March 2- The Presentation- Test Mode

At the critique, we presented our design to the class and walked the class through our design process. After discussing our next steps in the design process, we decided that we should certainly tweak a few design elements to make the design more usable if and when it becomes a reality. These improvements include: changing the slices to have a smoother transition around the entire pallate, smoothing/widening the cuts of the seats (so as not to scratch users), possibly adding a negative space through the bench (to soften the massive size of the bench), and possibly slicing the bench the other direction. These improvements will definitely make our design more practical before we attempt to make the bench a reality. Our current plan is to continue working on the bench during the spring term: hopefully I can continue to work in class and Manoc and I can work together on the weekends, during consultation, or in our free time until the design is complete.

February 27 (Reading Day)- Final Assembly/Cleanup

Finally, today (starting at 7:30am!), we were able to finish putting together the bench after Mr. Brodie drilled the holes, enlarging them enough to make the rods fit properly. After that, we finished putting all the pieces on the rods and tightening the bolts. We then had to saw off the extra rod on the end, which was time consuming! Because we didn’t finish before we had to go take a test, we came back at 4pm to finish cutting the rest of the rods and cleaning up. Because we thought it would be beneficial to have visuals of where the cushions would go on the bench to help our classmates visualize during the critique what the finished product will look like, we then measured the holes and cut out different colored “cushions” with exacto knives because all the scissors were already in GCAD! Then, we used crumpled paper towel to make the paper stick up like a real cushion would. Hopefully, the two other brushes will be finsihed before the presentation on Monday so we can give our audience a sense of what it will really look like and hear some feedback from them.

February 25- Assembly (continued)

Today, we got about half way through the bench assembly because we had an issue with the one “problem” piece that printed the holes for the rods in the completely wrong spot. After successfully fixing the problem and reprinting the piece, we then realized that we forgot to enlarge the size of the holes for the rods when we reprinted it. Because of this issue, we weren’t able to finish assembling the bench until the hole was fixed.

February 24- Assembly!

Today, we finshed punching out our spacers so they would be readily accessible when we started assembling the bench. We then began putting together the bench, although we only had a few of the rods necessary. We got about 1/4 of the way done in our short class peiod because we had to work a little slower than usual to ensure that the pieces were in the right order. We also got our first assembled brush from Mr. Brodie which will hopefullyfit perfectly on the bench.

February 20- Prototype Mode

Today, we finally finished altering the holes for the scale model of the bench so that we would be able to use a standard 1/4 inch rod. After finishing the holes, we arranged the pieces on 31×20 inch squares (the size of the plywood) for easy printing once transferring to the desktop computer. We also deigned and tested out spacers, luckily, they fit perfectly. After printing 385 spacers, we started printing the pieces for the bench while we punched out the spacers from the plywood, as some were not cut fully through. Over the weekend, Mr. Brodie finished printing the pieces for us as well as started printing the brushes for us. Hopefully, we will be able to put everything together in class tomorrow! Next step after putting together the scale model is making sure everything looks and functions according to plan- we might be able to begin working toward the full size bench before long.

February 17- Prototype Mode

We decided that the three brushes stacked on each other looked much better in proportion to the bench and looked more natural than just one brush. We booleaned these objects so we can have the three brushes fit together like puzzle pieces on top of each other so they can easily be glued together. Once we were done with boolean subtraction, we moved the brushes back to the unsliced 3d model and then once we confirmed they fit, we moved them over to the sliced model. We have now completed the model, so the next step is removing all the sliced pieces and laying them out for the laser cutter. After these parts are printed in the coming days, we can put them all together, hopefully yielding a perfect scale model.

February 13- Prototype Mode

After being able to successfully make the holes in the bench for the connecting rods, we needed to design the brushes. We took a background image from online to get the general outline for the brush proportions and shape. We traced half of it and then revolved it around its center axis to make a full brush for the bench. We extruded it on all sides and then exported it to our main file on the GCAD-6 computer. We then followed our 2D model on the other computer and used the idea of three brushes together(2D Model of Seats picture) to design how these brushes would sit on the bench. We first placed two of them on the bench and made sure they didn’t overlap with any of the seats or cushions. Then for the third brush we experimented. We tried out different looks for the third brush and we even made it smaller once to try out different sizes. We ended up commiting to the idea of stacking the third brush on top of the other two and angling it.

February 6- Prototype Mode

Building off of last class, we continued working on the location for the rods to go through the bench. We were finally able to successfully slice the bench in the Rhino software and soon we will be carving the holes for the rods in the sliced version of the bench, too. We also might need to round off the edges on the sides of the bench, especially where the wood is carved for the seats to ensure the edges aren’t sharp enough to create possible safety hazards.

February 4- Prototype Mode

Today our goal is to get the rod indents aligned with the 3D model. We want each slice of the bench to have at least two rods going through it for stability, which proves harder than expected because of the changing sizes of the pieces from one side of the bench to the other. Because the sliced model will be slightly different than the solid 3d model, we had quite a bit of trouble getting the boolean subtraction for the rods to be in the right place for the sliced model (so that every piece had at least 2 rods running through it). We also had many problems getting the slicing tool to slice the bench the correct direction, as well. After many problems with the Boolean2Objects(BooleanSubtraction), we closed down the app and restarted it. We then used Boolean again and were able to successfully Booleen the rods and the bench.

February 3- Continued Research of Materials

We started off this class with a continuation of the searching process for zippers that would be both cheap and quality for our cushions. We started to stray away from the idea of having colored zippers because of the possible price increase and a risk of the zippers not blending well with the cushions. Instead we were thinking of going with a uniform black so all the cushions have the same color zipper. We found some cheap ones and some others that may be more expensive because they are lesser qualities. With the zippers we decided it would be time to start thinking about overall pricing of the materials we would need which include: zippers, cushion covers and the materials needed for the bench. We then went back to designing and started creating rods to put through the bench to hold it all together.

January 30- Continued Refining of Designs/ Prototype Mode

Last class we left off with the seating arrangements nearly finished. The only thing left to do with the seat cushions was to extrude it and add it to the 3D bench model. We wanted to make the cushions 2 inches deep so we extrude the the 6 seating areas to the 2 inches and decided the middle would be made out of foam since it is one the more accessible materials. Once extruded we brought the seats over to the previous 3D bench and aligned it with the correct axis that fits the top of the bench. Once set into place on the bench, we used the Boolean tool to create the indents in the bench and set the seats into place, curved fully with the bench. After that was done we needed to do some shopping and brainstorming to see what materials were available on the web. After some searching we found the foam and perfect canvas materials we were looking for. The prices were decent and the material was top notch, with the canvas being waterproof as an added bonus. The waterproof feature would prove useful for us since it would avoid stains and leakage in the cushions. We chose the color for the cushions: Periwinkle, red, yellow, royal blue, orange and kelly green on the site FWD.com

January 28- Transition from Prototype Mode to Test Mode

Since we product is fully to scale and fully 3D, the only tasks left for us were the seating arrangements, 3D brushes, and the terraform slicing. Today we decided to focus solely on the seating arrangements and since the GCAD open house was postponed, it lets us work on this to perfection. We took the measurements we acquired before and altered them to best set our seating requirements. We first found what cloth/fabric we would use in the cushion and we found that Canvas was the strongest and most durable fabric to use for our cushions. With this we also found that having a circular cushion would best to fit our project as it would fit the “Palette” theme that we are reaching for. Then we started setting parameters for the cushions on the 2D model bench. We made space at the edge to best compliment the bench also provided space in between the brush backrest and the cushion area. Once the parameters were set we had to make sure the spacing between the cushions was enough and give the users a comfortable amount of room in between them. We finished the class with the parameter fully set, ready to be extruded and added to the 3D model.

January 23- Contiunuation of Prototype Mode

Today we worked a lot on the 3D design and started using the loft, offset and scale tool. With scale and offset we took the outlines from our 2D design and made it bigger or smaller, and this way we were also able to loft multiple surfaces together so we could get a lofted 3D model. After experimenting for a while and trying to find the surface that fits the best for our bench we found one that worked perfectly. To top it off we then created a surface with planar curve on both the top and the bottom of the 3D model. Finally we able to merge all the surfaces of the 3D model and we got a near finished product. The product is fully to scale, and has curve on the sides to compliment the bench. All that is left is the seats, the brushes and the slices to fit the terraforming theme of our project.

January 22- Prototype Mode/Testing

Today we made great strides in our sketches and we are now extremely close to completing our sketches. Manoc and I continued to work on the palette and started extruding the curves so we can put the design together virtually, making the design 3D. With the “infinity” bench, we have finished the first 2D model after we addressed the problem of not enough seating. With the new and improved design we can fit much more people comfortably. At this point, one of the bigger things that continues to hold us back from seriously pursuing the infinity design is the immense complexity of the design which will surely take more time and resources, and we would like to have the bench constructed fairly soon so students can begin to utilize it. We are looking forward to the critique (presentation) on Thursday and we hope to get additional feedback that will help us improve our design.

