Inspiration
IDEO’s Design Kit is a resource that I look to from time to time when I am in need of guidance on a project or process. The other day I was browsing through their page on Methods and decided to look into articles they had on Rapid Prototyping. Since this practice plays a large role in both the EDP program and the research I’m currently doing I knew that it would be at the very least helpful, if not inspiring. The major concept that I absorbed is perfectly described in the following quote:
Because prototypes are meant only to convey an idea—not to be perfect—you can quickly move through a variety of iterations, building on what you’ve learned from the people you’re designing for.
This helped me to understand the need to get the “product” in the hands of the end user, or at least someone close, as quickly and as often as possible. I’ve always had the desire to make something as perfect as possible before getting it to the end user, to only have to make minor tweaks. I’m not sure why, maybe it’s a desire to impress the end user with my initial idea. I don’t know! I do feel that this desire has been holding me back with several products. The new inspiration is to iterate as many times as possible until the product/project develops its own impressiveness.
Not only am I inspired by the content on this particular subject but I’m inspired by the fact that there are so many helpful resources out their for people like us in this creative field!
Process
With this new information in hand I have updated a few steps in my process and cannot wait to implement it into the projects I have planned over the break. The project that I’m excited to implement this process in is the creation of a custom sensor device for the work I’m doing on the eCAT project. There is a need to break outside the mold of the standard GPS units offered by Garmin and to incorporate additional sensors to capture additional required data. The ability to rapidly prototype using 3D printing is going to become extremely important in getting this project off the ground.
I envision the process to go somewhat like the following (however I’m sure there will need to be some flexibility):
- Discussion of Required Information
- Initial Circuit and Code Implementation
- Form Ideation
- Form Modeling
- Form Printing
- Incorporation of Boards, Sensors, Batteries into First Form
- Use It, Break It, See How To Make It Smaller
- Form Re-Ideation
- Form Re-Modeling
- New Print
- Rinse and Repeat Steps 7 – 10
I’m excited to get this project underway and to eventually make the base plans and models available to citizen-scientists around the world.