Humboldt County Office of Education: Product Innovation & Design | CTE at South Fork High

This two-year program is designed for students in grades 9-12 who are interested in the creative and technical processes behind bringing a new product to market. This course provides a unique blend of conceptual design, engineering principles, and hands-on prototyping. Students will follow the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and sketching to computer-aided design (CAD) and physical fabrication using a variety of tools. The program is aligned with the California Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards for the Manufacturing and Product Development sector, and provides a foundation for careers in industrial design, engineering, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing.

Year 1: Introduction to Design Thinking & Prototyping (Grades 9-12)

Focus: Design theory, creative problem-solving, and foundational prototyping skills.

Key Topics

• Design Thinking Process: Introduction to the five stages of design thinking: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Students will learn to identify user needs and define a clear problem statement.
• Sketching & Ideation: Developing skills in freehand sketching and technical drawing to rapidly generate and communicate ideas.
• Introduction to Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Hands-on training in industry-standard 3D modeling software (Fusion). Students will learn to create technical drawings and render virtual prototypes.
• Introduction to Rapid Prototyping: Utilizing modern fabrication tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters to quickly create physical models of their designs.
• Materials & Manufacturing: Overview of various materials (plastics, metals, composites) and their properties, as well as an introduction to different manufacturing processes.
• Project-Based Learning: Students will work in teams to identify a problem, design a solution, and create a functional prototype. This may include a new piece of ergonomic furniture, a user-friendly tool, or a household gadget.

Year 2: Advanced Product Development & Entrepreneurship (Grades 10-12)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 with a grade of C or higher.

Focus: Advanced design, business fundamentals, and project execution.

Key Topics

• Advanced CAD & Simulation: Mastering complex 3D modeling techniques, including assemblies, surface modeling, and basic stress analysis to test designs virtually.
• Human-Centered Design: Deepening the understanding of user experience (UX) and ergonomics to create products that are intuitive and effective.
• Prototyping & Fabrication: Utilizing advanced fabrication methods, which may include CNC machining (Computer Numerical Control) and more advanced 3D printing techniques.
• Intellectual Property & Business Planning: Introduction to patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Students will develop a basic business plan for a product, including market analysis, target audience, and cost estimation.
• Marketing & Presentation: Learning to effectively pitch a product idea to an audience, create marketing materials, and present their work in a professional manner.
• Capstone Project: Students will conceive, design, and create a market-ready prototype of their own product. This may be an individual or team project, and it will serve as the centerpiece of their professional portfolio and a potential entry into design competitions.

Goals & Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Apply the principles of design thinking to solve real-world problems.
• Create professional-quality sketches, 3D models, and technical drawings.
• Utilize a variety of modern fabrication tools to create functional prototypes.
• Understand the full product development lifecycle from ideation to market.
• Develop a professional portfolio of their work, preparing them for a career or higher education in design, engineering, or entrepreneurship.

This course is an excellent pathway for students interested in a career that blends creativity, technology, and business to innovate and create the products of tomorrow.