January 20- Prototype Mode (continued)

Today, Manoc and I continued work on the two bench designs, the “pallate” and “infinity” benches. We successfully found a way to solve the proportion issues encountered when enlargening the bench by adding 3 paint brushes (all smaller) instead of one HUGE one. Manoc continued tracing the infinity bench from the initial picture so we can put our own twist on the design, making it more uniquely ours while also providing more seating (as the issue was one of the most important). While the infinity bench still needs some work with the specific design, it is coming along and we will hopefully be able to arrive at some firm sketches before our second critique on Thursday. I worked on the pallate design and performed an experiment (by asking some of the students in our class to sit at the distance they woruld feel comfortable sitting apart from each other if they were strangers) to see if the recommended dimentions on the seating document are correct. We found that allowing 24 inches per person is a perfect amount because it lets each person have enough space to be comfortable. Next class we will work to begin the “slicing” of the 3d modeling of the pallate bench, and possibly the infinity bench (if it makes sense to do so- depending on feedback from peers and Mr. Brodie).

January 19- Prototype Mode (continued)

We have been working to construct drawings of our original design in Rhino 3-d software. We are also working on our other “twist” design in Rhino so we can keep both options open in the hopes that we will be able to cut both designs in cardboard to present to the class at our upcoming critique. We recently encountered trouble with our measurements and proportions in regards to the pallate design, though because in order to keep the shape of the pallate, the bench cannot be as long as originally planned. Therefore, we have less space for seating, and because of our design (with space in between the indented spaces for paint), we will not be able to fit as many people on the bench as originally planned and expected.

January 14-Prototype Mode

We imported the “palette” design on to rhino and our first plan of action was to set it to scale, with our parameters: Length: 12 feet Width: 56 inches Beam width: 6 inches Space To Beam: 21 inches. We decided to stick to the blueprints and made the max seating space the recommended 18-20 inches, the good thing about this “palette” is that the seating space gets smaller as it gets closer to the edges, leaving room for smaller people with smaller seats. We decided to also allow each seating space to have 24 inches of width space so people don’t feel too crowded, while pursuing an idea of colored cushions as a seating area that is relaxing to our users. This would also give the bench more of our “palette” identity, as these cushions could be different colors, just like paint in a palette. After the problem of our brush seeming somewhat microscopic compared to the pallate, we attempted to enlarge it. Our next problem however, was that the new paintbrush was too large in proportion to the pallate and it therefore left too little space for seating. Additionally, when we started working on the prototype for the brush, the tip was sticking off the bench, which could become a safety hazard to users. Therefore, we tried minimizing the overhanging amount while also making the paintbrush look realistic. We are currently working on enlarging the length of the bench so we are able to fit more people comfortably, however with this, we are still having diffuculties with proportions. Our goal is to incorporate space in between the indentations, as per our original design, but with extra spacing in between, the current length does not allow for more than about 2 people (comfortably). If we increase the length more and keep the current proportions, the bench might stick out from underneath the staircase, whioch might prove to be a problem.

January 13- Ideate Mode

Going off of our problem statement, we chose to make a bench, as previously mentioned. However, as we attempt to actually design our sketches in rhino, it is becoming increasingly obvious which designs will be feasible and which will be simply too complex for our machinery and time constraints. We have narrowed our many ideas down into two separate ideas which are different enough that if render one idea impracticable because of space, board requirements, rejection by popular opinion in feedback (after the product is more of a reality and the audience suddenly disapproves because it turns out differently than they imagined) or issues with complexity for our machinery, we can turn to the other idea. A benefit of carrying out more than one design is as the two are developed in our 3-d models, we might decide that one design fulfills our original vision more than the other in addition to being more practical, which will satisfy everyone. One idea includes our original idea of the paintbrush and palette bench (which is complex, but we have more of our ideas already in place). Our second design is still more up in the air because it could incorporate the infinity/figure 8 swirl design we recently decided to investigate further, which carries much more complexity, and it still remains unclear how to maximize seating with such a complex design. Also, another thought concerning both ideas is how the bench will maximize space under the staircase, which was mentioned by several of our peers during the critique concerning whether the bench will wrap around the stairs, have some type of shelves, desk, etc, in order to use the space under the stairs that is too short for people to walk or sit under.

