an Invention from Concept to Prototype - the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam method

  • conduct literature searches on  ideas
  • conduct patent searches
  • find clients and customers willing to help develop the idea
  • write a Lemelson-MIT type invention statement
  • run simulations of basic concepts using programs such as Interactive Physics
  • develop time line plans (Gantt charts) using Excel
  • develop and track budgets using Excel
  • make detailed and 3D drawings using CAD
  • build prototypes
  • assemble a final report which will sell the idea to potential investors.

  1. State why inventions succeed or fail to become innovations.

  • Marketability - Can it be sold

  • Financial Support - Are investors available?

  • Marketing - Can customers be identified and served?

  • Need - Does it solve a problem or address a human need?

  • Cost - Can it be manufactured for a low enough cost to be sold?

  1. Protecting Inventions and Other Intellectual Properties.

  2. Invention, innovation and the environment

 

Activities
Lesson 1
Key Concept:
Purpose:

Interactive Discussion: