Prototype 1: Made entirely of cardboard
Prototype 2: Instead of making the controller from the same material- the canopy is made of acrylic, resembling the leaves of a tree. The body and trunk are made of MDF- resembling the wooden trunk of a real tree.
Balance and Emphasis:
Balance is shown through the 3d models within the tree part of the design. The bulldozer and shovels are parallel to each other and this symmetry emphasizes the title 'rodent run.'
Colour and Texture:
The different types of mediums (acrylic and MDF) provide different textures to the controller, and the colour makes the design more appealing to the eyes. These two elements of design engage the attention of the player and ignite curiosity to try the game and get a feel of the controller.
Shape: The 3D aspect of this design makes the controller tangible and more aesthetically pleasing.
Form: The purpose of this design was to mimic a tree (roots, stem and canopy) using the organic element of design.
Proportion and Scale: The three parts of the controller: roots, stem and canopy shows the relationship
between the different sizes- catching the attention of players as compared to a regular tree.
My experience:
Along the design process, I encountered several challenges I had to overcome. During the brainstorming phase, I spent the majority of my time looking for design ideas but none of them sparked an interest. However, this research phase inspired me to reflect my design off of natural aspects in our daily lives, including trees. This idea allowed me expand my viewpoint and brainstorm design ideas based off of a natural woody tree.
What this experience taught me and What I learnt:
I enjoyed how this project allowed me to broaden my views and research not based on ideas online but to take inspiration from things around me. It also allowed me to realize how procrastination really prevented me from being productive and forced me to omit this habit and learn to finish before the deadline. By using the lasercutter, cricut, and 3D printing machine- I got the opportunity to learn how to use them and their applications as well as incorporate a piece from each machine into my final product.
Why this matters to me:
My journey in 3d modelling, laser-cutting and the design process began last year at junior high, but they are still developing. Each time I encounter an issue and methods of solving it or changing altogether, I subconsciously use the design process to solve it. The risk with this project is balancing between an unrealistic and realistic idea. Your ideas have no limit but when it comes to resources you are not completely familiar with, like 3d printers and CAD, it can be a risk to start designing within the limits. However, although a risk can bring challenges it also teaches you how to approach them and I have no regrets for brainstorming my design and watching it become a reality.
Applications:
Throughout this learning experience, I was able to take inspiration from nature and the things around me as well as ignite my creativity. The challenges I encountered enhanced my problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills, both of which are essential in academic subjects as well in real-life situations. The satisfaction felt when seeing your completed design is an inexpressible feeling and I feel that the product exhibits aesthetics and simplicity.