Step 1 Description
Step 1 of this project was to introduce us to engineering and determine what we wanted to do with our project. We first learned how to think like an engineer. We started our project research very broadly, just thinking about science fields that we were interested in, then narrowed it down to specific details over time. We ended step 1 with specific research into what aspects our potential clients wanted included in our design.
Break it Apart Project
In this project we had to take apart an item and research it's components and how they all work. We also had to make sketches of what the object looked like. The item that I chose was a carbon monoxide alarm. We did this project in a group of 4, so my group mates all chose different objects. Once we had finished our individual research we compared all the similarities and differences between our objects. This project helped us to think like an engineer. Instead of just looking at an object, we had to really think about all the different parts that worked together to create a functional product.
Demand and Wishlist
After much debate and brainstorming we decided that our project was going to be a habitat that allowed people to live on Mars. The next step was to create our demand and wishlist. We had to identify the need, define the problem, list design specifications, and lastly clarify the problem. This assignment helped us to clarify where we were going with this project and all the parts that were going to have to go into it.
Human Centered Design
The next component in step 1 was market research and human centered design. We had to really think about our potential client base, the people that would be interested in buying our product, and what they wanted. We identified problems that they would have with our product and tried to find solutions to them.
Customer Survey
The final component of step 1 was the customer survey. Using feedback from our mentor, we created a survey to send out to all the students at our school. The answers we got from the survey will guide us on certain aspects of our design. When designing a habitat that will allow people to safely live on Mars, most design aspects will be made out of necessity, not customer preference. However there are a few things, like windows and number of rooms, could be open for change.
Reflection
I think there are many things that our group has done well at. We have all communicated very well so far. Every group member contributes to discussions and offers potential ideas. I've been in many silent breakout rooms before, but our group is rarely silent. We also cooperate and compromise with each other. Rather than argue about which way is best to it, we often include aspects of both ideas, or have a discussion to determine which way will be the most efficient. This has allowed our group to run smoothly.
One of the things that our group has struggled with is falling behind. It took us a lot of time to come up with an idea in the beginning, so we were behind from the very start. On top of that we have had to redo each step multiple times, which makes it difficult to catch up. During step 2 we need to try to delegate better. We tend to want to all work on each part together, but it would be more efficient if we divided the workload.
One of the things that our group has struggled with is falling behind. It took us a lot of time to come up with an idea in the beginning, so we were behind from the very start. On top of that we have had to redo each step multiple times, which makes it difficult to catch up. During step 2 we need to try to delegate better. We tend to want to all work on each part together, but it would be more efficient if we divided the workload.