Solve a World Problem

Content

Engineering Design Cycle:

Identify the Need & Constraints: We first identified the need, which was to make more cities walkable. Some constraints were that we couldn't make too large of changes, because we researched that there could be legal issues involved with whose property it was. 

Research the Problem:  We then researched the problem and each annotated several sources to thoroughly understand the problem.

Develop Possible Solutions: Our next step was to develop possible solutions. Our first idea was to create a model of a walkable city, and our second was to create a design cycle that made a city more walkable.

Select a Solution: Our final solution was a combination of the two. We made a model of an area in Novato, and then created a design cycle to implement on that model.

Build A Prototype: We then built our prototype out of cardboard. We used an area of Google Maps as a reference, as then added our six steps of walkability to make it a walkable area.   

Test & Evaluate Prototype: After we had a finished product, we evaluated its walkability with our design cycle. 

Redesign Prototype: If we decided that certain areas were lacking in proper walkability, then we would redesign them to be more walkable. We added more streetlights and more green spaces to redesign our product.

My Graph

The graph I chose to analyze was a map of Paris that was color-coded with various aspects of walkability like bike lines and pedestrian walkways. I used it as an example of an already existing walkable city, also using my experience when I was there. In my analysis, I figured out that there were often pedestrian only areas near green spaces, and a lot of the sidewalk improvements were happening in downtown Paris. The largest green spaces were on the outskirts of the city, but there was smaller ones throughout. There were bike lanes & pedestrian walkways all throughout the city, so people could get anywhere without a car. 

Reflection:

Two things I did well in this project were work ethic and cultural competence. I worked very hard to complete this project to the best of my ability. Even though hands-on models are not my strong suit, I still contributed in any way I could, and I handled a lot of the slideshow as well. I spent a lot of time researching my problem and thinking of realistic and effective solutions. The other thing I did well in this project was having cultural competence. I had to think of everyone in this project. I made sure that everything seemed wheelchair accessible in our model, and I considered multiple perspectives when I was researching the problem. I took the time to research opposing sides to adding in sidewalks & crosswalks, and acknowledged the concerns with legal issues. I then thought of ways that we could still make a town more walkable while making everyone happy, which was to not make any large changes immediately.  

Two things I think I could have improved on when completing this project was critical thinking and communication.  I worked hard on making the slideshow presentable and including all the necessary information, I neglected to consider in detail the process of actually implementing it. If I had done more research into the steps of implementing  the series of actions into our town or beyond that, as well as the budget and how much it would cost, I think I would have been more satisfied with the final outcome. Another thing I could have improved on is communication, or working on my presenting skills. I didn't have a lot of time to practice my presentation, which caused me to rely on my notecard more than I should. It also caused my voice to not travel as far, likely making the information I was saying hard to hear. If I practiced more beforehand, my presentation likely would have gone smoother.