1. Pencil Sharpener Design brief (Example)
Instructor Course

2. Problem/Solution Client: X-Acto
X-Acto would like to provide consumers with a pencil sharpener that is appealing to those between the ages of
I will utilize data from a survey to design a manual pencil sharpener that is appealing to younger children. My pencil sharpener will work with wooden pencils of various sizes
Problem/Solution
Beginning course details and/or books/materials needed for a class/project.
Client: X-Acto

3. Success Criteria Must be durable
Must fit into a box with interior dimensions of 8 in. wide x 4 in. deep x 4 in. high.
Must be an assembly of a minimum of four different parts.
Must work with pencils of various shapes and sizes.
Introductory notes.

4. Budget Timeline Materials The company has given me a budget of $800
X-Acto wants the prototype completed in 6 days
Materials
Metal Blade with precut grooves
Bioplastic for base, pencil adapter, and the holder for the shavings
Solid steel for the handle
Objectives for instruction and expected results and/or skills developed from learning.

5. Current X-Acto Designs
Relative vocabulary list.

6. Their current designs offer electric and manual options
Their manual sharpeners come in silver (their original) and a range of colors
Besides the colors they aren’t appealing to younger audiences
Research shows that younger children would find cartoon characters and animals more appealing.
A list of procedures and steps, or a lecture slide with media.

7. My suggestions Make the sharpeners in the shape of animals
Add detachable parts so that children can change their sharpeners to meet their interests/tastes as they get older
Continue using the pencil adapter which will enable students to use pencils of various sizes
Conclusion to course, lecture, et al.

8. Sketches and Decision Making Process
When you share your designs give a brief summary of how the design functions. Then, explain and justify why the final design was selected.
An opportunity for questions and discussions.

9. Plan
By Tuesday (give a date) I will have drafted 3 different ideas to propose to the client
This includes:
Materials selected and the amounts
Detailed drawings with measurements
Timeline to manufacture each idea
By Thursday (give a date) I will have a partial prototype created using CAD software
By Monday (give a date) the final prototype will be ready for testing
The prototype will be tested by children in the projected age range.
Data will be collected to ensure children liked the options and functionality of the device
By Friday (give a date) the data will be shared with X-Acto in order to help them select the best design
The production team will begin developing the product by Monday (give date)