This week really put things into perspective on how much detail will be required for our final project. That being said, our team 3Dream put pen to paper and started prototyping! By completing all of the readings and watching the videos, it was clear that prototyping is a must even if you are not sure on all of the details.
Why prototype?
Creating a prototype is crucial to the design process. It allows for the users to put their ideas into a model and make revisions if needed, omit aspects, keep others, and include additional components. Futhermore, by prototyping before production begins, it is possible to see what specifics parts, materials, and additional resources will be needed and be ordered in advance.
3Dream’s prototype
We created a lo-fi prototype which was a quick and simple hand-drawn sketch to demonstrate the core functionality of our project. We actually developed two sketches. The first prototype really helped us get a sense of what we wanted out project to look like. It was a rough sketch but really helped in the process of fine tuning and simplifying our project to a cleaner model. We got an idea of what materials will need to be purchased as well as which can be found at the FabLab or even printed ourselves! Below, you can get a sense of what our project will look like and see the differences in our first model to the second one.
Prototype 1
Prototype 2
Finally, we also got to hear from an associate from Shapeways. Shapeways is a Dutch-founded, New York-based 3D printing marketplace and service, startup company. Users design and upload 3D printable files, and Shapeways prints the objects for them or others. The associate Lauren gave us a virtual tour through her facility and we got to see the different departments and workspaces. She showed us the distribution center, machinery that can develop multiple prints at the same time, the four different material processes, and more! There was also a video assigned to watch describing what Shapeways is comprised of! Click on the link below to check it out.
http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3251027346001/?#sp=show-clips
Thank you guys for reading and I look forward for any comments on how to improve our final project.
Hi Cristal,
Your sketches look fantastic! I think the look of the planters is really aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It also really seems like a smart way to build, with the water trickling down through all of the planters. Will the bottom planter receive less water, though? How will this affect the way this product is used?
Cristal,
I really like your team name, 3Dream. I agree with you that the prototype process is very important to establish a shared vision among group members. I like your first few prototype drafts but I have two fears. First, PLA will not work well with water. Second, if a replacement material is found it may not be readily abundant for the scope of your project.
Best of luck,
Jason Arendt