Tool 4 : TinkerCAD

01/September/2021

Tool 3: TinkerCAD (3D modeling-printing tool) https://www.tinkercad.com/dashboard

Before Class readings: We were provided with few videos to help us get familiarized with the platform and its basic features of creating designs.

Idea Statement: A table with 3D printed marking - differentiate areas (food, working space) and Wire management - integrated plug point, non-visible wires (under the table)

In-Class Activity:

• On the first day, we were asked to complete our idea finalization and start designing our ideas on TinkerCAD as a team. As it was our first time using that tool, maybe not the first time using it as an individual but definitely working as a team, it took us a while to figure out different spatial aspects of 3D designing and looking for appropriate shapes of our table.

• On the second day, we continued working on refining the designs.

Design Process observations :

• It was very easy to write and brainstorm ideas but the real work was when we started designing it on TinkerCAD. Things such as keeping the printing area in mind and also considering different connecting features of the table were some important decisions to make.

• As we were quite new to the 3D designing as well as had just that day to complete our designs, we evaluated our design requirements. As our design was focused on adding different features to a conventional table, Aditya looked for already available shapes that we could use.

• We found already built table, additional featured models that we could re-use as a different feature. This saved us a lot of time and helped us design more efficiently.

• To increase the view of the table, we tried to add other aesthetic features that we will not ultimately print but use it while presenting.

• By the time we completed our design, I got a hang of how to use and work with this environment. It seems pretty cool to use again.

Pros of the Tool :

• There are a lot of pros of the tool, but the already available designs to use were very helpful.

• Having a neat design space is very essential, which made this tool stand out.

Cons of the Tool :

During the collaboration, I was unable to make out if and what the other teammate was doing or was about to do. A cursor feature like in Miro to show the teammate's spatial position would be a great help!

Other helpful resources we used :

Tinkertip: Proportional Scale (tinkercad.com)

Output of the activity :

We were able to design a table as per our requirements. Showed it to friends, they were quite impressed so the effort did not seem vain in the end.

Design worry: The actual evaluation of the design will take place when we print this design, but mistakes and uncertainties are inevitable parts of any design process. Looking forward to printing it!

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