
The 4th grade class will use a set of iPads with external keyboards in the fall and currently have no way of propping up their iPads in a comfortable position for typing. The protective support for the iPads are called iBallz, which are s omewhat unique in their appearance and function, and thus a stand must be designed with this in mind.
Here are the design constraints and criteria. The stand must:
- Support the iPad in a comfortable reading position both in portrait and landscape
- Support iPad bottom at 20mm in height
- Be no wider than 90mm
- Be no taller than 110mm
- Allow for 11 mm gap in which to slide iPad
- Use a minimal amount of plastic while being strong enough to hold iPad up
While most of the initial designs followed the criteria, there were some "out of the box" designs as well, and this served as helpful conversation starters when we reviewed designs. After review, students submitted their feedback via google forms and selected three top designs for the next round of work. The fourth grade teachers also evaluated all designs and selected three. The same three models were chosen by both groups.
We will print out these three designs when we return from spring break, test them out on real iPads, and discuss the next level of design modification. Students will present their work to the 4th grade class.