Explore the steps of problem-solving and invention to discover how form has changed (or not) over time to serve a specific function: 
1. Define the problem and gather information, 2. Generate ideas to solve the problem, 3. Make it, 4. Assess and Tweak as Needed


Sandals are a simple form of footwear found in cultures across the world and from different time periods.  Sandals have been made from a variety of materials like wood, straw, leather, or metal.  Their form has not changed much across time or different cultures, successfully serving a specific function. 


Sandal made of yucca from Mesa Verde region.  Straps wrapped around toe and ankle.

Sandal, Ancestral Puebloan

History Colorado

Fashion illustration for sandals and handbags from The Denver Post newspaper

Illustration, Denver Post

Women's size 10 Z1 Vibram Yampa Chaco left sandal. The sandal was worn by Amy Nilius at the 38th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival, held June 16-19, 2011. She designed the sandals on the Chaco website after winning a voucher at the festival. The sandal is a one-strap design, featuring a black rubber sole, green and black adjustable straps, and a black plastic buckle. The Chaco footwear company was formed in Colorado by Mark Paigen in 1989.

Sandal, Chaco

The development of toasters over time shows a functional need to change forms in response to better technologies and better efficiency to solve a problem-toasting bread.


Non-electric toaster.  This design could fit 4 slices of bread and would sit over a stove and heat the bread through the vents in the middle.

Toaster, Non-Electric

Electric toaster.  This toaster fits 2 slices of bread and toasts them from the electrical heating component in the middle.

Toaster, G.E. Co

Electric toaster.  This toaster matches contemporary designs with the push button to push 2 pieces of bread down next to the electrical warming components.

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Standards for Technological Change over Time-Part 1/2

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework