Computing · Stage 6

Project: Design Doc + Prototype

Programs & Judgement · project · write a design doc, then build and test a first prototype

✦ Computing📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~14 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start

I can produce a design doc and a first prototype.

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Kavi Draws the Plan Before Building the App

Kavi wanted to build an app called Treehouse Club. "I will not start coding yet," said Kavi. "First I write a design doc — a plan on paper." The design doc named the problem (friends keep missing club news), the users (kids aged 8–11), the features (a photo wall and a reminder), and how it works inside. "Now," hooted Kavi, "I build a prototype — a rough first version, just good enough to test." Kavi cut out paper cards for each screen and let a friend tap through them. The friend got stuck on one button — so Kavi fixed it and tested again. "A design doc tells you what to build," said Kavi, "and a prototype shows you if it really works — before you build the whole thing!"

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What your child will learn

1A design doc has five clear sectionsBefore you build an app, you write a design doc — a plan. A good plan answers five things. Tap each part to hear its job.

2Design doc vs prototype — which is which?A project needs both, in order. First the plan, then a rough build you can test. Tap each card.

3Plan, build, test, improve — then go round againA design doc and a prototype are two steps in one loop. You test the rough version, learn what is wrong, improve it, and test again. Tap each stage.

4Think it through, then revealA good designer plans first and tests early. Read each one, decide, then reveal to check.

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A peek inside

You are writing a design doc for a chore app. You jot down: “The users are kids aged 8–11 who share chores at home.” Which section of the design doc does that line belong in?

it says WHO the app is for, not what it does

Try this at home: What is a design doc?

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Computing · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.