The phases of a technology project

These stages of a technology project are out of order: (a) building the prototype, (b) identifying the need, (c) evaluation and improvement, (d) researching information, (e) designing the solution. Put them in the correct order and explain in one sentence what is done in each stage.

The diagram shows the stages of a technology project, but one of them is covered by a question mark. State which stage is missing and explain what it involves.

Match each deliverable with the stage in which it is produced: (a) list of materials and plans, (b) test report with proposals for improvement, (c) finished prototype, (d) collection of data and existing solutions. Stages: research, design, manufacturing, and evaluation.

Explain what is done during the research stage and why it is useful to do it before designing. Give an example applied to this challenge: building a mobile phone holder using recycled materials.

A team writes their need as follows: 'we want to make a cool device'. Rewrite it in a specific and verifiable way: for whom, what problem it solves, and in what context it will be used.

In a project to create a school raised bed, research reveals that watering at dusk significantly reduces evaporation. Explain how this information can alter the design of the irrigation system and why doing research first saves work later.

In the manufacturing stage, why is it better to follow the plans and the list of materials instead of improvising as you go along? Explain two specific risks of improvising.

Explain the difference between the design stage and the construction stage, and explain why it is advisable to have the design finished (plans, list of materials, and budget) before starting to build.

Your team has ten sessions for a complete project. Divide the sessions among the five stages in a reasoned way and justify why evaluation needs its own time slot rather than 'whatever is left over'.

Explain with an example why the evaluation stage may force a return to the design stage, or even to research, and explain why going back should not be considered a failure.

A prototype awning works well on the workshop bench but moves and makes noise when installed in the playground. In which stage is this fault detected and what design changes could result from it?

A group is working on a school wind turbine to power a 5 V circuit. Their test log shows the following data:

• Version 1: 3 flat PVC blades (0° angle), wind at 20 km/h → 0,8 V generated. Diagnosis: the rotor does not generate enough torque due to a lack of lift.

• Version 2: 3 curved profile blades (15° angle), wind at 20 km/h → 3,6 V generated, but with critical vibration on the shaft at 400 rpm.

• Version 3: Same blades as V2 at 15°, dynamic balancing counterweights and ball bearings are added → 4,9 V at 450 rpm without vibration.

1. a) Based on the data, technically refute the statement: "The team failed twice before getting it right". Demonstrate how each step constitutes an iteration based on the 'measure - learn - redesign' loop.
2. b) Explain what would have happened if the team had resorted to 'blind trial and error' instead of technological iteration guided by physical parameters.