Intro to Design Final Reflection

Intro to Design is "is an introductory course, which develop students’ problem skills, with emphasis placed upon the concept of developing 3-D models or solid rendering of an object", according to the FUSD handbook.  This course exceeded my expectations and if I had to take sophomore year over again, I would definitely sign up for this class again. 
My goals at the beginning of this year included using different tools to develop skills in visual communication.  I met these goals because much of the work this year included documentation and display of work, especially through this blog.  I learned the basics of CAD as well as basic design principles, such as color, units, and sketching and used them in my projects.
Next year in Principles of Engineering, I hope to do more hands on projects like the instant challenges done this year.  Those were very fun and I do not think we did enough. 
A few of my favorite parts of this year are:
stumping people with my puzzle cube,

making a car with Sonia, Sachi, and Meera,

and designing the coliseum for Adrastus, our Maker Faire Game.

Final: Fabrication

In my research, I found that although 3d printing is very fast and cheap.  Because of the manufacturing speed, inventory warehousing is not necessary because the products can be made on the spot.  On the other hand, there is a limit of materials and size of parts as well as the danger of people printing dangerous objects.  All in all, for single user products, I do not think 3d printing is worth it because for a small object for someone to print once for themself, it is not really that inexpensive.  For major manufacturing deals though, I think it is worth it.  The 3d printing world will continue to improve, so I think it will be worth it in the future.

After ordering my part, I was informed that it would arrive in over a week.  I expect that my necklace pendant will be smooth and shiny and nicer than anything that I could make by hand.  After seeing my partner's printed object, I do not think that it will be very smooth.

When I was making the part in inventor, I had some technical issues so the j inside the pendant had to be omitted.  I also decided to not include the loop.

When I swapped object information with Sachi, she did a great job fabricating my object.  It is everything that I hope the 3d printed version will be.

When something is made by machine, it is always made the same.  On the other hand, when a human creates the same thing over and over again, it will not be exactly the same.

Working drawings are very helpful in order to communicate the design of an object, but they are not completely necessary.  It is easier to show someone with a picture than to explain with words.

3d animated assemblies might be useful in a design that includes moving parts.  They can be used to better communicate the purpose of the part.  Beyond the design process, an animated model would be a great display option.

My 3-d printed object arrived!  I am very happy with it.  It is exactly how I wanted it.

 

Documentation Packet

Design to have 3d printed:

constraints: 

$15

black plastic

1 in by 1 in or smaller

Maker Faire Reflection

Overall, my expectations were met at Maker Faire; I was really pleased that people came up to play the game that we all made.  Next time, I would like to spend more time on the project and contribute more to it than  I did for this one.  Maker Faire was really amazing.  It was like a combination of a county fair, flea market, museum, and a science fair all at one.  It was really cool to see the mechanical giraffe and R2D2.  I was also intrigued by the figures made from wood and soda bottles.  From the surveys, I noticed that although many of the people that played the game enjoyed it and would recommend it to a friend, few would actually buy it.  They mentioned aesthetics that were just okay and weak AI.  A few suggested weapons to fight off the guards and clues to the maze.  In an improved version of this game, I would like to see fighting options and better guards.  I think it would make the game more fun if you could view the maze from above but while viewing it, you would not be able to move and would be vulnerable to attack.

Adrastus Feedback

I think that the game should be easier to beat.  The player should leave footprints to show where he has been.  Also, the oval enemies should be more intimidating than they are now.

Maker Faire Display Design

Looking at other tables from past makers, I noticed that they all have an eye catching sign and an interactive activity.  I think we should make a noticeable sign to attract people to play the game.

In my design, the main focus is the monitors, where people can play our video game and watch other people play it.  Next to the game is information about it and a large sign.  Because just a simple game might not be enough, I propose that we present other things that we did during the year in Intro to Design, not just the game design part.  We could bring some of our puzzle cubes, CD cars, or cotton ball launchers to add interest.  We could bring the cotton ball launcher materials and explain the project that we had to do, allowing visitors to try as well.

For this game design project, I began as a level editor.  However, due to lack of necessity for this role, I began working with inventor to make parts in the game.  Pallavi and I were able to figure out how to build the coliseum, which is my greatest accomplishment for this project.  I think that we met our original Game Design project goals because we worked together to make a game and will look professional in matching shirts :)  I wish that we had a little more time so that we could improve it further, but otherwise, I am satisfied.

Looking at the game, I think that the little oval enemies should look more like humans and the game should be easier to beat.  Perhaps the player could leave footprints to show where he has been.

Maker Faire Update

Finally, Pallavi and I finished the coliseum.  Completed, it looks much more complex than it was.  The reason it took so long to complete was because we needed to figure out how to make it.  Along the way, we met many challenges.  First of all, by revolving the 2d wedge 5 degrees, we were unable to draw and cut out the doors on the sides because the surface was curved slightly.  This problem was solved by drawing a plane on the surface.  After assembling it as a complete coliseum, we realized that at least one of  the doors needed to go all the way through to the inside of the coliseum because the player would need to completely exit the maze and coliseum.  We had to go back to the 5 degree wedge and cut out another door all the way through.

If I were to make this same coliseum again, I am fairly confident that I could make it in just 3 class periods because I would not have to figure out how to make everything again.