CAT Preparatory Task: Connect/Disconnect/Reconnect

Common Assessment Task (CAT) Preparatory Task Instructions

• Support documents for the preparatory task are available at the IEB User Group Conference.
• The task introduces concepts in Section C of Paper 1, essential for the CAT discussion.
• Paper 1, Questions 6.1-6.3, 7.1-7.3, and 8.1-8.3 require learners to use preparatory task designers for answers.
• Questions 6.4, 7.4, and 8.4 require focused designers from the CAT.
• Select two contexts: Environmental, Social, or Cultural.
• Review the provided definitions, explanations, and case studies.
• Relate the "Connect/Disconnect/Reconnect" theme to each concept and case study.
• Write a separate note on how design and concepts relate to the "Connect/Disconnect/Reconnect" theme, using concept numbers (E1-E10/S1-S10/C1-C10).
• The Business Context Terminology is explained in a case study of Paris Miki Inc.

The Theme: Connect/Disconnect/Reconnect

• Defined as the relationship between a person or thing to something else.
• Connections exist between environment, society, and culture.
• Connections between places and objects are considered.
• Social connection is crucial, offering psychological and physical benefits.
• Disconnection can also be vital for mental and physical well-being.
• Disconnection from nature in urban settings is a critical aspect many designers address.
• Cultural connections (between cultures, diaspora, and with heritage) are explored.
• Designers need to consider what is being connected, disconnected, or reconnected and why.

Design in a Social Context

• S1: Equal Treatment: The right to equal treatment requires that all people be treated without discrimination.
• Case Study: Sheltersuit by Bas Timmer. This is a duffel bag and waterproof jacket with an optional sleeping bag, made from recycled materials to provide immediate shelter to the homeless.
• This design embodies equal treatment by providing functional shelter.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme? (This requires further elaboration.)

Challenging Stereotypes (S2)

• S2: Challenging Stereotypes: Contesting assumptions about individuals based on prejudicing them as sharing characteristics with a larger group.
• Case Study: Free a Girl Campaign by DDB Unlimited. This campaign uses face swap technology to replace the face of a young girl in an Indian brothel with the face of girls walking by on a billboard. It challenges stereotypes by bringing the problem of child prostitution closer to home.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme? (This requires further elaboration.)

Globalisation (S3)

• S3: Globalisation: The process of sharing worldviews, products, brands, and intrinsic values across the world, often leading to a dilution of local and cultural variety.
• Case Study: V & A Museum Dundee by Kengo Kuma. This museum incorporates the restored Oak Room from the Ingram Street Tearooms.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme? (This requires further elaboration.)

Transformative Education (S4)

• S4: Transformative Education: The purpose of transformative education is to create an experience that causes a shift in an individual's perspective or attitude.
• Case Study: Cards for Humanity. This card game challenges unconscious biases by creating user scenarios, considering different perspectives, and using statistics to help designers.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme: (This requires further elaboration.)

Equitable Access (S5)

• S5: Equitable Access: Designs that make it possible for all people to use and appreciate a design, regardless of ability, culture, or group identity.
• Case Study: Bicentennial Children's Park by Elemental. This park is designed to be equally accessible to children of all ages.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme: (This requires further elaboration.)

Information Access (S7)

• S7: Information Access: The freedom and ability to access and utilize information, often done through public libraries but now aided by computers.
• Case Study: MobiStation by UNICEF Uganda. A solar-powered multimedia teaching kit bringing quality digital learning to marginalised groups.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme: (This requires further elaboration.)

Urban Acupuncture (S8)

• S8: Urban Acupuncture: A design tactic that shows interventions to improve urban areas can be done on a smaller, more affordable scale, making a meaningful impact.
• Case Study: Pigalle Basketball Court by III Studio and Nike. A brightly-coloured basketball court, creating a community focal point in a less traditional Parisian setting.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme? (This requires further elaboration.)

Social Development (S9)

• S9: Social Development: Improving the well-being of individuals in society to reach their full potential.
• Case Study: Inclusport by Serrano and Baquero. A specialized gym offering sports facilities to those with impairments, aimed at social development in the community.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme? (This requires further elaboration.)

Social Connectivity (S10)

• S10: Social Connectivity: Designing for people to interact in various ways, creating a sense of belonging and closeness, improving overall community health.
• Case Study: Bump Galaxy by Bianca Garague. This virtual community for mental healthcare uses a game world.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme: (This requires further elaboration.)

Design Co-operatives (S6)

• S6: Design Co-operatives: Trading enterprises jointly owned and democratically controlled by members, often involved in education and community support.
• Case Study: Little Travellers by Woza Moya and Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust. This project helps those affected by HIV/AIDS by providing craft skills and a marketplace.
• How are the design and concepts related to the theme? (This requires further elaboration.)

Local Designer: Daniel Ting Chong

• Known for social design, cultural knowledge, and engaging stories in their designs.
• Ninevites Studio: Tells stories of black culture and unheard voices using age-old techniques.

International Designer: Neri Oxman

• Combines culture, nature, and technology (Material Ecology) to create designs.
• Aguahoja: Pavilion using water-based biopolymers, aiming for environmentally friendly construction.
• Mannahatta: Nature-inspired design for Manhattan, emphasizing diversity and connecting with history.