Technological Skills

Example AP2EX Page

Planner 5D

This is a skill that I mastered in my architecture class. It is an online tool that allows the user to create a floorplan for any building. Once a floorplan is created, you can then customize it by adding structural features like custom windows and doors along with other design features including flooring, furniture and landscaping. When I first started using it I designed mansions. As I developed my skills, I found that I really enjoy the challenge of creating small spaces that meet the needs of a variety of users. I have been using it for about 3 years, and keep finding new ways to bring life to my designs.

All Things Google

I know it sounds weird to say that "Google" is one of my technical skills when so many people around the world use it for pretty much everything! I have really pushed myself to do more with the tools that Google offers. I even passed the tests to become "Google Certified"! One example of my Google skills is shown on this page. I created a simple slideshow to demonstrate my technical skills with Planner 5D. Then I embedded that slideshow into my website using HTML code. Another example that is also evident in this page is the attention to aesthetics and making purposeful choices. I wanted to make a clear distinction between my two different areas of skill without the page looking overly busy or disjointed. To do this I chose backgrounds with the same pattern with complementary colors.

I started using Google Slides for journaling, and it allowed me to take my journals to the next level with embedded links, images and videos. I have also created professional looking infographics that have been made into posters. By paying attention to small details, I have created some work that I am very proud of. Another benefit that I discovered was these tools are a great way to collaborate with my peers on projects. We use the "Meet" feature so that we can talk while we work, and we can see each others' edits live!

While Google may not seem like the most exciting technical skill, I am really proud of what I have accomplished!

Digital Fabrication

3D Printing with 123D Sculpt and MakerBot

I learned how to sculpt and print three dimensional objects to find another outlet for creativity. I created a creature as an assignment for my Cryptozoology class. I started by sculpting it on an iPad using an App called 123D Sculpt. I had to save it as a mesh file on my iPad and transfer the file to a PC. From there it had to be converted to an obj. file and opened using MakerBot software. From there I had to adjust the size and angles to add stability. The first time I printed, I did not add supports and it turned out a messy blob. I had to go back and find my mistake before I could reprint, but then I was pretty happy with the results.

This was an original design of a swamp creature. I paid attention to small details like webbing on the feat whish would allow it to move quickly in the swamp. I also moved the eyes to the top of the ear structure so that it could hide underwater easily. I wanted it to be more cute than menacing, so I added a quirky little smile.

One thing that I had to learn is that I needed to really think about the printing process as I sculpted, with special attention to how parts of my work would be supported during the printing process. One thing that surprised me was that it was often easier to print things on their side or upside down. For people who were just starting out, I would advise them to expect to fail a few times and just stick with it.

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