Designing the future

Mr Kelly explains how Year 9 students explored AI and 3D printing in a recent Design Technology Reward Workshop

A group of Year 9 students who have consistently worked hard in Design and Technology this year recently took part in a special rewards workshop to recognise their effort and commitment to the subject. The workshop gave students the opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence can be used as a powerful creative tool in the design process.

During the session, students learnt how to use AI tools to generate their own 3D models, creating designs by using different prompts and descriptive language to guide the AI. By carefully refining their wording and ideas, students were able to produce a wide range of unique models. This process also led to interesting discussions about both the benefits and limitations of using AI in creative work, and how emerging technologies are beginning to influence the design and creative industries.

Once their models were created, students learnt how to prepare them for manufacture using slicing software. They were introduced to the key stages involved in exporting models for 3D printing and gained an understanding of how FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printers work, including how layers of filament are built up to form a finished object.

The highlight of the workshop was seeing their digital designs come to life. Each student successfully printed their model and was able to take their finished 3D print home as a reminder of the day.

The experience certainly made a lasting impression on the participants…

‘Attending this event at school was a fascinating insight into the future of creative technologies’ says Sriraam Sivathasan in 9.1. ‘Not only was it an unforgettable experience, it also taught me a lesson about how powerfully AI can turn ideas into reality. I would definitely recommend this experience to any young designer.’

‘It was fun to see how the software could turn our ideas, descriptions and photos into realistic designs,’ adds Rutvi Hansalia in 9.2. ‘ We also got to take home a 3D printed model of our design, which I loved!’