Reverse Engineering

What is Reverse Engineering?

Reverse Engineering is the process of deconstructing a finished product, system, or software to understand its design, operation, and components, allowing for its reproduction, analysis, or modification. 

For the Reverse Engineering project, our main goal was to deconstruct a device so we could learn how it was built, how it functions, what it was made of, and then improve it. For our device, we chose a Wind Up Radio and Flashlight, which is meant for emergency situations in which power and communications are not readily available. As a group, each one of us was assigned an analysis to complete based our device. We researched the structure, materials, manufacturing and functionality of the device in depth. After we completed our individual reports, we came together to discuss them and share what we found. Based on our findings, we were to try to improve the design in any way possible. Below is our slide show that fully explains everything about our device.

The slide show goes through the whole process of completing this project, beginning with deconstruction and sketches, and ending with the reconstruction of our device. It contains the analysis of each process and also analysis on specific components. Another part of this project that really helped us stay on track was the Gantt Chart. This chart helped us frame our time so everything necessary was done at the correct times.

Reflection

During the process of completing this project, I felt that I excelled in collaboration and communication. Within our group, we were able to keep on task and know at all times what needed to be completed next because of our collaboration and communication. For example, when we needed to complete our slide show, we were all able to communicate to each other how far we are from finishing our part and what we need help with. Another example of collaboration was being able to complete the slide show and report as a team, we all were able to contribute and if a problem arose then we would solve it as a team.

Two things that I felt I could improve on are my character and critical thinking. I felt that I could've worked harder and more efficiently if my character was different. Critical thinking could've also improved the finished product as problems would've been solved quicker. I felt like in class I was not as focused as I should have been and could've definitely improved my work quality if I had been. When a problem arose, for example there was a problem with the Gantt Chart, I didn't use my critical thinking skills to solve it as easily as it should've, which limited time to work and put more stress on the group.