Last week, we went to Fablab and learned some technical skills in designing and laser cutting. I was impressed by the Fablab, since it has so many different materials and machines for people to design their products. They also have fabrics product which is really cool. They first showed us some products they made on the desk an then led us take a tour of the Fablab.
After the tour, we’re separated into two groups. I was assigned in a group designing a watch. The other group was doing something related to circuit I think. Then our instructor teach us step by step in how to design in the face of the watch. The software is kind of professional. I got lost a few times throughout the whole process.
After finishing the design, we continued to do our TA’s statement. This time is designing our products. He asked us to draw down our ideas related to our desired products. I first thought it’s hard to come up with one. After doing some sketch on the paper, I then started getting into the brainstorming mode. My teammates are also really creative. Based on our designs, I found out that we all focused on the holder we talked about in our project. The main point is to help people hold something.
We had different ideas related to different situation: design for kids, design for elderly, design with lots of budgets and limited budgets. Instead of thinning about getting a backup camera for our target customers, using a holder which can hold a mirror would be more efficient and affordable. After the voting, at last we all agreed on a foldable holder attached on the wheelchair which have multiple uses such as hold a mirror, hold a cup, hold a phone, and so on, since this idea is the most affordable and the most feasible one. Saloni mentioned that there is one material that we can utilize but I forgot what it is. Anyway, we found that material in Fablab and use them did two small sample models for our design.
On Friday, I spent some of my free time going back to the Fablab and laser-cut my design for the watch. I got some help from the people who worked there. I really appreciate their patience, since I knew nothing about the machine. They showed me each preparing steps for the machine. Finally, I got my watch face cut out from a wood board.
Hopefully, we can learn more technical skills in next week. I realize the Fablab is a really great place for us to explore the designing world. More importantly, we can make our products come to real with the help of those fantastic machines in the Fablab.
Hi Eric! I was also impressed by the Fab Lab and the many different resources that they have there. I thought it was great that you went back to the Fab Lab this week to play around with the equipment there. In terms of your project, I like your idea of using a mirror instead of a camera because it is likely much more cost efficient for the user.
Hi Eric!
I actually was in the circuit group, so I enjoyed reading about your experience creating the watch. I didn’t even think about there being a software for the laser cutting, so I look forward to Wednesday’s class when I get to try that out. Your end product turned out great!!
Also, I like that you utilized pipe cleaners for creating your prototype. It was a creative material that I wouldn’t have thought of using, but it works perfectly for your design! Will the wheelchair attachment be expandable? The way it is designed with the pipe cleaners makes it look like it might be. I look forward to seeing the final working prototype!
hi Eric,
Since I was in the circuit session of class this is the first time I am seeing and getting an understanding of what the other half of the class was up to! It’s nice being able to see an overview of what to expect when I learn the program next class.
As for your brainstorm, it seems like you and your group members had success. Having a focal point is crucial at this point of our project and it seems like you’ve made it to that point. (You all focusing on the holder) Also, great use of material for your prototype, low fidelity but I can understand its function.