Design Communication Activity_____

The class will be divided into groups of two. Each group will be provided 
two identical sets of Legos, and each student will take one set. The sets 
will match completely in size, shape, and color.

	Note: Do not mix sets, keep them in their separate packages, they 
	must remain identical.

Each group will select a "designer" and "customer". The students in each 
group will then turn back to back. The "designer" will begin to design and 
construct an object. As the designer is building the object, he/she is to 
explain to their customer how to assemble an identical object. The 
customer is not to speak or gesture in any way if there is 
misunderstanding. For example, if the second partner missed the color 
description they are not allowed to ask "what color?" or gesture in any 
way. The second partner may not speak or communicate in any fashion.

After five minutes, the partners will face each other and discuss the  
differences in the appearance of the objects. At this time students  
should begin taking notes about the results and the problems encountered  
in this design communication process. These notes will be needed to complete 
a report that will be due the next class period. These notes should 
include both the vocal/sending and listening/receiving aspects of the  
communication process. There may be different experience levels between  
individuals giving the instructions and those receiving the instructions.  
A variety of language barriers may exist, and jargon, or slang may inhibit  
the communication process. These communication elements should be noted and 
discussed.

Within five minutes, the process will be started again with the roles 
reversed. The original designer will become the customer. The original 
customer will take on the role of the designer and be giving the 
instructions. The same time limits and note-taking periods will be adhered 
to.

The process will be followed by a class discussion:

	How did you decide which of you would be the designer, and which 
	of you would be the customer?

	Did you feel more confident/comfortable as the designer or as the 
	customer?

	Did you get better as you went along?

	How would you use what you learned from this exercise in the future?

	What might you do differently next time?
 
Report - Design Communication Process_____________

Each student will submit a 100 to 200 word report that documents the 
Design Communication Activity. The notes taken during the activity and the 
following group and class discussions should provide a guide for the 
content of this report.

The report will be prepared on a word processor and subjected to 
spell/grammar check. It should clearly:

	Use a heading to announce the activity.
	
	Document the names in your group.

	Include text to describe the issues addressed in the activity, at 
	least those listed in the activity.