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.
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.
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.
Hi Brianna! I love how you included nice photos of some of the items found in the fab lab–it really shows all the unique things we got to see there. I also really like your insight about the value in working with people who are different than us. I think it can sometimes be challenging to work with different people, but that is also a space where new discoveries are made.
Hi Brianna! I think it is awesome that you have had experience with the Fab Lab prior to our time in class! It is a great environment which fosters ideation and creation.
As for the workshops, I was placed in the opposite workshop that worked on the watch face so I did not have a chance to check out the tilt sensors. With my prior knowledge of electrical circuits from an ECE course, I look forward to working with this iteration of an ordinary circuit.