Project 2

Decision Matrix and Design Process

the team individually came up with 6 to 7 designs/sketches. We then decided together on 5 sketches that matched to criteria the best. We then individually rated these sketches, averaged the scores using google sheets, and summed the averaged scores. 

the criteria for the decision matrix are cost-effectiveness(20%), safety(25%), ease of use(15%), portability(15), and functionality(25%)

below is the drawing of the selected design:

The Construction and Testing Process

the team built the basket in about two days using pipe cleaners, small Popsicle sticks, the Eptfe fiber, a note card, two binder clips, and three straws. After some initial tests, the team found that the basket by itself was not capable of retrieving the animal from the well. So we then decided to pursue an idea that one of the team members proposed called the "crook" which was a hook-like addition used to guide the stuffed animal into the basket. We then tested it again and found that the addition of the crook considerably increased our success rate.

here is a presentation further outlining the process of going through this project.

some reflections, or things we could have done differently are 

• to test designs as we are filling out the decision matrix

• photograph and document the build and testing process more

• perhaps not use all of the Eptfe fiber to reduce the cost of the device 

despite the above, I believe that the project ended up working quite well. The team was able to rescue the animal in 53 seconds without causing any further harm to the animal or the operators.