This matrix maps the progression of Human-Centered Design (HCD) Skills across grade bands (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12) for the smart servo assistive technology curriculum. It shows when specific skills are introduced, developed, mastered, and applied throughout the K-12 sequence.
Hover over any skill for detailed information, including the skill's full description and its alignment with smart servo lessons.
| SKILL | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
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HCD Skill #1: Problem Framing
Skill DescriptionAnalyzing situations from multiple perspectives and identifying root causes of problems rather than symptoms.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require students to deeply understand user needs by considering multiple perspectives. Students learn to identify the underlying accessibility challenges that their designs will address.
Key ConceptsRoot cause analysis, multiple perspectives, problem definition, accessibility challenges
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HCD Skill #2: Engineering Communication
Skill DescriptionArticulating complex ideas and specifications for various stakeholders, including users, teammates, and instructors.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require clear communication about technical specifications and user requirements. Students must document their designs and explain their functionality to users with varying technical backgrounds.
Key ConceptsTechnical documentation, user-friendly explanations, presentation skills, documentation
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HCD Skill #3: Innovation Process
Skill DescriptionUsing divergent thinking for idea generation and convergent thinking for evaluation of solutions based on criteria.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects support both divergent thinking (brainstorming various assistive solutions) and convergent thinking (selecting designs based on technical constraints). Additional activities may help strengthen the full innovation process.
Key ConceptsDivergent thinking, convergent thinking, brainstorming, evaluation criteria
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HCD Skill #4: Risk Assessment
Skill DescriptionAnticipating potential problems considering both technical and human factors throughout the design process.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects require students to consider servo limitations, user safety, and potential failure points. Teachers may need to specifically prompt risk analysis activities.
Key ConceptsFailure modes, safety considerations, technical limitations, risk mitigation
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HCD Skill #5: Knowledge Development
Skill DescriptionIdentifying and acquiring necessary expertise while maintaining project momentum and balancing research with action.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects require students to learn necessary programming and mechanical design skills. The need to deliver functional prototypes encourages balanced research and application.
Key ConceptsSelf-directed learning, research efficiency, knowledge application, technical skill acquisition
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HCD Skill #6: Stakeholder Dialogue
Skill DescriptionGathering requirements and incorporating diverse feedback from users, experts, and other stakeholders throughout the design process.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects naturally involve user interviews, feedback collection, and iterative design based on stakeholder input. The focus on assistive technology makes user dialogue essential.
Key ConceptsUser interviews, feedback collection, requirement gathering, inclusive design
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HCD Skill #7: Research Efficiency
Skill DescriptionConducting thorough research while maintaining project momentum and knowing when to stop researching and start building.Alignment with Smart ServoNeeds SupplementationWhile smart servo projects include research components, teachers should explicitly guide students on balancing research with prototyping time. Additional support for research methods may be needed.
Key ConceptsResearch planning, time management, information synthesis, application focus
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HCD Skill #8: Iteration Cycles
Skill DescriptionQuickly testing, evaluating, and modifying designs based on results, learning from both successes and failures.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects naturally support iterative development through testing and refinement. The programmable nature of the servos allows for quick adjustments based on user testing.
Key ConceptsRapid prototyping, testing protocols, design refinement, failure analysis
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HCD Skill #9: Documentation & Portfolio Development
Skill DescriptionMaintaining records of the design process and creating compelling presentations that showcase both process and outcomes.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects create opportunities for documentation through design journals and presentations. Teachers should provide explicit guidance on documentation standards and portfolio development.
Key ConceptsProcess documentation, presentation skills, design journals, visual communication
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HCD Skill #10: Resource Optimization
Skill DescriptionManaging limited resources (time, materials, budget, expertise) while maintaining human-centered priorities in design.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects have inherent resource constraints (limited servos, materials, time). Projects naturally encourage efficient use of available resources while focusing on user needs.
Key ConceptsTime management, material planning, budget constraints, prioritization
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| TOOL | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
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HCD Tool 1.1: Interview
Tool DescriptionBuilding trust with end-users through in-depth conversations. Students learn to gather requirements directly from users with disabilities.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require students to interview clients with specific needs, making this tool highly relevant. Students practice active listening and empathy with diverse clients.
