Last week, my team and I still had a lot to decide. After the previous week of completely changing our product idea, we had a lot of ground to make up. We were basically starting from scratch. We still did not have a clear product idea and wanted advice on where to go. So our goal by the end of class on Monday was to make a plan. We decided on a design. Our design was to have on piece that had a notched design attached to the door. Then we would have a moveable part that moved in the notched part to slide out to ajar the door and slide back in when you would want to door to close. We were unsure on what materials to choose, but we were thinking of using thick metal and coving it in a rubber resin.
The next day we went over to the Fab Lab seeking advice. When we got there we showed them our plan. We went back and forth on what would work and what would not work. We decided that using metal was not the way to go. It in the end would be very expensive and we would probably have more luck with either wood or plastic. The problem we might have with wood is that we might put out more effort and time than necessary. They suggested that we us CAD software to try different variations and we could always print it and see how or design works. Going to the Fab Lab was very helpful because we had a better idea of where to go with our design!
Now we have to figure out exactly what we are going to do. We have thought of two designs so far that we have run through this past week. One design was like the original slide out the side of the door. Another design we had was to have something we could slide a bendable material to ajar the door from the top. These ideas are similar, but go about ajaring the door from different sides of the door. Currently we have not decided on which design we will choose, but hopefully by class on Monday we have made that decision. I think it is better that we have thought of different options to go about solving our problem instead and drawing a blank. This is a process we are consistently going through.
Hi Olivia,
I think it’s a good thing that you guys are still thinking of so many ideas. The whole concept of design thinking is identifying the Problem first, and then working through the designs. I’m glad you guys accomplished that instead of just creating a design that would solve no problems. Also, good job going to the Fablab, as learning to know when you need help and who to go to for help are very good skills to have. I’m sure you’ll make a good product, as both of the designs seem good. I wish you the best in the upcoming weeks and hopefully you make an awesome product!
Hi Olivia,
I definitely agree that coming up with different ways of solving a problem will solve the problem best. Have you gone around asking anyone who has some experience with the wood material? Glad you guys were able to progress even after having to change your product, but from the looks of it you guys are definitely on the right track!