Fling Machine

Our fling machine started off strong in the first few flings, but quickly lost its effectiveness as the aluminum and pipe-cleaner entwined straws became less and less sturdy. Our design, shown to the left, is a slingshot-like structure with straw and pipe-cleaners as the base, the rubber band acting as the starting trigger, and the aluminum foil serving as support for the cotton ball. My partner Katie and I worked effectively and contributed equally in this project. Given the opportunity to optimize my design, I would work on stabilizing and strengthening the structure in order to get more consistent results. We would have been more effective if we had time-managed better, as we often found ourselves short on time. Considering that a lot of teams didn't bring the materials needed, they made more simplistic designs, sometimes only using one material. I felt as though none of those designs were particularly innovative, though they were effective in terms of flinging the cotton ball far. Below is my reflection on this project.

Unit Conversion Reflection

For this project, our team brainstormed ways to make Unit Conversions "fun." Seeing as everyone was doing a powerpoint or prezi of some kind, we decided to try something different: make a movie. We researched all the information, worked to incorporate it into the script, came up with a mildly relevant plot,  and finally acting it all out. Overall i'm proud of how it turned out. Here is the final product; Measurement Man: The (MM)ovie.

Color Theory

A color scheme is an arrangement or combination of colors, typically used in design. Here are a few examples of the different types of color schemes. 

Monochromatic Colors: A monochromatic color scheme is a scheme with a single color in various hues. It is used due to being simple and easy to look at. Here is an example of this color scheme. 

Analogous Colors: A analogous color scheme is a scheme with colors next to each other on the color wheel. It is used because they typically match well and create a harmonious design. Here is an example of this color scheme. 

Complementary Colors: A complementary color scheme is a scheme with colors opposite of each other on the color wheel. It is used for its eye-catching look. Here is an example of this color scheme. 

Color Triads: A color triad scheme is a scheme with colors evenly spaced apart on the color wheel. It is used for its vibrancy. Here is an example of this color scheme. 

Split Complementary: A split complementary scheme is a scheme that is a slight variation to the complementary colors scheme, with a base color accented with two adjacent colors. It is used for its strong visual contrast. Here is an example of this color scheme. 

Multi-View Sketching

1). The purpose of construction and object lines is to act as a guide and help as you draw lins.

2). Hidden lines and center lines give the object more depth and proportion.

3). Perspective drawing is the type of pictorial shown in the first representation in number 2. You can because the lines converged.

4). The type of pictorial shown is isometric due to all angles being visible.

5). This is because multi-view drawings give the design more depth and detail, making it overall more clear and concise.

Concept Solution

Here is my finalized solution to my problem. In my presentation, I went over recycling statistics and explained my solution in detail, as well as providing a small little quiz to emphasize my problem, ie. it can be tricky figuring out what is trash and what is recyclable. Overall, I enjoyed this project, and I ended up learning a lot about recycling.

Reflection Interview #1

Today's video chat with an actual designer was definitely an experience. Not only was the Q&A informative and helpful, I liked how in a sense we were exploring career options. Most high schoolers still have yet to decide what they want to be, so it was definitely nice for a designer to talk to us about what it's like to be a designer. 

Revised Concept Sketch

Original Concept Sketch

Revised Concept Sketch 

Notes: 

• Paper is made of easily attachable sticker paper
• More items will be added to paper, the current list is only a generalized composition of items
• Separate lists will be made for compost and trash bins as well, but due to my problem being linked to recycling, my primary focus is the recycling bin. 

Solution

The act of recycling is an relatively easy task that leaves a relatively huge impact on the environment. Recycling reduces landfill waste, energy consumption, pollution, and overall cost. However, recycling can get confusing. It's not even a matter of common sense. Say I have a used tissue, do I trash it, or do I recycle it? It's technically paper, but it's also technically covered in snot. My solution to this is simple and cost effective; compile a list similar to this and have relevant information printed onto the recycle, trash, and compost bins respectively. In doing so, you'll essentially eliminate all recycling confusion.

Note: Don't recycle the used tissue, that's just nasty.

Problems

1). People don't recycle.

2). The iPhone doesn't have a long battery life.

3). Locks are too inconvenient.

Line Work

Lines communicate an array of emotions, depending on how they are shaped, connected, and even emphasized. For example, dark lines may signify darker emotions, such as anger, while light lines may emphasize light emotions, such as happiness. 

                                         

My partner's feedback was to try to convey what my gesture drawing was doing, along with shading my structural drawing more. 

Self as Designer

The above drawing was made using paper, pastels, and my own vague sense of geography. The picture is of me, and in a sense, everyone (on a micro level of course). My goals for this class are the following; 
-Develop better artistic skills
-Understand design as a whole
-Overall become a better designer
-Have fun

Product Improvement

The above product is our solution to tangled ear buds. The cover, which is an extra 3/4" thicker and 1/2" wider, allows the user to loop their ear buds around the knobs, with the ear buds falling through the indents. With the use of the hinges to enclose the ear buds with the cover, it can be closed with the locking mechanism in the clasp. 

Factors to consider when changing or enhancing a design would be the following; Is it realistic, is it necessary, and is it efficient? It's important to document your brainstorming process so as to not forget your ideas. Sketching provides you a visual other than your mindset, and allows you to clearly see your design (including its flaws). An effective technique my partner and I demonstrated was when we brought out an actual iPhone case and ear buds as a visual, which made the concept easier to understand. 

Bridge Design

Brainstorming proves to be helpful when solving problems, as it allows you to carefully consider a solution more thoroughly. Testing helps pick out any flaws that may be in your design, and help you improve on your mistakes. Important characteristics in a successful are  a willingness to cooperate, efficiency, and most importantly; team work. We had a lot to improve on, particularly minor details such as distributing all the people blocks into the bridge and adjusting the bridge so it didn’t touch the table.