Key ConceptsActive listening, empathy, requirements gathering, user perspectives
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HCD Tool 1.2: Problem Statement
Tool DescriptionCreating clear, concise descriptions of specific problems that need to be solved. Students define the challenge based on user needs.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects require precise problem statements to guide the design process. Students learn to articulate specific needs that can be addressed with the servo technology.
Key ConceptsProblem framing, need identification, constraint recognition, goal setting
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| TOOL | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
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HCD Tool 2.1: Criteria & Constraints
Tool DescriptionBreaking down problems into prioritized components including functional requirements and limitations. Students identify what their solution must accomplish and what restrictions exist.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects have inherent constraints (torque limits, power requirements) and specific criteria based on user needs. Students must balance these factors when designing solutions.
Key ConceptsDesign requirements, prioritization, technical limitations, success metrics
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HCD Tool 2.2: Gantt Chart
Tool DescriptionCreating visual timelines for project management. Students learn to plan phases of work and track progress against deadlines.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentWhile project planning is important for smart servo projects, formal Gantt charts may require additional instruction beyond the servo focus. Project management can be integrated into longer servo projects.
Key ConceptsTime management, project planning, milestone tracking, resource allocation
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| TOOL | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
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HCD Tool 3.1: Sketching
Tool DescriptionCollaboratively generating and visualizing diverse solutions. Students use drawing to communicate ideas quickly before building.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects benefit greatly from initial sketching to visualize mechanisms and mounting solutions. Students can quickly ideate on multiple approaches before committing to builds.
Key ConceptsVisual communication, rapid ideation, spatial reasoning, mechanical visualization
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HCD Tool 3.2: Decision Matrix
Tool DescriptionSystematically evaluating concepts against weighted criteria. Students learn to make objective decisions based on priorities.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects involve choosing between design approaches, but formal decision matrices may require specific instruction. Can be integrated when evaluating mounting options, input methods, etc.
Key ConceptsObjective evaluation, criteria weighting, comparative analysis, trade-off assessment
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HCD Tool 3.3: Benchmarking
Tool DescriptionResearching existing solutions to understand market offerings. Students analyze what already exists before creating something new.Alignment with Smart ServoNeeds SupplementationWhile understanding existing assistive technology is valuable, dedicated research activities beyond the servo project may be needed. Teachers should incorporate specific benchmarking activities.
Key ConceptsMarket research, competitive analysis, prior art, design inspiration
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| TOOL | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
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HCD Tool 4.1: Budgeting
Tool DescriptionTracking and managing material, labor, and resource costs. Students learn to work within financial constraints.Alignment with Smart ServoNeeds SupplementationWhile material costs are a consideration in servo projects, formal budgeting activities should be added separately. Teachers can incorporate material cost analysis for more advanced projects.
Key ConceptsResource management, cost estimation, material planning, economic constraints
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HCD Tool 4.2: Technical Drawings
Tool DescriptionCreating precise CAD representations. Students learn to communicate designs with accuracy for manufacturing.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects often require mounting brackets, adapters, or custom components that benefit from CAD design. Students can create 3D printable components for their solutions.
Key ConceptsCAD modeling, precision documentation, design for manufacturing, technical communication
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HCD Tool 4.3: Proof of Concept
Tool DescriptionBuilding functional prototypes for testing. Students create working models to validate design approaches.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects naturally involve building and testing working prototypes. Students can create simplified versions of their solutions to test mechanical and programming concepts.
Key ConceptsRapid prototyping, functional testing, concept validation, iterative building
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| TOOL | K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-10 | 11-12 |
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HCD Tool 5.1: Experiment
Tool DescriptionDesigning and conducting controlled tests. Students learn to gather objective data about solution performance.Alignment with Smart ServoModerate AlignmentSmart servo projects can incorporate testing protocols, but formal experimental design may require additional instruction. Can be integrated when testing reliability, usability, or effectiveness.
Key ConceptsTest design, performance metrics, data collection, controlled evaluation
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HCD Tool 5.2: Results Analysis
Tool DescriptionAnalyzing outcomes and gathering stakeholder feedback. Students learn to interpret both quantitative and qualitative data.Alignment with Smart ServoStrong AlignmentSmart servo projects naturally involve user testing and feedback cycles. Students can gather input from their clients and analyze how well their solutions meet the defined needs.
Key ConceptsUser feedback, performance analysis, improvement opportunities, success evaluation
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