Grade 8 Designers Bring Grade 1's Imaginary Monsters to Life

Middle School Design students brought monsters to life.

As part of a unit in MYP product and digital design classes, Grade 8 students were paired up with a “client” from Grade 1.

The Grade 1s used their imagination to come up with monsters and draw them. The older students were tasked with interviewing and gathering feedback to create more detailed, revised artwork of the monster to the satisfaction of their clients. Next, the Grade 8s took the finalized designs to the design workshops, where they had to put their skills to the test. The Product Design students used sewing machines to create soft, stuffed toy versions of the monsters, while the Digital Design students designed laser-cut night lights featuring the monster artwork.

In the end, the Grade 1 students received a package from their older peers with a stuffed toy and highlight. Check out the photos of the process here.

Digital Design Teacher Marc Francis said the process of working with and creating a product for a client added authenticity for his students.

“For designers, engineers, architects, or entrepreneurs there is a saying: ‘The customer is always right.’ Middle School students this year have been given the opportunity to experience this with the inclusion of their very own real-life client in Grade 1. The opportunity for authentic client feedback and resulting reflection on their project is priceless for our students. After all who is more honest than a 6 year old?” Marc said.

“I have been so proud of the professionalism of our students who have taken great care to make the best possible monster for their first customer.”