Design Step 2
CAPSTONE Step 2
The goal of step 2 was to generate alternative concepts and technical drawings of our ideas for our project.
Content
In step 2 we needed to complete the following:
Brainstorm on your journal and padlet to determine at least three feasible alternatives (concepts) for each function/subfunction of your product and assemble the results in a classification scheme.
Functionally decompose your product.
Form three promising design concepts by combining compatible function-subfunction alternatives/concepts from your classification scheme
Firm up your three design concepts by sketching them in the form of conceptual drawings and by implementing the techniques learned in the sketching tutorials. On paper and Digitally
Concept Sketching
Before we could begin this unit, it was important for us to get a strong base of concept sketching.
When drawing a concept drawing, the goal is to convey what the design is and how it works in the clearest possible terms. Failure to represent one of the sub-functions can make it hard to truly evaluate the products effectiveness when physically developed. It is important to note that this is NOT a detailed design drawing. Dimensions and other details not relevant and should be left out.
It is good to use two phases when designing concept sketches.
Creative Phase: hand-sketching is done freestyle and quickly, without regard for neatness or visual clarity. Focus on both storing ideas and brainstorming others.
Documentation phase: the concept is neatly redrawn and labeled to facilitate communication with team members and project sponsors/mentors.
We used these processes to develop our 5 rough draft concept drawings and then our final 3 concept drawings.
Evidence of Work
Brainstorm
The first part of step 2 was to brainstorm on our journal and padlet to determine at least 3 feasible alternatives for each function. For most sub-components we ended up designing 3-5 alternatives. This can be seen below in our classification scheme.
Our coggle and padlet can also be seen by clicking the links below.
We also continued to explore Fushion 360 throughout step 2. For this creation, we worked to make a stamp with our name. Images of the stamp I created can be seen below.
Currently we are working on revising our classification scheme after getting feedback from our mentors. It was important that we included the insights we received from our mentors in our final scheme. Our final classification scheme can be seen below:
Classification scheme:
We also worked on another Fusion 360 project. This time we got the joy of making headphones! Check them out below.
Lastly we had to complete the Classification Scheme Designs selection. We selected three promising design possibilities by using the classification scheme to combine compatible function/sub-function and alternative concepts. We made sure to show the "selection path" on the Classification scheme, specify the rationale, thought process, and the pros and cons of each design possibility. Lastly, we consulted our two mentors to get any outside advice.
This can be seen below
We then drew three feasible design possibilities by sketching them up in the form of conceptual sketches and drawings. We included the design functionality (i.e., how it works) in the drawings through the use of labeling and text.
This can be seen below
Reflection
Step 2 allowed us to continue developing a lot of new, useful skills, on how to approach a consumer market. We followed the steps listed above to improve our virtual designing skills and work on brainstorming which design we would like to use by finalizing our classification scheme. As usual, I made sure to contribute my fair share of the work so my team could work quickly and efficiently. I made sure to communicate with my team on who would get what done and by when. I made sure everyone had a fair share of work and got their work done to high quality of standards. Communication is key and I believe my team has created strong communication between each other, which allows us to work functionally, in a happier environment.
We also as a team did a great job helping each other through this unit. Currently we are working on a program called auto desk which is quite hard to follow. Even the teacher struggles trying to figure it out. However, we continued to work as a team to overcome the challenges that have come with auto-desk and manage our way around this confusing and sometimes frustrating software.
Something I would like to improve on in the future is to manage my time better. For this unit, I feel I spent to much time on the non-auto-desks projects where I was left with one night to do the auto-desk assignments. In the future, I hope to distribute my time better and get more done in class, rather than last minute at home. I also want to less get frustrated. It can be harder working with confusing software with no help from your mentors; however, I want to stay positive and continue to thrive out of challenges. I look forward to doing this more in the near future!