1.14. Technological Design Constraints http://www.ck12.org
Weighing the Options
All technological designs have trade-offs because no design is perfect. For example, a design might be very good at
solving a problem, but it might be too expensive to be practical. Or a design might be very attractive, but it might not
be safe to use. Choosing the best design often involves weighing the pros and cons of different options and deciding
which ones are most important.
Q:What trade-offs might there be on the design of a kite?
A:You might want to make a big kite, but if it’s too big it might be too heavy. Then it would fly only on very windy
days. Or you might want to make a kite using a certain material that you really like, but the material might cost more
than you can afford to spend.
Summary
- All technological designs have constraints, or limits, on the design.
- Physical design constraints include factors such as natural laws and properties of materials. Social design
constraints include factors such as ease of use, safety, attractiveness, and cost. - All technological designs have trade-offs because no design is perfect. Choosing the best design involves
weighing the pros and cons of different options.
Explore More
Watch this video showing how to make a kite with a traditional design. Then answer the questions below.
http://www.stormthecastle.com/how-to-make-a/kite/make-a-traditional-kite.htm#kitevideo
MEDIA
Click image to the left for use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/53895- What are some constraints on the framework of this kite design?
- What are some constraints on the body of this kite design?
Review
- What are technological design constraints?
- Give examples of physical and social design constraints.
- Why do all technological designs have trade-offs? What is an example?