STEM+IE INVENTORS: Thinking and Documentation Handbook
Designed by Gan Shoau Huay
Edited by Nancy Soon & Rekha Nair
An extensive 80-page design documentation handbook designed using the STEM+IE (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math + Invention, Entrepreneurship) methodology from the Invention Convention Worldwide. It provides students a comprehensive overview of the design process, step-by-step guides from research and analysis to ideation, designing, and presentation.
The Documentation Handbook serves as a valuable resource for students new to design, providing guidance on understanding the research process and its essential components. In particular, it offers helpful tips for sharpening observational skills through mind mapping during the research phase, as well as translating analysis into concise written documentation, including a well-crafted problem statement.
Many students who are new to design often lack confidence in coming up with ideas, as they may not be sure where to begin. The documentation handbook is available to provide these students with methods they can adopt to kickstart their ideation process. The handbook also emphasizes the importance of putting on their creative thinking cap and exploring the endless possibilities before deciding on a design or solution that is most feasible. By following these methods and embracing their creativity, students can gain the confidence they need to successfully ideate and create innovative designs.
IDE Academy has taken multiple pages from their documentation guide and printed them out as training materials for their STEM+IE workshop, which is conducted in various Singaporean secondary schools. It has been humbling to see how these materials have proven to be effective in helping students learn how to guide their design process. By following the instructions and tips provided in the guide, students were able to gain a better understanding of the design process and how to approach it effectively.
The team is honored that the guide has contributed to the success of the STEM+IE workshop and its ability to inspire and equip the next generation of designers and innovators.
