Scaffolding Assignment 1

RAD Groups

Begin to collect and research real-world information regarding your product and the people you believe would benefit from, or wish to use, this product. The kinds of information collected will differ depending on the product itself.

What is most important in finding recent (think within the past five years), credible sources that can support an argument that your product is necessary and desirable for consumers. In other words: what evidence can you provide that your product would be better than any other products on the market?

For example: if your team is creating a self-watering flower pot, some relevant information you may want to research could include:

• Demographic information of house plant consumers.
  • Ex: average age of the house plant buyers; income ranges, current average price of a house plant in the United States.
• Market information for house plants.
  • Ex: how much do Americans spend on house plants every year? Which retailers, online or in-person, are selling house plants?
• Existing product information:
  • Ex: what kinds of flower pots are available now? Are there other popular self-watering flower pots? Where are people buying flower pots (online or in-person)?

Then, write a one-page (double-spaced) reflection on your findings. How does this information change how you view your product? How might this impact your technical and design choices?

One last note: this piece of writing should serve as a starting point for the introduction and non-technical portions of your Final Design Report (FDR). In other words: the more thoughtful you are with this assignment, the easier it will be to write and finish your FDR later.

HIR Groups

Begin to collect and research real-world college campus buildings that appear to serve a comparable purpose at other institutions. Select two similar buildings and compile the following information (some information may not be publicly available, but do your best):

• When was it built?
• What purpose(s) does the building serve? (Ex: classrooms, dorm rooms, cafeteria, etc.)
• What are some of its notable design / architectural features?
• How does it fulfill / not fulfill LEED requirements?

One last note: this piece of writing should serve as a starting point for the introduction and non-technical portions of your LEED Report. In other words: the more thoughtful you are with this assignment, the easier it will be to write and finish your LEED Report later.