
AI-Powered Product Design Challenge
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How might we use AI to revolutionize an everyday product, enhancing its functionality and user experience, while applying principles of design thinking and understanding user needs?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can AI influence the design process in various everyday products?
- What is the role of machine learning in enhancing product functionality?
- How does understanding user needs influence product improvement and AI integration?
- In what ways can data be collected and analyzed to augment design strategies using AI?
- How do principles of design thinking apply to improving everyday objects with AI?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand the role of AI in enhancing product design and functionality.
- Students will apply design thinking principles to identify opportunities for product improvement using AI.
- Students will develop skills in data collection and analysis to inform design decisions.
- Students will create and present prototypes or models that demonstrate AI-enhanced product designs.
- Students will integrate user feedback into product design iterations to refine their solutions.
Next Generation Science Standards
Common Core Standards
ISTE Standards for Students
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsDesign Detective Day
Organize a scavenger hunt with QR codes hidden around the school, each directing students to a different informational video or blog post about AI's role in product design across various fields. Each stop encourages students to brainstorm and discuss how these concepts might be applied to improve products they use, integrating excitement and curiosity with authentic connections to the project goals.AI Idea Incubator
Host a 'Dragon's Den' inspired event where students pitch their initial ideas on improving a product with AI enhancements to a panel of 'experts' who are teachers or local designers. This engaging format challenges students to think critically and creatively about practical product improvements, allowing them to explore numerous inquiry pathways through feedback and discussions.Futuristic Product Portfolio
Invite students to create a digital portfolio envisioning a product they use daily in a future enhanced by AI. They start by documenting its current use and features, then hypothesize AI-driven improvements. This self-directed, imaginative activity directly involves students by connecting innovations to their personal experiences, stimulating interest and diverse investigative avenues.Simulation Station
Transform the classroom into a 'simulation station' where students can interact with different AI design tools for product innovation. Providing hands-on experience with augmented reality apps or simple machine learning models offers students the chance to directly see AI's potential in real-time, sparking curiosity and linking directly to their everyday product interactions in a playful yet insightful manner.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Design Discovery Journey
In this activity, students will identify a product they use regularly and explore opportunities for AI improvements. Emphasis is on developing observation skills, critical thinking, and creative problem identification.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed list of potential AI-enhancement opportunities for a chosen product, with initial ideas sketched or recorded.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NGSS.ETS1.A-MiddleSchool by defining criteria and constraints for product improvement.AI Insight Illustrator
Students will create an infographic or visual model that displays how AI can be applied to the chosen product's design improvements, integrating technical data and conceptual design.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visually appealing infographic or model representing AI’s role in product design improvement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.7 by integrating technical information with visual models.Data Detective Diary
Students will assume the role of data analysts to gather and analyze user data, foreshadowing how AI models could leverage this data for product enhancement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive data analysis report identifying key trends and insights on product usage and needs.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1 through data collection and analysis for problem-solving.Prototype Pioneers
Students will create a basic prototype using AI design tools, applying iterative testing and feedback to refine their product idea.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA refined physical or digital prototype that incorporates AI-driven enhancements, presented with justifications for each design choice.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with ISTE.STANDARD.4 by applying iterative design processes and technology to solve complex problems.Future Forward Showcase
In the final activity, students present their AI-enhanced product designs to a mock audience, enhancing presentation skills and receiving final feedback and reflections.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA compelling presentation and demonstration of the AI-enhanced product, incorporating visual aids and articulate explanations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsEngages students in communication for design solutions, tying back to essential design thinking and technology integration standards.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAI-Enhanced Product Design Assessment
Problem Identification and Creative Innovation
Assessing the student's ability to identify a problem within an existing product and propose innovative AI-based solutions.Problem Definition
Clarity and depth of understanding in defining the existing product's issues.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and articulates the product's existing issues with exceptional clarity, providing comprehensive understanding and background of the problem.
Proficient
3 PointsClearly identifies and describes the product's issues, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the problem.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic description of the product's issues, showing emerging understanding but lacking in depth.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to define the product's issues, showing minimal understanding and clarity.
Innovative Solutions
Originality and feasibility of AI-enhanced ideas proposed for product improvement.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes exceptionally creative and feasible AI-driven improvements, demonstrating sophisticated integration of AI potential.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes creative and feasible AI-driven solutions, indicating a good understanding of AI integration.
Developing
2 PointsProposes basic AI-driven solutions with limited creativity and feasibility consideration.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to propose feasible AI-based solutions, showing minimal originality and integration.
Technical Integration and Data Analysis
Evaluating the student's ability to effectively integrate AI and analyze data to support their design decisions.Data Collection and Analysis
Effectiveness in collecting and analyzing data to inform AI-driven product design.
Exemplary
4 PointsExecutes comprehensive data collection and analysis, identifying insightful patterns and trends relevant to design improvements.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts thorough data collection and analysis, identifying useful patterns and trends to inform design decisions.
Developing
2 PointsConducts basic data collection and analysis, identifying some relevant patterns but lacking depth.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with data collection and analysis, providing minimal or irrelevant insights.
AI Integration
Skillfulness in applying AI tools and techniques to prototype product improvements.
Exemplary
4 PointsSeamlessly integrates advanced AI tools and techniques to create a refined prototype, demonstrating innovative design application.
Proficient
3 PointsIntegrates AI tools effectively to develop a workable prototype, showing clear design applications.
Developing
2 PointsApplies basic AI tools to develop a prototype, but with limited effectiveness and innovation.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply AI tools meaningfully in prototype development, showing minimal integration.
Presentation and Reflection
Assessment of the student's ability to present their AI-enhanced product and reflect on the design process.Presentation Skills
Quality and clarity of presenting design solutions and showcasing AI enhancements.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a compelling, clear, and well-structured presentation, effectively using visual aids and articulate explanations.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents design solutions clearly and competently, using visual aids and clear explanations.
Developing
2 PointsPresents with basic organization and clarity, but visual aids and explanations are less effective.
Beginning
1 PointsDelivers an unclear and poorly structured presentation, with minimal use of visual aids and explanations.
Reflective Insights
Depth of reflection on feedback received and the design process.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides in-depth reflection with valuable insights on feedback received and future design iterations.
Proficient
3 PointsReflects thoughtfully on feedback and identifies relevant insights for further design improvements.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic reflection on feedback, with limited insights for future improvements.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal reflection with little to no insights on feedback and further design considerations.