What? 

In week 9, we had the opportunity to put the finishing touches on our boxes. In order to liven up our designs, we strategically sewed a conducive thread into the fabric which connected to our light’s battery. Like other new skills, picking up on the sewing did not come naturally for me. But also like other new skills, I saw myself go from complete novice to fairly competent as the class continued on. As I mentioned in my previous post, I created a baseball field design for my box top, leaving a space for a light on each one of the bases. After working for the entire class, I was ecstatic to see each base lighting up. I credit the lighting success to Clinton and Duncan who walked us through the mapping and building of a circuit, teaching us common errors we would surely make along the way. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of my finished design this time around – and it is left at school until I return from break.

So What?

Adding circuits to our otherwise lifeless designs gives us the power to bring the designs to life. This is certainly a useful skill when it comes to making. The ability to add light allows us to call attention to certain features of a design – such as the bases on my baseball field. Makers can use this skill to their advantage by highlighting critical aspects of their designs and reach their users more effectively. More broadly speaking, our classroom activity shows us that we can animate previously inanimate objects. Using fairly basic technology on 3D printed creations gives us the ability to create something truly unique. (Little did we know when we created our team name, The Animakers.)

Now What?

The first several weeks of this course have been intensive on building new skills – it seems that we’ve learned at least one new skill or software every week since the class has begun. After spring break, we will have the opportunity to take in all that we have learned and use our new skills to create our project. Our team has chosen to make a customizable steering wheel attachment for those who have difficulties turning or steering their vehicle. We are excited to use our newfound skills in 3D printing to make the world more comfortable for our users and safer for the other drivers on the road!