This week, we had a presentation from Autodesk Fusion360 to better understand this CAD software and how we can use it throughout this semester to complete our projects. It was really great to have someone in-class be able to talk us through an entire design and learn the software hands-on. Before class, we had an assignment due to familiarize ourselves with the software. With video lectures, you can learn a lot but it is really great to have someone in person be able to troubleshoot any problems you run into and answer your questions. In class, we developed a phone holder with a cord area and a small well for keys. You can see my design here: https://a360.co/2EalDaP as well as the photo below.
I thought the most interesting part of learning Fusion360 was the instructor’s comments on its accessibility. Fusion360 is free for students, which was a very purposeful decision. He noted that some of their clients had a difficult time hiring people with the necessary 3D design skills. Thus, Autodesk made this software free so that there would be more people learning the software and then able to use it in later employment opportunities.
After learning these skills, we returned to the activity we had started last week. This time, we were grouping our ideas into three more tuned “Insight” segments with offshoots. These three groups helped us target our “How Might We” statements. “How Might We” statements help organize the team to get excited about certain ways to create our final solution. Our group focused on the subtlety of the design to not draw too much attention in class, and the functionality of the design to transition through all of the parts of a yoga class. You can see our team’s rough draft below.
Overall, it was a very productive week and I am excited to be at the FabLab next week to continue learning different tools at our disposal!
Hi Samantha! I agree that having Dan in class to help guide us through the Fusion 360 software was incredibly beneficial. I also think you made a great point as to why the software is free for students, giving us the opportunity to develop our skills before heading into the real world. This may give us an advantage over other candidates. I also found Dan’s talk to be helpful because he touched on the importance of human-centered design throughout the creation process.
Sounds like your team is off to a great start with your project! I look forward to seeing your ideas grow throughout the iteration process!