Category: Week7

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Week 7: Fab Lab – A Fabulous Place for Ideation and Fabrication

Fab Lab Tour

Before this week’s class, I heard the word “fab lab” multiple times during this course. I was always wondering what it looks like in the Fab Lab and what kind of tools in the fab lab we can use. As a student who has visited the IMPACT LABS in Israel, I expected the Fab Lab to look a lot more like the IMPACT LABS. The actual tour gave me a perception that the tools we have access in the Fab Lab are very similar to the IMPACT LABS, including 3D printers, sewing machines, 3D scanners, laser cutters, electronic cutters, and the milling machine, etc. The IMPACT LABS may have some more technologies available like the digital CNC, but then there are a lot more computers with necessary design software installed in the computers for the community to use. In this lab, I discovered software that I have never seen and used before. With a combination of so many amazing tools, I believe that our creation stage will not be as hard as I previously expected.

  • Laser cutter
  • product showcase in Fab Lab

During the training session in Fab Lab, we were separated into two groups. The group I went with learned how to use Inkspace to design for laser cutting of the surface. This activity prompts us to design a watch face for a motion detector watch. The instructors led us through the basic process of using Inkspace to draw out the watch face step by step. Afterward, we were prompted to design the watch ourselves for our selected specific user. When I design the watch face, I decided to design the watch for elders. Elders have the ability to read words, but they may not see it very clearly. Therefore, I decided to use an image for curl arm movement. When I wanted to find an image for the twisting, I felt that the images I found were kind of confusing, so I decided to use large bolded words TWIST instead of an image.

Watch face I designed

During this activity, I realized that when we need to design a product, we need to consider how different user groups will have different requirements or needs for the product. It is really important to consider their need in order to design a product that can be useful for these user groups. This is also something we need to take in consideration when we are designing our product for this project.

Ideation Phase

In the latter part of the course, we went back to working on our group project. In this week’s class, we move forward from our inspiration phase to the ideation phase. We brainstormed the different possible solutions for different user groups. In this case, we were able to consider what we might do differently for different users. We diverged first when we are trying to brainstorm the different solutions, but at the end, we converged to a few solutions that we believe are possible to work on due to the time-constraint, functional requirements and the affordability constraint. As a result, we came up with two solutions to work our initial prototype on. I am excited to continue with the project and see how our ideas come to actual product that fits our target users’ needs.

  • Ideation Phase
  • Brainstormed solutions
  • Final two solutions for prototyping
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Week 7 Reflection

FabLab

FabLab Part 1

This week our class got introduced to the Fabrication Lab a.k.a. FabLab. We received tons of help from all the great staff that devotes their time there to help us learn. When there we first got a tour of the facility. We saw their computer lab where students can work on all sorts of design programs. Then we moved into their work station bench where they had tons of successful designs they have created. After, we moved into the other room where they showed us a lot of their very cool designing machines. They really gave us another perspective of design outside of just 3D printing.

One awesome thing that my group noticed is how the used a laser cutting machine to create a leg shaped structure out of wood. They then used that structure as their base and melted some type of plastic over it and it took shape of the structured design. I thought this was so cool because this connected really well with our project on how we could create a leg guard for Jenna outside of 3D printing.

Circuit made with Colton

Additionally, at the FabLab, we broke off into two separate groups. My group was led by Colton that shows us how to work a circuit. I have not really worked with circuits since freshman year of high school so I had a lot to relearn. We used a watch battery, a small LED light and resistors to demonstrate how to turn a light bulb on in a current. The whole purpose of this activity was to really show how to blend technology and design together and to get us to think about how we could incorporate this lesson into our products.

Finally, We came back together as a class to brainstorm more about our projects. My group found this really helpful to get our ideas back on the table. The activity was really fun because we had to place ourselves in different situations to see how we could alter our project. For example, one of the situations was, “If you had unlimited money vs. if you had no money at all?”. Was really cool to see the different types of designs we made within these separate constraints.

