DEsigning Process
We have steadily progressed in our goal for the final CAPSTONE product and have begun to create a prototype to better display and troubleshoot our project in the physical realm. Our group has utilized a lot of time mastering powerful software to quickly test, review and explain contingencies as well as modifications. In preparation for the imminent fabrication of the prototype, our group has decided to specialize, and redirect focused as the designing process is nearly over. Now that we have a clear picture of what needs to be done, and a detailed protocol, flushing out details and practical testing is the issue. Brian and I have put emphasis on Fusion 360, and quickly are moving past 3D printing to CNC (Computer Numerical Control) modeling. To prove our success and theorize about our experimental results Brandon has opted for the role of website manager and recorder. this communal website not only details our progress, planning, and success, but amplifies the capabilities of professional and productive communication between all the members of the group. Access the link below to view a detailed analysis of progress, a photo gallery, and next steps.
HTTPS://BRFIELDS.WIXSITE.COM/BKNBHOUSE
Progress Outline
- Conceptualization & Research
- Our first idea was conceived by the rising house prices in our environment and the demands and wishes of the public to be provided with an environmentally friendly yet comfortable and relatively cheap modular home. (D & W List)
- In finding the problem to solve, we have found related topics to consider and materials to utilize. However the bigger picture was still ambiguous and much research was needed to facilitate our progress. Our next steps were to write a proposal for the project and display the logistics to others. (Project Proposal)
- Sketching & Process Engineering I
- After finding the pressing problem and doing light research we use engineering techniques to present ideas to each other. This process incites good debates, constructive criticism, and feedback loops for us to build on and progress in the engineering design cycle.
- After much argument and tweaking, we are able to arrive at a base; In our case this was a house 7 x 8, made with an interlocked wood shell supported with 2 x 4 studs. As Project Facilitator and lead Co-Designer it was my job to break down all ideas and reimagine them to fit pragmatic and logical scopes. The best way to do that is sketching. The skills I have learned throughout the sketching and freeform course came in handy as I utilized them to create technical dimensionless orthographic and perspective sketches.
- Business Plan & Review I
- After strenuous effort in engineering and research, it was time to face the public. We contacted our mentors (Mike Woolard - Civil Engineer & Ryan Berbarian - Contractor) to compose questions for a google survey. After amassing some data and using my computer science expertise to sift through it, we found meaningful feedback that changed our entire project plan. (Google Survey)
- Re-Conceptualization II
- Imbedded in this step of our design cycle is some more research. We found that research is very important, and although not usually listed, research is inherent in every single step of our project. After reviewing our results, we deduced that the best plan of progress would be to heavily modify our shell and outline, even finding a related yet new question to work around. Due to public feedback we scrapped our original Energy Efficient Modular Home plan and re-incorporated it in our new improved and feasible idea: Energy Efficient Sleep Pod
- Process Engineering II
- At this point we had much cross compatible research, skills, and designs that this stage of designing was a simply a review process of what we have engineered and moving on to experimentalization and abstract modeling with Tinker Cad and Fusion 360. We had also decided to specialize and compartmentalize at this point, working mainly through the newly created communal website. (Management Plan & Design Overview).
- Experimentation
- With a feasible long term plan and some constructive experiences, our group felt confident to exploit advanced software programs to help speed and professionalize our designing. Autodesk offers an amazing support community and public educational forums accelerating our technique in designing.
- To test our tools and skills, we 3D printed many test objects, and moved on to the CNC machine to generate wooden carvings. This boosted our ability of abstraction allowing us to stay very far ahead and think of long term problems and solutions we may adress.
- Communication & Review II
- With project exhibition night looming, it was time for us to become public. We compiled a comprehensive power point to be presented to the project and in doing so, reviewed our work. This gave us time to slow down a bit, and focus on realistic matters such as community support, funding and public opinion. (Power Point)