Capstone Update #3

Our Goal - Design Step 3

The goal for Design Step 3 was to evaluate alternative concepts and prepare for open house in April. The main components we had to create were a revised project proposal with updated work, an evaluation of alternative concepts, and creating our 3D helmet. The overall theme of this design step was to strengthen our project ideologically and physically, ultimately creating a more well rounded product.  

Evidence of Work

Content

Decision Matrix - 

Used to choose the overall best design idea. We had to identify the Evaluation Criteria, weigh each component based on importance, set up the decision matrix, assign scores to each concept/design, calculate the overall value for each, and then interpret to results to finalize our prosthetic idea.

Classification Scheme - 

A way of grouping and organizing data so that it can be compared with other data. In this case, we made a classification scheme of all of our ideas for our wrist brace to help us come up with a final design.

Mind Map/Decomposition Flow Chart - 

The diagrammatic representation of the particular concept with its sub-parts. We created a flow chart of our wrist brace that shows the breakdown of the overall function of our design into smaller parts called sub-parts/functions.

Human-Centered Design - 

An approach to problem-solving that develops solutions to problems by involving the human perspective and emotion in all steps of the process. It aims to make systems usable and useful by focusing on the users, their needs, and their values.

Constraints - 

Limitations on the design, such as available funds, resources, or time. together, the criteria and constraints are referred to as the requirements for a successful solution, so you must work around your constraints and make sure to hit all of the important criteria.

Tinkering -

A branch of making that emphasizes creative, improvisational problem-solving. It centers on the open-ended design and construction of objects or installations, generally using both high- and low-tech. it is the first step in the experiential learning continuum.

CAD - 

Use of computer-based software to aid in design processes. CAD software is frequently used by different types of engineers and designers to create two-dimensional drawings or three-dimensional models. We used CAD, like Onshape and Fusion Autodesk, to practice our 3D modeling and make our sketches come to life.

Reflection

In design step 3, although there was less work to be completed, there was a substantial amount of reviewing and editing that went into editing our project to be the best it could be. 

During this stretch of work, I would say we were much better about our conscientious learning. We were very on task during class, making the most of our time and being very productive. We completed all of our work early and were the first group to set up our station for open house. This allowed us extra time for prototyping and developing our project. Another area we excelled in was communication. This step had more analysis and evaluation components, in which we were able to communicate with each other and share ideas. 

One area that we could have improved on was our critical thinking as there are always ways to improve our work and find different angles to look at the analysis. I feel like we were very focused on getting the work done when we could have been exploring more alternatives and furthering the other ideas. Another area I could have improved on was character, as I was absent from class a few days during this period and although I checked in with my group I could have been more present during class time.