When we took a trip to the new building for measurements, we noted the following measurements: -width of staircase: 56 inches, -possible length of bench: 12 feet, beam width: 6 in, distance from outside to halfway beam: 21 in

January 9- Critique

During the critique, we obtained new information about our design process and ideas involving our design. Some ideas from our classmates are as follows: Could the design allow the bench to be taken apart? Will our bench maximize space by wrapping around the staircase? Will our bench be crafted from organic materials? Will the color blend or contrast with the rest of the room and the design of the building? (Also, we should keep in mind that the wood in the building is “walnut” colored).

January 8- Define Mode & Problem Statement

As the new Gruss Center for Art and Design has recently completed construction, we are now charged with the task of decorating the interior. As a way to maximize space and accommodate tired Lawrenceville legs, we have decided to make a bench to put under the stairwell in the main lobby. This will have to fit the design of the building, including its modernity. Also, it would be beneficial if the bench incorporated “artsy” elements like symbols from painting, ceramics, or even engineering. Constraints of the project include appealing to community (in terms of accessibility, comfort of seating, and visual attractiveness) and the project needs to be completed by the open house at the end of January, it must fit in the stairwell and cannot have too many curves, especially when the majority of the building has straight, crisp, lines. In addition, another constraint might be the requirement by law for there to be some type of a rail to be put on the ground so the blind do not run into the staircase. We will try to fulfill this requirement as part of our project, but it may add too much complexity to our design.

January 6- Empathize Mode & Constraints

1. can be made of any material
2. must have a digital model
3. must follow each step in the design process
4. must have design board to market item
5. must have design prototype, working drawings, virtual 3d model must be ready by open house (Feb 3)
6. come up with realistic cost (materials, labor)

Brainstorming:

1. can opener
2. fan pull
3. quarter holder (for laundry)
4. dish sponge holder (for house kitchen)
5. bench for new art building
6. desk organizer
7. curtain holder
8. fob wristband

December 12- Paragraph- What is 3D Printing and How Does it Work?

I learned the basics of 3D printing from this video like what materials can be used in 3D printing (plastic, metals, possibly concrete) and how 3D printing is helping us in our everyday lives. I now know how 3D printing will help us in our design class, one of which is that we can visualize how our designs can come to life in a time and cost efficient way.

December 12- Notes on Using the Laser Cutter

• save design on flash drive, move to desktop for printing
• rectangle size of sheet, but delete before printing
• print ->properties ->set sheet size ->vector cut (straight through and .001 line weight or less) or raster etching (just top layer of cardboard)
• set vector setting (cardboard 30-100-10) (plywood 12-100-20) (foam 20-100-20)
• use epilogue manager driver NOT rhino
• uncheck “send to laser”
• set the window (click center dot, move)
• print-> sends it to epilogue manager ->jobs -> click on job (quick print)
• turn on exhaust fan and compressor (full speed)
• turn on machine
• set focus of laser
• take piece of material (concave side down)
• move table so metal triangle barely touches

December 11- Paragraph- What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

In this video, I learned that the Fourth Industrial Revolution involves changes in revolutionary advances in digital, physical, and biological science, all of which hold pivitol roles in our everyday society. Like previous revolutions, revolutions change us because they allow us to advance our knowledge in the quest to “know” ourselves. As we begin to know ourselves better and better, we change our values as a society, leading to more advances in society. Also mentioned as a future goal in the fourth revolution is the goal to produce with quality in mind over quantity. This ensures our work will have a greater positive impact on society as well as ensure our products do not put people at risk of injury. These lessons apply to my desgin class because they show that technology has the potential to greatly advace our society, however, it also has the potential to wreck it if not used correctly. Therefore, I will make sure to use the lessons I learned in this video by ensuring quality and durability over quantity (or speed). This will ultimately lead to a better class experience as well as having more takeways that will help us in the future.

December 9- Finished Prototype

December 4- Ted Talk with Tom Chi

Three Rules of Prototyping:

• Find the quickest path to experience
• Doing is the best kind of thinking
• Use materials that move at the speed of thought to maximize your rate of learning

I learned from Tom Chi’s ted talk that anyone can be an inventor and can reach “expansive learning” no matter access to technology. In fact, as he states, using materials that “move at the speed of thought” allow people to learn the most from their experiments in order to reach a solution to their design problem faster. I can use this advice while working to find a solution to my design problem as well. Additionally, as he says in the first rule, one should “find the quickest path to experience” because it will help the designer rule out any major design flaws and be able to see how (or if!) the design will offer a solution to the design problem. Finally, I learned that “doing is the best kind of thinking”, therefore, one should strive to experiment with materials in order to find the best path to a solution. These steps help me have a deeper understanding of how I can attack my projects in the design lab.

December 3- A Picture of Me