Shifting Gears: G8 Design Students Put Theory to the Test with Kindergarten
There’s a unique moment in any designer’s career when a project stops being just a sketch on paper and becomes something real—something that fits in a small hand. For our Grade 8 Design students, that moment arrived last week.
Earlier this year, students from classes 8A and 8B visited our Kindergarten classrooms. Their mission? To act as young designers and survey our youngest learners about their preferences for a toy car. What colors excite them? What shapes feel safe? What makes a car fun?
This week, we are thrilled to share that the prototypes are ready. The Grade 8s have completed their builds, and we are now entering one of the most rewarding stages of their Design cycle: Evaluating.
The Big Hand-Off
As part of the “Evaluating” stage of their Design work, 8A and 8B returned to Kindy to reunite with their original survey partners, observing as the kindergarteners played with the finished wooden cars.
This isn’t just playtime; it’s an important moment for data collection. The Grade 8s watched to see if their designs truly met the criteria they established months ago. Did they successfully balance ergonomics (is it easy for a 4‑year‑old to hold?) with development (is the design age‑appropriate and safe?)?
A Student’s Perspective
To capture the heart of this unit, we asked 8B student, Yoyo W. to share her experience. Here is what she had to say about the journey:
“In this unit, I have improved in many ways. I better understand the MYP concepts of Development and Ergonomics, and how to use them to design safe, age‑appropriate wooden cars.
My social and collaboration skills have grown, especially when communicating patiently with shy kindergarten children to learn their interests. I also became more reflective, able to evaluate my work and think about ways to improve.
I learned to follow strict safety standards and focus on what fits 4–6‑year‑olds. This unit helped me become a more thoughtful, responsible, and skilled designer.
Additionally, all of these improvements are made possible by the kind and gentle design teacher Mr. Jin, who helps me a lot.”
Looking Ahead: The Next Group of Designers
While 8A and 8B are putting the finishing touches on their evaluation, another group of students is preparing to embark on a similar journey.
Mr. Boudreau’s 8C Design class is scheduled to begin their own “Kindergarten Car” unit soon. From April to June, they will follow the same process: interviewing kindergarteners, sketching prototypes, and eventually building their own wooden toys.
We can’t wait to see it all! And, a special thank you to Mr. Nick, our Design Assistant!
