Teaching article
A materials limit belongs in the brief from the start
Treat limits as part of the problem rather than surprise penalties.
Two sheets and one tape strip create a different problem from unlimited supplies. Put the allowance where everyone can consult it, helping participants plan deliberately rather than discovering new restrictions halfway through making.
To hand: A materials allowance card.
Read available materials. Plan within the allowance. Review choices.
Make the constraints part of the challenge
Two sheets and one tape strip create a different task from unlimited supplies.
Make limits part of the invitation from the start. Participants can then compare design options against the same available resources.
Make constraints accessible before starting.
Which choice responded to a limit? Represent supplies with pictures.
Resources
- Paper Bridge Design Challenge — Apply a stated span and test method when comparing the paper prototypes.
Further reading
Read next
- Paper packaging trade-offs: protection can cost material
- Choose a material for its job, not a general strength ranking
- A prototype log should record the moment that mattered
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