Used as a whole programme, it is an excellent vehicle for raising important design issues and considerations such as:

• Why do clients who commission designers rarely set as part of the brief, that solutions must satisfy the needs of the disadvantaged?
  
• Why do so many design solutions for the disadvantaged look as if they are the first mechanical prototypes?
  
• Does functional design need to be ugly?

It is also very useful in showing that professional designers do not always get it right first time and that good designs often take time to evolve.

An alternative way of using the programme would be to focus on one of the three case studies, depending on the Design and Technology course being taught. 'Sound design' can set the scene for an electronic products activity whilst 'In the Bag' introduces a Y10 or Y11 Textiles coursework task. 'Jumbo pack' would be suitable as a scene-setter in resistant materials, product design or graphic products.

The following website is very useful for both staff and students when designing for the disadvantaged as it links to many useful resources: www.radar.org.uk/Links/Linksgraphics.asp