Class Activity Design Board

Project Update

This week we have had a very productive time advancing our project. Earlier this week we had a meeting with our first secondary user other than Jenna. Jenna set us up with her physical therapist at DRES. Although I was unable to be at the meeting because of class, the meeting went very well and we took a lot of the ideas into our prototypes. One, idea that we got was to place most of our focus on protecting the knee because that is the most important part. Many other products on the market are bulky because they focus alot on protecting scratches.

After our discussion in class Jay, Nathan and I decided to meet to build upon our ideas. We met Saturday to go to the Art and Design building to create some prototypes of our knee protector. Based on our interviews with Jenna and her Physical Therapist, we had some ideas to run with. We created designes with buttons, that were flexible, that had fabric sleeves and that had special latches. We really wanted to grasp a wide array of designes while we were prototyping. Below are the designs we made and all the fun we had creating them!

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Uncovering Ideas

This week we went to the Fab Lab!! It was super exciting because I really enjoy going to the fab lab, and have made several laptop stickers there. It’s always nice to go there because if you could define creativity by a building, the fab lab encompasses it. Everywhere you look you can get inspired by the many things created within the space.

We started off with a general tour, and then we split up into groups to learn different things. My group worked on learning Inkscape, which is a great program to design in. While we were designing a watch, we learned how to use different tools in the program. I had fun playing around with all the colors and shapes and made the image below.

After coming together, we had a quick paced brainstorming session with our team. It was cool because Mehmet lead us through an exercise where we looking at our How might we statements from the perspectives of different users. This includes designing for an older person versus a child. It was interesting how the user we were designing for inspired us to think more out of the box.

Originally to help a user see behind them, I had thought about a video camera attached to the top of the wheelchair facing back, and a phone app allowing the user to see what is going on. When thinking about designing for someone older, I though that maybe they won’t use technology so I thought of attaching a mirror to one of the arm chairs looking back. Then when he told us to design for kids we were thinking and conversing when he came by. He said “think of designing for your niece or something.”

That made me think of my young cousin and how little she is, so she might need an attachable arm that can go up and down and hold the mirror so it is more at her height. It was really cool to see how thinking about designing for a specific person really helped me come up with something. This is the design that my team decided to prototype this week, which is really exciting as well.



To the left is a pipe cleaner prototype of the model, with the cardboard piece acting as a placeholder for a mirror. We think the pipe cleaners show the flexibility of the design and how it can expand to a higher level as well as collapse all the way down. Ultimately we think this flexible attachment might be able to hold more that just a mirror as well.

We are meeting my friend Brandon who works in Beckwith later today, so I am excited to see what he has to say about our ideas.

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Creation Station: Week 7

This week was jam-packed as our team visited the Fab Lab, brainstormed potential prototypes, 3D printed our fusion models, met with Jeannette Elliot, and created our first low-fidelity prototypes.

Introduction to the Fab Lab

Our class this week took place in the Fab Lab on campus. The Fab Lab is a maker space that houses designers, makers, and innovators from the campus and the local community. I was blown away by the amount of creativity on display at the Fab Lab. People had let their imagination run wild and were creating anything that came into their head. One of my favorite inventions, was a keyboard made out of wood and copper tape. I was struck by the simplicity and cost-efficiency of the product when compared to typical keyboards. In the Fab Lab, we were split into two groups to learn a little bit more about the various resources. My group worked with arduinos to create a circuit that could turn a lightbulb on and off based on its horizontal or vertical orientation.

  • Example of items lying around the Fab Lab
  • Exterior view of keyboard
  • Interior view of keyboard
  • Inside wall in the Fab Lab

Diverging on Ideas

During the second half of class we split up into our teams to brainstorm potential solutions for the needs we had identified. We were given 4 different prompts to challenge us to think creatively about the problem. At first, I was worried that our group would run out of ideas after the first prompt because I thought there were only a few ways to solve our problem. However, being forced to think about designing our problem for little kids and the elderly forced us to think outside the box and explore new possibilities.

