Lesson Introduction: Designing an App with Mock-Ups
Setting the Scene: The User Journey
Objective: To engage students in the creative process of designing an app through the use of mock-ups.
Opening Activity: The App Journey
1. Scenario Setup
- Imagine you’re traveling to a new city. You pull out your phone to find the best local restaurants, navigate the public transport system, or discover hidden gems. What if you could create an app that makes this journey easier and more enjoyable?
2. Storytelling
- Begin by narrating a relatable story. “Picture this: You arrive in a bustling city you’ve never been to before. You’re hungry, tired, and a little overwhelmed. You need a tool that will help you navigate this maze. What features would you want? Would you want recommendations based on your tastes, or a way to quickly find the nearest coffee shop?”
Group Brainstorming: Connect and Create
3. Brainstorming Questions
- Ask students to break into small groups and discuss the following questions:
- What pain points do travelers face when exploring a new city?
- How can an app alleviate these issues?
- What features would make your app unique?
4. Collect Ideas
- After about 10 minutes of discussion, have each group share one or two creative ideas they came up with. This can be exciting and collaborative, showcasing the diverse perspectives in the classroom.
Transition to Design Principles
5. Introduce Mock-Ups
- Once ideas are generated, introduce the concept of mock-ups. “Now, let’s take those fantastic ideas and bring them to life through design mock-ups! It’s time to visualize your app before you build it, so you can create a user-friendly experience.”
Visual Inspiration
6. Show Examples
- Display a few effective app mock-ups (either on a slide or via printouts) to give students visual inspiration. Explain how these mock-ups help guide the design process and serve as a blueprint for developers.
Conclusion
Now that you've sparked creativity and generated ideas, it's time to dive into the details of designing your own mock-up! With your initial concepts in mind, you’ll learn how to translate them into functional designs using various tools and techniques.
Let's get started!