Early Expectations
I remember when I first saw the introduction e-mail on this course, I was very intrigued as it was very different from the typical accounting classes I would take. Most of the classes I took do not require me to use my creativity so I thought that this class would be a great opportunity to test it as well as learning about design thinking and other additional skills. So, I went into class looking to be inspired to create and learning to use software to design products to be 3D printed.
Now, after completing the course. I can say that most of my expectations are met. The instructor, Vishal Sachdev, along with the TAs, Charlotte and Mehmet, provided me with an unforgettable learning experience. I am glad that they designed the class to be user-centric so that we are actually designing for someone rather than having us graded base on pre-determined assignments. From the course, I learned how to use tools and resources that I had no previous knowledge of. I also learned to work with people with different skillsets to create a product through design thinking process.
Resources and People
One of my favorited aspect of the course is the people. I not only enjoyed working with my fellow teammates, Samantha McClary and Yingyi Wu, but also the mentors, instructors, and TAs in the course. It was great to be able to create a network among us that goes beyond the scope of the University as we were able to invite many outside speakers and experts to the course. Through my experience working with them, I was able to learn new skills and gain experiences. For example, I had never been to the dress facility prior to taking this course. The course allowed me to not only to visit the facility but work with the individuals there. I have also never been to the FabLab and it was great opportunity to be introduced to the facility as well as the resources. Everyone in the course had a unique set of skills and working style and by having the opportunity to work with them was a pleasure and a great learning experience.
3D Printing Skills
To be able to learn and use 3D printing technology was the primary reason that I chose to sign up for this course. Now, after completing the class, I have to say that I was definitely not disappointed as I was not only able to get my hands-on 3D printers but actually learn how to model 3D prints with software such as Fusion360. It was an awesome to be able to see your ideas get printed as turn into physical products.
Learning to Make
I think for me this was probably the most challenging aspects of the course as I was never asked to “make” something in my previous classes in college. However, I did enjoy the process as it did challenge me to step out of my comfort zone and to develop new skills. I enjoyed how this class encouraged and allowed us to “fail” as it allowed us to refine our ideas/solution and continued to improve our skills. There was no one correct answer as we had to come up with our own solutions and that could even fail at times. It was definitely the most fun but challenging part of the course and I really value the experience of it. I believe that I will be able to use this skill in my professional career in the future as there will be situations were there are no definite solutions and I will have to “make” one.
Key Takeaways from the Digital Making Seminar
After one full semester in BADM 357, I have more takeaways then I previously expected. It is one of the most memorable courses in my academic career and not only we did not have the usual examination to grade our learning process, but we were also provided food regularly as we deplete our energy and brain power for design thinking. My first takeaway is that we should not be afraid of failing as each fail brings up closer to success and give us an edge over everyone else. Secondly, I learned that people are the most valuable resource as each person has their own strength and weaknesses and together, we can accomplish objectives that are impossible to an individual. Lastly, I learned that it is important to keep up technology as it is an essential tool in the business world today.
Lots of applications to apply topically