Solve a World Problem

Task:

The task given to us was to pick a world problem, personally or globally, and then work to figure out the best solution to this problem. Once we picked our solution, we spent many days researching from many reliable sources in order to find the best way to go about our solution.

What was our world problem? Homelessness (Specifically their lack of jobs)

Engineering Design Cycle:

Identify the Need and Constraint: 1,034 people are considered homeless in Marin County. Although people all around try to find new ways to help out the less fortunate, we took on the challenge to create a new, long lasting, effective way.

Research the Problem: As mentioned before, we spent a whole week individually researching the issue of homeless in specifically the Bay Area/ Marin County area. This research would soon come in handy in our future decisions.

Develop Possible Solutions: Next, everyone in the class had time to brainstorm solutions for their world problems. At first, we didn't worry about any constraints of why certain solutions wouldn't work as well as others, we just wrote anything that came to mind. Then we eventually started analyzing each one creating a shorter, more realistic list.

Plan/ Select Promising Solution: We originally planned on doing a whole different solution, more related to housing for the homeless,. But later, after talking with other classmates we decided focusing on a different issue within the homeless would be a better choice. Which then led to our new idea of a Care Center.

Create/ Build Prototype: Obviously, we weren't able to fully implement the care center and build the whole thing. So we did the next best thing, a blue print. So we spent a day figuring out the floor plan and what rooms would be the most needed within our center.

Improve/ Redesign as Needed: We decided to add more things than just the councilors and training area. Some examples of these extra things include, the kitchen, closet, and lounge area.

Reflection:

I had a lot of fun doing this project. It was another one that allowed tons of creativity. The sky was truly your limit. Because of this, I think It made it easier for me to be able to stay on task and be a good critical learning because I got to do it about something I'm truly interested in.

I think one of my main strengths was my leadership. I think I did a good job taking charge and making sure my group member and I were always on track and that we were doing what needed to be done. I also think I did good with cultural competence. This project was a way more deep topic and required you out be way more open about certain lifestyles.

On the contrary, I think I could've worked on my character, being more empathetic and watching what I say to others. A lot of times, some of the things I said could have come off as ruder than intended. Which has been a common theme for the past few projects, and honestly a common theme throughout my whole life. I tend to forget to think before I speak. So once again, I am hopeful that I can work on that for future projects.

Other Group Member: Abby Bartholo