Fabrication
We returned to the Fab Lab to continue learning about different types of fabrication! Last week, I created a circuit that made an LED light illuminate. This time, I had the opportunity to design the surface of a watch for outpatients who are required to perform exercises like bicep curls and twisting their wrist.
The watch is made of 3 pieces of wood. The top piece can spin by 90 degrees in order to detect the movements for the 2 different exercises. We were first tasked with designing the top of the watch, so users would know which way to spin the watch while performing each exercise. Utilizing the software program, Inkscape, I drew 1 arrow on the top of the watch along with the text, “TWIST,” and another arrow on the bottom of the watch with the text, “CURL.” Thus, the user would know which way to spin the watch when performing hand twists versus bicep curls.
After designing the surface of the watch, we sewed straps for the watch. Using sewing machines, we first practiced on a sheet of fabric to get used to the machine. Once we got the hang of it, we began sewing the straps for our watches. We initially sewed the strap inside-out, then use a stick to help turn it right-side-out. Lastly, we sewed velcro onto the strap so the watch user can adjust it to the size of their wrist. You can see pictures of the process below!
Practicing sewing on a plain sheet of fabric. 
Line we followed when sewing on the plain fabric. 
Turning the strap right-side-out with the stick. 
Learning to sew with classmates!
Project Progress
During the second half of class, each team took turns presenting our project to 2 of our mentors, Milestone Labs and Adam Bleakney. We shared the progress we have made since we first spoke with them. From our conversation, we realized that we need to narrow down our topic and start conducting more secondary research on what already exists for shoe treads and attachments. Also, it is necessary for us to speak more with Jenna, our user, about her desired experience with the tread, i.e. if she would need to sit down when taking the tread on and off. From here, we are going to conduct more secondary research and speak with a Materials Science professor, physical therapist, and a shoe maker so we can gain insight on where we would like to focus our project.
Hi there! I am a Senior studying Marketing and Information Systems/Information Technology. I chose to take this course in order to expand my creative and design thinking skills that I can apply to my future career. I am grateful that we are provided the opportunity to take this course as Business majors.
I love the design of the watch! It’s awesome that you’ve already gotten around to making impactful things. Is the watch in addition to the tread your group is creating?
I would explore and see if you can find any yoga or other fitness classes which cater directly to individuals with disabilities. It seems like a great place to get feedback from your target market.
Thanks for the advice, Michal! The watch is what we are making at the Fab Lab. The circuit, strap, and wooden design will all be put together to form the watch.
Hi Emma, it is great to see all the progress you are making. It’s so cool to see that you have finished all the steps and assembled the watch!
For the project, I agree it is time to narrow down the topic. One advice that I received and deemed useful is to think about the context the users are going to use the objects. For our case, it is when, where and how users are going to use utensils to eat. For your group, you can consider in what locations and situations users are going to use the tread and maybe focus on one situation for now.
Emma – I like the strong direction you have with your design challenge project and I think you’re group is heading in the right direction! I am glad that you found the meeting with milestone labs successful, and I am eager to see what your group continues to narrow down in terms of creating a working prototype. I like how your group is open to using other resources on campus such as chatting with a Material Sciences professor or a Physical Therapist. Nice job!
Hi Emma, I really like how your team has a clear direction of what your team needs to work on going forward after your team’s meeting with the Milestone Labs and Jenna. I think chatting with a Material Science professor, a physical therapist, and a shoemaker will definitely help. I think what may be more helpful will be consulting with other people who have prosthetics to have a better understanding of how the weight and the material may affect them.
Hi Emma,
Nice job on your project! I really enjoyed hearing about your experience with the sewing machines and with the fabrication of the watches. My team is facing a similar problem of dealing with what materials we should use for our product. We’re planning to talk with a Materials Science professor to see if they have insight for us as to what we should select. I think a talk with them might help you guys out as well. Fantastic job this week!
Ryan