Our design ideas from the brainstorming activity

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again

After class, I went to the Makerlab to pick up the 3D print of the phone holder I had designed on Fusion 360 during the last class. However, when I got there I was dismayed to see there had been a failure and the top of my phone holder had failed to print. When I talked to the lab assistant about what happened they told me that sometimes prints fail and that I should just try again. Luckily, my phone holder and the box and lid I created were a success the second time through. This taught me a valuable lesson that while 3D printing is very cool it is still an emerging technology and it is not perfect all the time.

  • Failed phone holder print
  • Successful phone holder print
  • Box and lid print

Stakeholder Meeting

Later in the week, my team had a chance to meet with Jeannette Elliot. Jeannette is a physical therapist at DRES and a prosthetic leg user. Our interview with her was very informative and we learned about the struggles she has had in the past with prosthetic leg protective covers. The main takeaways from our conversation were the importance of maintaining flexibility with the cover, keeping the cost affordable, and offering customization options to appeal to the different aesthetic preferences of users. Our team is very thankful that Jeannette took the time to share her insights with us!

Design Time

The week ended with our team making our first low-fidelity prototypes. The 3 designs we chose to prototype were a knee pad attached by velcro, a flexible knee pad attached by a hook and ring strap, and a fabric sleeve with a knee pad encased inside. Our next steps will be to show these designs to Jenna and get her initial feedback.

  • Hook/Ring Strap Prototype
  • Fabric Sleeve Prototype
  • Velcro Knee Pad Prototype
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A Trip to the Fab Lab

This week we had class at a different location than the usual Illinois MakersLab. We took a trip to the Champaign-Urbana community Fab Lab to get our hands on the resources they have available there to start our creation stage of our product. I have never been to the Fab Lab before, so I have been looking forward to this opportunity since the beginning of the semester. I have to say that I was not disappointed as I was amazed their abundance of tools and resources, they have available at the Fab Lab. The tools available ranged from 3D printers, laser cutters, numerous software, and most importantly Minecraft.

The structure of this class was also different from the usual as we are split into two different groups to learn about different resources, they have available at different stations. At my station, I learned to use the software, Inkscape, to learn how to create vector graphics that can be used for laser cut vinyl. The activity assigned to us was to design a watch face that would be able to detect arm motions to ensure that patients are doing the right exercise during therapy. The Inkscape part of the activity was relatively simple as the staff provided clear, easy to follow instructions while the harder part was to come up with a design that suits your specific users. I opted for children so my designed focused on creating an experience that children can have fun from. So, I focused on making my design one that will be fun for children when used. In order to achieve this, I tried to include cartoon characters and instead of plain designs. My design is not yet completed, and I look to finish it soon in the coming days.

Later in the course, we were once brought back to our groups to work on team activities. This time, we are asked to draw all the ideas we come up with on a poster paper. I really enjoyed this activity as it really helped us visualize our product and give as an even clear direction to head towards in the coming weeks.

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Fab Lab: Fabulous Resources for Fabulous Ideas

Exterior of Fab Lab located in Urbana, IL

This was our first of the next three weeks that we will be spending at Fab Lab to learn about various resources that are available to us. Although I have heard of Fab Lab before, I was not aware of what it contains. In fact, I didn’t even know where it was located, so I was very surprised when I found out where it was. It was a small, old-looking building that I passed by daily to get to my classes from the dorm that I used to live in during my freshman year. I always wondered what it was and even peered into it through the windows once, but I never figured out what it was. Walking into it, I was wondering how this place could contain all the high-tech gadgets that the professor was talking about.

As soon as I walked through the doors, I had my eyebrows raised. It was not at all what I imagined the place to be.

  • One side of the wall at Fab Lab displaying different products that are made there
  • Example of a machine that is available at Fab Lab for use
Examples of various products that can be made at Fab Lab

Inside the building was an open space filled with computers, machines, and various types of products that were made at the lab. I felt like a kid who just walked into a candy store, trying to absorb all the different things that I see. From electric cutters, 3D printers, to embroidery machines, there seemed to be endless lines of resources available. Although I was excited to see so many resources, I was also worried about how I could possibly learn to use them for the project.

