What if learning new words were as effortless as telling the time?
Who Individual Project
When 2 weeks
Why Graduate Bootcamp Expo
How Woodoworking | CAD Designing | Programming | Soldering
Define
the brief
Define and complete an exploratory project in a two week timespan to present at a graduate school bootcamp Bootcamp Showcase. The work should not be designed for others, but rather show the creator’s 2D visualization and communication, 3D modeling, Solidworks, and mechatronics skills.
Deliberate
on my experience with the topic
The project should help me achieve a pre-existing personal goal: Memorizing all 1065 three-letter Scrabble words.
I’m not usually motivated by designing for myself — only for others
I’m unfamiliar with the NU Machine Shop
I need to express my personality to my new cohortmates
I should showcase my background in 3D modeling, Solidworks, mechatronics, presentation skills
what exists in the landscape
Discover
Habit formation by reading Atomic Habits
New vocabulary acquisition
Features that personally keep me motivated to push myself hard, both as a user and a designer
Define (part 2)
the new brief
Develop
product features
Form sketching | Table-Sawing | Laser Cutting | CAD Designing | Arduino Programming | Soldering
Form Study
Process planning sketches
CAD Assembly (Using NX)
CAD Render (Using NX)
Staining wooden clock base
Spark Core and breadboard on clock base
Assembled clock!
Finished product at EDI design expo
Deliver
final product
Introducing Scrabbler, a product to help users learn all 1068 three-letter Scrabble words in a way that is effortless, quick, enjoyable, and comprehensive.
Project built on time in 2 week timespan
8 minute long presentation to a room of 50 people
Showcased skills in software and hardware (including Arduino IDE, a table saw, a laser cutter, hand tools, and soldering)
Demonstrated parts of my personality including desire to build using recycled materials and my quirky Scrabble side
how it went
Debrief
Hardware Reconsiderations
between Carvey mill rounded edges and laser cutter speed.
between sturdier bracing between front face and back plates was not sturdy
softer standoffs when wall mounting — buying them from McMaster or using a makeshift material (e.g. sponge)