Capstone Step 4

As we are finishing our capstone project we are started to gather key takeaways from our project. Building our upscaled sign taught me and Cole a lot about problem-solving and planning, especially when it came to staying within our $400 budget. One of the biggest challenges we faced was gathering all the materials we needed wood, LED lights, and tools without overspending. Wood prices can add up quickly, and we had to shop around and compare prices at different stores to find affordable yet sturdy options. The LED lights were also tricky to find at a good price while still being bright and reliable. We learned how important it is to prioritize quality for key materials while also being smart about where we could cut costs.

Content:

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.

Prototype: A first or preliminary model of something, from which other forms are developed or copied. 

3D printer: A machine allowing the creation of a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession. We used a 3D printer to construct our funnel.

Survey: A general view, examination, or description of someone or something. We surveyed fellow students to get insight into what they would like to see in our Snappack. We plan on doing more surveys and gathering more data from a broader group of people. 

Mentor: An experienced and trusted adviser.

Demand: An insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right. We have created and continue to update our demands and wishes list. 

Wish: Feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable. 

Functionality: The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; practicality. 

CAD: Computer-Aided Design, this is a software tool that allows designers to create 2D and 3D models of objects, structures, and parts using computer technology.  

Conclusion:

Throughout the project, I’ve worked hard to be a conscientious learner and communicator. I’ve ensured that I stay informed about the technical aspects and have effectively shared my ideas with the team to make sure everyone is on the same page. My communication skills have helped keep the project moving forward and allowed us to make decisions based on our collective input. However, I recognize that my ability to collaborate with others is an area where I could improve. As the one primarily carrying the weight of the project, I’ve noticed that I tend to take on more tasks than I should, which has made the process more stressful than necessary. I need to work on delegating tasks more effectively and trusting my teammates to take ownership of their contributions.