Programming & Product Design

INPUT length
INPUT width
SET area = length * width
OUTPUT "The area is " + area

INPUT score
IF score >= 50 THEN
    OUTPUT "Pass"
ELSE
    OUTPUT "Fail"
END IF

# Creating variables
name = "Lukas"        # String
age = 14              # Integer
height = 1.72         # Float
is_student = True     # Boolean

# Getting user input
user_name = input("Enter your name: ")
user_age = int(input("Enter your age: "))  # Convert input to integer

# Simple if/else
if age >= 18:
    print("You are an adult")
else:
    print("You are a minor")

# Multiple conditions with elif
score = 85
if score >= 90:
    print("Grade: A")
elif score >= 80:
    print("Grade: B")
elif score >= 70:
    print("Grade: C")
else:
    print("Grade: below C")

# Print numbers 0 to 4
for i in range(5):
    print(i)        # Output: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4

# Print each item in a list
fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]
for fruit in fruits:
    print(fruit)

# Count down from 5
count = 5
while count > 0:
    print(count)
    count = count - 1   # Don't forget to change the variable!
print("Go!")

# Defining a function
def greet(name):
    print("Hello, " + name + "!")

# Calling the function
greet("Lukas")      # Output: Hello, Lukas!
greet("Teacher")    # Output: Hello, Teacher!

# Function with a return value
def calculate_area(length, width):
    area = length * width
    return area

result = calculate_area(5, 3)
print(result)       # Output: 15

• The problem or need: What issue have you identified?
• The client or target audience: Who will use the solution?
• The context: Where and when will it be used?
• Constraints: Budget, time, materials, or other limitations
• The proposed solution type: What kind of product will you create?

Example: "I will design a Python quiz program for Grade 7 students to help them revise key vocabulary for their Science exam. The program must be easy to use, provide immediate feedback, and track the user's score."

1. Must include at least 10 questions
2. Must display the correct answer when the user gets it wrong
3. Must track and display a final score
4. Must be easy for a Grade 7 student to navigate without help
5. Must run without errors (no crashes)
6. Must use appropriate vocabulary for the target audience

What it is: Software used to create precise 2D drawings and 3D models of products digitally before they are manufactured.

Advantages:

• Designs can be easily modified, shared, and stored
• Allows precise measurements and dimensions
• 3D models can be rotated and viewed from any angle
• Reduces material waste (test designs before building)
• Can be directly linked to CAM for manufacturing

Examples: Tinkercad, SketchUp, Fusion 360, AutoCAD

What it is: Using computer-controlled machines to manufacture products from CAD designs.

Advantages:

• High precision and consistency — every product is identical
• Faster production than manual manufacturing
• Reduces human error
• Can produce complex shapes that are difficult to make by hand

Examples: 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, vinyl cutters

Example: Changing a product's material from plastic to bamboo affects:

• Cost: Bamboo may be more or less expensive
• Manufacturing: Different tools and processes are needed
• Weight: The product may be lighter or heavier
• Durability: Bamboo has different structural properties
• Environmental impact: Bamboo is renewable and biodegradable
• Aesthetics: The product will look and feel different

Debugging Strategies

• Read the error message: Python tells you the line number and type of error
• Use print statements: Print variable values at key points to check they are correct
• Test with different inputs: Try normal, boundary, and invalid inputs
• Trace through the code: Follow the logic step by step on paper
• Comment out sections: Isolate the problem by temporarily removing code

1. Test each specification point and record the results (pass/fail with evidence)
2. Gather user feedback from your target audience
3. Identify strengths — what works well and meets the specification
4. Identify areas for improvement — what could be better and how
5. Suggest specific improvements — be detailed and actionable, not vague