In my “Open Studio” Design Course for Grade 8 students, they select projects of interest to them. I have also taught this as an MYP Grade 10 unit. It is a culmination of their design experience for some and the final preparation for DP Design Technology for others. “I Did It My Way” is a semester-long, full Design Cycle unit.  Students select projects of interest to them.  The only restriction, generally for teenage boys is, no weapons.  The focus is on extending the skills they have already learned or independently researching an area of design that has not been explicitly taught.  Students have done woodworking, metal working, programmable electronics, fashion/ textiles, and jewelry projects.  Fashion and jewelry are examples of areas of design not explicitly taught.