Capstone Prototyping

On the day of our final, we tasked with creating a large scaled very rough prototype of our wearable UV tracking device. We began by planning out how we were going to build the wearable using the limited materials we had to use. The planning process began with simple sketches, labeling the parts that we planned to have movement in. We gathered materials, mainly cardboard, tape, and popsicle sticks, and began building. We decided to make a total of 5 moving parts, these being a detachable band, an adjustable strap, a removable screen, a spinning dial that shows the current UV, and a sliding bar that shows how much of your daily limit of UV that you have left. Obviously, many of these features are going to be very different when we get a hold of materials that allow us to refine the design, but this easy to understand prototype allows for an easier way to view our device. 

Having this large scaled prototype will also help us build and design better in the future, as having a simple idea of what we want to do will allow us to build on to the features to make sure everything is thought through and the way we want it.

Reflection

During the final two-hour build session, I did a good job turning our idea into a working prototype. I was able to quickly sketch a clear design for the wrist-worn UV tracker, which helped our group know where each part should go. For example, I planned where the UV sensor and other components would sit on the wrist so it would be comfortable and easy to use. I also did well with teamwork and communication. I shared my ideas clearly and listened to my teammates, especially when we were deciding how to attach the parts to the wristband, which helped us work faster and stay organized.

One thing I struggled with was managing my time. I spent too much time fixing small design details, which left less time to fully test the UV tracker. Because of this, we could only do a quick test instead of checking it in different lighting conditions. Next time, I will set time limits for each part of the project and focus on making sure the main features work first. Another area I need to improve is troubleshooting electronics. When the UV sensor wasn’t giving consistent readings, I had trouble figuring out the problem quickly. To get better at this, I plan to practice more with sensors and basic circuits so I can solve problems faster in future projects.