This week, we had a great opportunity to visit the Fablab for the first time. I’ve always heard about this Fablab, but never really had a chance to visit. Our class was split into two sessions. I was in a group where we learned how to use a program that creates a template. With this template, we can use it to laser cut it and create accurate measured three dimensional objects. There was an example of a laser cut project that was made out of plastic and it was shaped like a knee protector. This was one of the inspiration of our group and we made a lot of progress through the brainstorming session, our class provided. As a result we found three very effective designs. For effectiveness, we wanted to make a knee pad that will attach onto the knee like a slap on bracelet. This will be a very quick process and athletic people like Jenna can save time changing gears. For feasibility, we wanted to make a knee pad that will cover only the knee and attach to the knee using a strap mechanism. This is already an existing product, so it’s a very good base to start our project. For implement, we used the existing design for feasibility and add protection that will cover the side of the calf to the ankle. This area of protection is what Jenna felt like needed protection and that is why it’s an implement on top of the existing product. We came up with some great ideation from this activity and for the next step we are looking into different materials we can use in the Fablab.
This week, our group met at the art and design building to create some prototypes and progress for the upcoming week with Milestone Lab. Based on our previous ideation brainstorming from the Fablab, we created three new prototypes. As a art student, I’ve introduced my teammates, Ryan and Nathan, to the beauty of hot glue gun and the cutting board. Each of us took role in creating these prototype and had a say in each of our prototypes. The first prototype was a sleeve with a small block of knee pad, so people like Jeannette can put the knee pad on for weeks. The second prototype was a strap on that will get thinner at the popliteal part of the leg. This is made for people like Jeannette who cannot bend their prosthetic leg all the way through. The third prototype has a similar strap mechanism to the second prototype, but has a knee pad that can bend. This way, it looks more like a knee and not like a machine just like how Jeannette wanted to look like when she had her first prosthetic leg. I think we have made great progress and we are ready to meet up with Jenna once more to try out these prototypes and get feedbacks so we can improve our models even further. As conclusion, we wanted to create the knee pad out of firm and flexible material, but the strap or sleeve will be fabric materials.
Hi Jae,
I think the Fab Lab is awesome. They have some really nice tools and provide a cool space for innovation. I also wanted to compliment you and your group on your exploration. I really get a sense of the process and you guys thinking. The visuals really showcase the process. As my fellow Industrial Design peer we know first hand some of the hacks in rapid prototyping. I like how you’ve introduced some of these things with your teammates who aren’t art majors. Keep up the good work looking forward to seeing your teams product!
Hi Jae, I think what your group is doing is fabulous. I really appreciate the fact that you introduced the hot glue gun for prototyping to your teammates. This is a great way to visualize the thinking, and now all members of your group are capable of using this technique! From your writing, I can tell how each prototype mitigates the problem the users are facing. Once you get more feedback from interviews or even during the meetings, I think it would be a great idea to explore ways to combine those features. This need to be carefully done because you wouldn’t want to make the design bulky. Instead, if the design is nice and clean, the capability of dealing with several issues at a time would be remarkable.
Hi Jae,
Its great to see that your team has already came up with different prototypes of your products. I think your ideas are really comprehensive. You guys think about lots of different aspects of one problem. For this point, I should look up to you guys. I can tell you guys came up with so many incredible ideas through your painting. Since you’ve already made your prototypes, I would say focus on that at this stage. Doing more research in the existing products and conducting more experiment would be really helpful for you to step forward. Hope you can make more progress next week!