This document discusses various design strategies that can be used when designing products, including cushions. It outlines strategies such as proportion, morphing, inspiration sources, modelling, and repeat patterns. Specific techniques are described, such as taking a square and morphing it into other shapes to create different cushion designs. Examples are provided to illustrate dividing cushions horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. The document also discusses using paper or computer modelling, developing repeat patterns, and taking inspiration from everyday objects like trees, butterflies, and dragons.

1. It’s not always easy to design. We
are going to look at a range of
tasks that hopefully will help you in
the future. We call these tasks,
design strategies. These
strategies can be helpful when you
are designing any product. We are
going to look at the following
design strategies:
• Proportion
• Morphing
• Inspiration sources
• Modelling
• Repeat patterns
Design strategies: Taking a square and
morphing it into other shapes to create a cushion • Morphing
Proportion
Proportion
taking everyday inspiration
• Inspiration sources
Paper/Computer modeling
• Modelling
Repeat patterns
• Repeat patterns

2. Outline shape
Morphing
Proportion
Modelling
Repeat patterns
Decorative
techniques
The design of the cushion could be
influenced by investigating:
Design strategies

3. Round it further
Cut it in half
Round the corners
Stretch it
Design strategies: Taking a square and morphing
it into other shapes to create an outline cushion shape
Take a square
Squash it!
Stretch it!
Cut the top off it.
Cut it in half
Cut the sides
Cut it in half
Round it further
again

4. Design strategies: Taking a square and
morphing it into other shapes to create a cushion

5. Design proportions - Division of three
When combining fabrics it is important to get the proportion right. Look carefully at
the cushion designs below and decide which style you like the best.
Your preferred design could be a starting point to begin your cushion design.
Dividing the cushions horizontally
Dividing the cushions diagonally
Dividing the cushions vertically

6. Design strategy - paper/computer modelling
Simple and bold
Makes an impact
Too busy but it
could work
Simple and effective
Take a square and select
TWO other shapes.
Take a square and select
ONE other shape.
Too fussy
Layered but effective
Far too busy
Simple and effective

7. You can use a computer
or paper and scissors for
this sheet.
Think about presentation
and don’t forget to add
your annotations.
Task – take a square and add one/two further shapes.

8. paper/computer modeling
Using computer software available, design your cushion ideas by simply using two shapes. If
you don’t have a computer sugar paper works just as well.
Before we look at the designs, what do you notice
about how the designs develop?
?

9. Adding a further layer of designs.
You can add further interest to your ideas by layering on another design feature.
Previous ideas
Design features Previously completed ideas

10. You can use a computer
or paper and scissors for
this sheet.
Think about presentation
and don’t forget to add
your annotations.
Task - Adding a further layer of designs.
Possible design features

11. Design strategy - repeat patterns
Creating a pattern is easy and fun.
Create a design you like and an outline
shape you want to repeat in.
The repeat pattern can be set out in a
number of ways. The pattern could be
block, set and half drop as shown below.
What is a repeat pattern?

12. Design strategy - Repeat patterns
As well as changing the position of the design, you can also change the
size of the design and use this to give another effect.
Two sizes of the flower designs are interlocked to make this pattern.
This time more spacing is allowed between the flower designs to make this pattern.

13. original design
arranged into a
simple pattern.
reduced in size and arranged in a
block patterns.
Design strategy - repeat patterns
reduce the pattern
and arranged inside
each pattern.
change the colours
of alternate layers.
rearrange to create
new designs.
rotate the design

14. Design strategy - repeat patterns

15. Design strategy - repeat patterns
Select patterns to
manipulate.
Pattern placed to the side.
Design worked in other
colours.
Combination of patterns.

16. Develop a repeat pattern. Think about colour
and presentation. Don’t forget to annotate work
it helps to explain your thinking to others.

17. Design strategy - taking everyday inspiration – trees
The outline of the tree is the
inspiration for this designs.
The position of the tree
has been changed around
The leaves have been
arranged scattered and also
to make an outline of a tree. The ivy growing in criss -
cross pattern the base for
this design. .

18. The outline
shapes of
the
butterflies
are
inspiration
for the
design
Design strategy - taking everyday inspiration – butterflies

19. Design strategy - taking everyday inspiration – dragons

20. Collect a range of images etc that inspire you.
From these make quick sketches. Add colour, annotations and black outlines.
Try developing them too.
Design strategy - taking everyday inspiration