[Week 6 Team Envinco] Fusion

This week we learned how to use Fusion from the Professionals at Autodesk. I really enjoyed gaining exposure to the software and making the phone holder. The only software I have used previously is SketchUp and SolidWorks. I used SketchUp in my TAM class last semester to create a 3D CAD model of a bridge. The model was made out of popsicle sticks so we didn’t gain that much exposure to the software. It was mostly using the popsicle stick model our Professor provided us with and copying/arranging the sticks.

I used SolidWorks for fun with a friend Freshman year. I wanted to gain exposure to 3D printing and he offered to show me how the software worked. I create a present for my younger brother. He is a drummer so it was a little 3D drum with his initials engraved in it. I do not have a picture of it anymore but it was a really fun project.

For the Fusion project, originally I was unable to download the software. I followed along on a friends computer until mine finally started working. I really enjoyed making the phone holder especially the parts at the end where you could customize the material. It was interesting how sometimes we would follow the steps, but we still had trouble modifying the design. I think this was especially surprising because CAD softwares are very particular and finicky. In most of my classes, I’m more used to using excel which is relatively straightforward. Below I have attached some photos of the process that our class followed.

Our results of our project ideation were to focus on comfort and making a product that was customizable. I think the first time we did our stories & experiences brainstorm we didn’t understand how to choose words that reflected experiences. We focused on positives and negatives however, this time we were really able to narrow in on words that can help us to properly brainstorm.

We really want to try to find a way to help athletes with the issue of slippage during bad weather conditions. This can cause a lot of discomfort and Adam helped us to understand how sometimes the athelete can train really hard, however, still at the end of the day for reasons outside of their control they won’t win. These reasons can often be the weather. Therefore, we focused our statements on this idea.