  • Examples of laser engraved products from Fab Lab
  • 3D printers available at Fab Lab
  • Map of the Fab Lab

After taking a tour throughout the building, the class was divided into two groups to get hands-on learning on a couple of resources available at the lab. This week, I got to participate in an Inkscape workshop. Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor, which can be used to create or edit vector graphics. During the workshop, we got to design a watch face of a motion-detecting watch, which could detect whether the user was performing the bicep curls or wrist twist motions correctly. We were to think of a specific user group and create a design based on it so that the user can use the watch correctly. Although the task seemed simple, it was challenging to come up with a simple, yet effective design. This exercise made me realize how much of a challenge we have ahead of us in trying to design a product that could help the power wheelchair users with preventing the rain from getting into the joystick.

After the workshop, we were grouped into our own teams and got time to brainstorm various prototypes for the team products. The point of this session was to keep the options limitless, even thinking of things that are impossible for us to achieve. For example, while we were brainstorming about what can protect the power wheelchair from rain, we came up with instant heating that dries the moisture, force field, and strong wind blower that can push the water droplets away. Although we understand that these options are not viable, by not limiting ourselves, we were able to come up with more creative ideas that can potentially lead into more feasible ones.

Sketches of various ideas we brainstormed during the session to prevent rain from getting to the joystick of a power wheelchair

In the end, we had to select a couple of designs that were more feasible, easier to implement, and most effective, which we decided were bags to put over the joystick and a mold that can be put over the part. For our next assignment, we will be coming up with a 3D prototype of these ideas. Although the exercises that we performed throughout the week demonstrated lots of challenge ahead of us, I am excited to use the available resources to take our ideas further.

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Learning happens outside of the classroom just as much in

This was the first week that we had class in the Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab. Although this is not my first time working in a fab lab, it was still really exciting to walk around the space and learn about all of the different machines and projects that they’ve worked on. All fab labs are spaces where one can witness various ideas manifested into physical forms. I feel as if I and my team would gain a lot of inspiration from working in the fab lab in the next following weeks.

3D print on mesh fabric
Soap
3D printed model of ear

After touring the fab lab we learned that we would be working in workshops to build a watch. We then separated into groups to start our workshops. I was in the group that started working on using breadboards, LEDs, resistors, sensors, and batteries. I have worked with circuits before but I never worked with the tilt sensor. In the mini-workshop that I was in, we used the tilt sensor to act as a switch to let power flow, or not, depending on its orientation. Therefore the LED lights up if it’s in an upright position and does not if it’s upside down.

After our workshops, we joined with our teams to have a brainstorming workshop. We each drew quick sketches/prototypes for our team project. We had different prompts to go on such as designing for an elderly audience vs designing for children. It was a challenge to figure out how we would alter/shape our product to cater to various needs, audiences and concerns. After we went through about 5 prompts we had to pick two designs to prototype. My team decided to go with designs that we were initially gravitating towards. These designs focus on covering the joystick in a more efficient manner. It would also be a product that can go on once and stay on.

Project designs

During class one of the fab lab workers mentioned how as a result of working in the fab lab he has interacted with so many people who all have a wide range of knowledge. That reminded me of why being in an interdisciplinary class is very important. Out in the world, in our respective industries, we will come across people from all different walks of life with different ranges of experience and knowledge. For me, it has always been important to know how to learn from people who are different from me. I believe that it is natural for us to put ourselves in a box and only align ourselves with people who are similar to us. However, in doing this we rob ourselves of the opportunity to grow.

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The FabLab Explained

This week, we had the privilege of having class in the FabLab with their employees walking us through the lab and introducing us to some of the tools. I have actually been to the FabLab many times before for a project in an RSO on campus. However, I have always stuck to the machinery I needed for that project, and had no need to branch out. Even though I have walked past this variety of equipment before, I had never used a lot of it. It has definitely put the lab in a new light for me. Emilie, Duncan, and Brandon did a great job giving a plethora of examples of projects that they have worked on or that they have helped others work on in this space.

The space itself is very welcoming and I appreciate their commitment to community programs and being open to not just students. The university is a huge resource to the surrounding community, but a lot of times it is “roped-off” to non-university residents. The FabLab is a part of a network of FabLabs that are really democratizing the maker movement and making it accessible to everyone, not just those who spend thousands on equipment.

