Personal Signage Part 2
Prototype, Fabrication, & Launch Phases
Some of our most common ways of producing items to represent ourselves are through stickers, stamps, and laser cut desk or locker plates.
This page outlines that second phase of the design process, and includes links to our step-by-step guides for using Inkscape (a free software program) to produce custom items. In order to digitally fabricate something, we have to have our design loaded into a software program. Inkscape enables our students to design from their personal tablets (or any computer they may have access to), then send to the lab for final reviewing. Once we open the file in the lab, we'll use Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator to fine-tune student files prior to production.
In this activity, we will focus on steps 4 & 5 of the "Hawken Design Process:"
Step 4: Prototype
A prototype is a quick, physical representation of your object. It should be made with relatively inexpensive or totally free materials and allow you to get your vision out into your hands.
Usually we start with a Paper Model
Practice your craftsmanship: Clean Cuts!
Once created, ask for feedback or test it out:
Will it fit?
Does it meet the design parameters?
How will you hang or display it?
What feedback can you gather?
May move your prototype into a software design in order to cut out a cardboard or chipboard model *See Instructions Below!
May use chipboard or cardboard to construct your model by hand
Check your final prototype with your teacher
Inkscape - Vinyl Cut Stickers.docxInkscape Instructions -
Stickers
Use these step-by-step instructions to create a custom name sticker using Inkscape, a free software loaded on your computer.
Digitizing Hand Writing & Drawings.docxDigitizing Handwriting
Use these step-by-step instructions to take your handwriting or drawing and submit it to convert into a digital file. This will enable you to cut out, engrave, stamp, fabricate your own hand markings.
7th Grade Inkscape Introduction Lesson - Biopoem Locker Plates.docxInkscape Instructions -
Laser Cut Signs
Use these step-by-step instructions to create a custom laser-cut locker plate using Inkscape, a free software loaded on your computer.
Checkpoint: At the end of this step, you should have a paper model of your vision and possibly a design file ready to go. Your teacher should view your prototype and give you a check mark or go ahead to start fabricating on equipment.
Step 5: Fabricate
Use Your Absolute Best Craftsmanship
Ready Your Files for Making on Lab Machines
Fill Out Design Order Forms (Size, color, etc)
Use A Machine or Make By Hand
Put On Finishing Touches (i.e. hanging brackets)
Sand, Polish, Stain, Paint, etc
Checkpoint: At the end of this step, you should have a finished piece in your hands, ready to display, share, or publish
Step 6: Launch
Hang Up Your Item
Display Your Item
Share Your Item with Others
Share Your Process (include pieces made along the way to show your process)
Photograph & Document
Smile & Celebrate!
Checkpoint: At the end of this step, you are pretty much "done" with your project! You may, of course, after more testing and feedback, keep fabricating, iterating, and launching your item. But in most cases, you are ready to display/install/share your work.
Share your project and making photos with us!
Email to makerspace@hawken.edu to feature on our Instagram
Tag @HawkenFabPlay in your photos/ instastories