Lesson 42 · Unit 6
IA Day 12 —
Finalize Criterion C
Turn three strong redesign ideas into a defensible decision using specifications, testing and intended-user feedback.
80 minutesIA Criterion C · B2.1.11
Evaluate
User feedback
Select
Guiding question: How do you prove that the selected redesign idea is the strongest direction—not simply your favourite?01
Today’s destination
By the end of class, you should be able to…
01
Close Criterion C
Make the three ideas readable, feasible and complete.
02
Evaluate—not vote
Use specifications, testing and intended-user feedback.
03
Select a direction
Show why the chosen idea is the strongest evidence-based option.
04
Prepare Criterion D
Identify what must now be modelled, tested and refined.
Success check: Produce clear, criterion-aligned IA evidence during today’s studio block.
IA DAY 12 · Criterion C → D transition02
A
EmpathizeUser + task + evidence.
B
DefineProblem + specifications.
C
Ideate + modelThree strong ideas + evaluation.
D
Design solutionModel · test · refine.
E
PresentShow the intended redesign.
Criterion C has two jobs: communicate three best feasible ideas, then evaluate those ideas against the design specifications through testing and user feedback.
Criterion C · two evidence jobs03
Weak decision
“Idea 2 looks best.”
A preference without a traceable reason.
→
Strong decision
“Idea 2 best satisfies S1, S3 and S5…”
“…and intended-user testing showed fewer task errors than Ideas 1 and 3.”
Use the chain: specification → test / feedback → comparison → judgement.
Evaluate ideas against specifications + user feedback04
| Requirement | Idea 1 evidence | Idea 2 evidence | Idea 3 evidence | Judgement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential S1 | Test / feedback | Test / feedback | Test / feedback | Which performs best—and why? |
| Essential S2 | Evidence | Evidence | Evidence | Do not invent numerical scores without a basis. |
| Desirable S3 | Evidence | Evidence | Evidence | Use priority appropriately. |
Do not let a total score replace analysis. The purpose is to make evidence visible, then explain the design judgement.
Criterion C · compare meaningfully05
Make the selected direction interpretable by someone else.
overall form
key components
critical geometry
Criterion C requires annotated presentation evidence showing the feasible ideas tested against the specifications and user feedback. Use the medium that communicates the decision clearly.
Criterion C · annotated presentation evidence06
Studio block
The mini-lesson is short. The evidence-making is the lesson.
60+minutes work
Finish the three ideas
Check feasibility, key features and concise evidence-linked annotations.
Check feasibility, key features and concise evidence-linked annotations.
Evaluate with evidence
Use testing and intended-user feedback against the design specifications.
Use testing and intended-user feedback against the design specifications.
Select the strongest direction
Write a short, defensible judgement—not a preference statement.
Write a short, defensible judgement—not a preference statement.
Mark D uncertainties
List the features/specifications that must be modelled and tested next.
List the features/specifications that must be modelled and tested next.
IA studio · 60+ minutes07
Three best ideas
Meaningfully distinct, feasible and connected to the problem statement.
CMeaningfully distinct, feasible and connected to the problem statement.
Testing + user feedback
Evidence exists for comparison—not imagined reactions.
CEvidence exists for comparison—not imagined reactions.
Selected direction
Choice is justified against specifications and user needs.
CChoice is justified against specifications and user needs.
Open uncertainties
You know what the next fidelity model must test.
D nextYou know what the next fidelity model must test.
Leave Criterion C ready to move forward08
Exit ticket
Before you leave…
1. Point to the evidence that makes your selected direction stronger than the alternatives.
2. Name one specification that still needs to be tested in Criterion D.
3. Identify one feature changed because of intended-user feedback.
Next lesson
IA Day 13 — Criterion D Launch: Fidelity Model & Test Plan
Keep the evidence chain moving: user → research → decision → test.
Curriculum alignment
IA Criterion C: present three of the best possible annotated feasible redesign ideas; evaluate the redesign ideas against design specifications through testing and user feedback; provide an annotated presentation drawing of the feasible redesign ideas tested against specifications and feedback. B2.1.11: compare ideas with design specifications and user needs as solutions are refined.
IA Criterion C: present three of the best possible annotated feasible redesign ideas; evaluate the redesign ideas against design specifications through testing and user feedback; provide an annotated presentation drawing of the feasible redesign ideas tested against specifications and feedback. B2.1.11: compare ideas with design specifications and user needs as solutions are refined.
Lesson complete9 slides
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IB Design Technology SL · Lesson 4209