Problem Statement: Students and teachers need a better way to organize the cubby space in room 18; this will allow them to be less stressed in finding their belongings and will improve access to their backpacks and jackets when they are needed throughout the school day. One of the main problems with the cubby space now is that the coats fall off the hooks easily and some backpacks get buried under others and are hard to access. Also, this clutter can be dangerous and a walking hazard.

Margaret: The prototype I made was a hook mechanism that would prevent jackets or backpacks from falling off of them. This design idea can be used in two different ways. First, this hook can be put under the tables where the 5th grader’s work which will make it easier for them to access their backpacks. The other way this hook can be used to organize jackets and backpacks is where the cubbies are right now and it would be attached to the underside of the shelf. This hook can be used for jackets and will prevent them from falling on the floor because there is extra “lip” on the hook. Combined with the hook there will also be a box type compartment which is put on the floor were each backpack can be placed into. This will mean every student will have an allotted place to put their backpacks, so they are well organized.

Margaret’s Questions:

Is the option to put the hook under the tables reasonable or do think it might be difficult to put your backpacks here?

How do you think it might cause problems?

In redesigning the “cubby space”, would you like the ability to have other things stored here other than your backpacks and jackets?

Would you like to put umbrellas, lunch boxes, books, and other supplies in this cubby area?

How many people are in your class? What are the measurements of the table (length, width, and height of the table)?

How many tables are there in the classroom?

Can you measure approximately how large a backpack size is? (height, depth = when all of your belongings are inside the backpack, and length)

https://drive.google.com/a/scarsdaleschools.org/file/d/1_42Q5zEV-935_e-NRdkF4cgVlb2yuE2M/view?usp=sharing

Ethan: The prototype I made was a drawer with a hook for jackets. The students would store their bags and other personal items in the drawer, and their jackets/ coats, hats, and scarves could go on the hook.  This design is easily manipulated so that the students would be able to determine how the design is incorporated into the space. The design could either be lined up in multiples across the back wall giving wore vertical space for students, better for jackets/coats, or have the design stacked and lined up to provide more horizontal space, better for bags and other classroom materials. Either orientation would overall make it easier for students and teachers to find their belongings making cleanup and dismissal at the end of the day less stressful.

Ethan’s Questions:

Which of the aspects of my (Ethan’s) design do you feel most optimize and organize the space?

Do you think that this design would be optimal for the space already?

What are some things in the design that you would change?

Would you want to have more vertical or horizontal space?

Is there another setup for this design that I did not mention that would better fit the space?

https://drive.google.com/a/scarsdaleschools.org/file/d/1vj_uG0-h5MATSR395y92z64FswWNNYm7/view?usp=sharing

Oliver: To address this problem, the design included a double hook for backpacks and jackets. Additionally, there is a designated area for lunch boxes and papers/school work. Implementing organized storage designs will allow for more space in the classroom. The cubby area of the design is large enough to fit a student’s backpack, jacket, lunch, and any further materials needed for the day. It can be made out of wood or any other strong material that’s durable enough for everyday use.

Oliver’s Questions:

How can I make this design more space efficient?

Does each student need their own or can they be shared?

Can we stack the cubbies vertically or just horizontally?

https://drive.google.com/a/scarsdaleschools.org/file/d/1NzDHB9GKNtA5Gppoo3DlKUUonEkVoAlc/view?usp=sharing