One interesting project that I had seen some articles about was wearables. 3D printing onto mesh-like fabrics to create wearable garments is a new-er “trend” but it yields many applications especially in the medical world. Having a 3D printed brace that perfectly forms to you and goes on like fabric would transform a lot of recovery programs.

Variety of gadgets and projects at the FabLab.

The project they had us work on to introduce us to some of the tools was a motion-sense watch. Essentially, a prototype of something that could monitor someone’s arm movements, which could be applied to someone completing out-patient physical therapy. Being able to track these movements would yield more accurate data on how effective the treatment is with and without the proper physical therapy. This was a fun project to work on and we will be completing it this coming week.

At the end of class, we participated in a brainstorming activity. The teams were to sketch ideas for their opportunities given different constraints: Design for the elderly, for children, with $0, and with $1B. These constraints definitely help you think outside the box and think with more tact for different users!

Some of our group’s sketches.

Finally, Jenna visited class at the end so that we could talk to her about our sketches and what she thought would work best for her. We learned that she does not mind if it doesn’t resemble a foot at all – as long as it works! We also got some necessary measurements for our design which we will be able to use when we start modeling our prototype in Fusion360.

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New Resources: A Fabulous Lab

FAB-TASTIC.

This week, we got a formal introduction to the Fab Lab. The director of the Fab Lab had previously been a guest speaker in the class, but this time we had a chance to host the class there and use their facilities. We first started with a tour of the place and the different tools they had there. They first went through their policies for use, which was surprisingly accessible. Most tools were only priced at $1 for use, and they allowed people to use their own materials while also having some for sale.

In terms of the tools, the staff went through the multiple applications of the electric cutter, which could not only be used to cut vinyl stickers, but also precision paint things if the knife part was replaced. Next, they showed us the screen printing and embroidering/sewing areas. They also introduced us to the concept of 3D printing on top of meshed fabric, which has been used a lot in the fashion industry recently (seen green scales picture for an example). Next, they showed us the milling, soldering, and electronics area, where they showed some applications, such as milling your own circuit board or working with microcontrollers. Finally, they brought us to the 3D printing and laser engraving workstations. Overall, it was really inspiring to see all these different technologies consolidated in a single area as well as to hear about many of the different projects that have been created at the lab. I was shocked to find out about such an untapped resource that I had not known that I could take advantage of as a resident of the Champaign-Urbana area.

FABRICATION IN PROGRESS.

After our brief but thorough tour, we were split into two groups to attend workshops run by the staff of the Fab Lab. I attended the workshop relating to using the laser engraver as well as the program used to vector model what we want to engrave, Inkscape. Inkscape is an open source program which is quite similar to Adobe Illustrator and allows people to vector model their illustrations; I found it really fascinating that the Fab Lab intentionally uses a lot of open source software so that when they teach people how to use their programs, the skills will continue to be applicable outside of the Fab Lab.

Within Inkscape, we started modelling an exercise watch made out of wood which would be able to track if outpatients are performing their exercises correctly. There will be motion sensors inside the watch, where if the face is facing one way, it would detect bicep curls and facing another way, wrist twists. We first modelled the watch face together while the instructors introduced us to the program, and once we started to become more familiar with Inkscape, the staff released us to add our own designs to the watch. We were instructed to keep the user base in mind and make our unique designs while thinking of certain groups, such as children or elderly outpatients.

With the last 45 minutes of class, we started brainstorming prototypes for our team products. While brainstorming, our TA Mehmet wanted us to think of new ideas quickly, never spending too much time on a single idea. We were instructed to brainstorm in different rounds with different restrictions. For example, one round we had to think as if we had a $0 budget, another if we had an unlimited budget, and yet another if we had to think of our product with children in mind. In the end, we then had to decide which prototype we thought would be the most feasible, easiest to implement, and most effective and decide based on individual team members’ decisions which prototype to make a crude 3D prototype of. In the end, Solestice decided to go with a sole that is attachable by Velcro strips to a shoe, and we will be making this prototype before the next class.