Thought Experiment:

One Project, Three Ways

To better understand the concept of enabling constraints, we're going to consider three different versions of a project that could be delivered to students.

n.b. these are beet dishes, not projects

Project V1: Accessorize Yourself!

Use simple materials to design and create a wearable accessory

• Think of an accessory that you would like to make. A hat? A belt? A fully functioning cardboard watch? Sketch your ideas if it helps you come up with your design.
• Choose some materials
• Create your design in 20 minutes or less

Project V2: Get Dapper!

Make and customized a cardboard bow tie with the given template and materials

• Gather materials: cardboard, scissors, glue, brass fasteners, and template.
• Trace the template pieces on the cardboard and cut out the shapes.
• Create your design in 20 minutes or less.
• Shape the cardboard and connect the pieces as indicated on the instruction sheet. Apply the brad to the center band to make your bowtie spin!
• Color or decorate your bowtie to make it unique.

Project V3:

Make a wearable accessory inspired by one of the landmark buildings in Dubai (consider its form, history, siting, or programming) . It should have at lease on moving part, and communicate something about the landmark to those who see you wearing it.

• Sketch at least 3 ideas for your landmark- inspired design
• Gather simple materials to create your accessory
• Create your accessory,

Reflection

• Which version of this project do you think is most often seen in traditional school settings?

• Which version of the project do you think inspires the most ideas/ creativity?

• Do you think having open-ended prompts can lead to innovative ideas?

• What role do you see the constraints in the 3rd version playing?

The Vegas buffet of project-based learning: anything and everything is on the menu. It’s hard to make good decisions!

V1

Open-ended design prompt

V2

Prescriptive design prompt

V3

Design prompt with enabling constraints

The school cafeteria tray of project-based learning: there’s only one thing on the menu. It’s hard to be inspired (except on Taco Tuesday)

The favorite restaurant of project-based learning: a curated list of options, and by choosing from them you are given agency and get what you want.

Enabling Constraints:

Constraints actually drive innovation by forcing teams to think more creatively. Narrower scope creates efficiencies and forces problem-solving.

“My freedom thus consists in my moving about within the narrow frame that I have assigned myself for each one of my undertakings. I shall go even further: my freedom will be so much the greater and more meaningful the more narrowly I limit my field of action and the more I surround myself with obstacles.”

— Igor Stravinsky (Poetics of Music in the Form of Six Lessons)