Project 4: Summary and Objectives

This project centered on improving the daily life of Tiffany, a client with specific needs due to spina bifida. This project was open ended and teams are challenged to delve into the engineering design process, to create a design solution that enhances Tiffany's everyday life. Our team decided to work on a design solution that helps our client plug in cords into different outlets.

The main objectives of the project were:

1) Brainstorm an impactful design problem that directly addresses the client's needs

2) Create practical conceptual prototypes through an iterative design process.

3) Effectively communicate the design ideas to non-team members and incorporate the feedback when refining the design.

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Skills Gained

Prototype development and CAD skills

Critical thinking and problem solving to come up with an effective design solution

Performing testing plans and using peer feedback to refine the design

Learned how to effectively present our design at the final project showcase

Team and Individual Contributions

Throughout the design process, I actively contributed to my team's efforts. Initially focusing on problem framing and helping them figure out which of our client’s problem to address using my client notes. We aimed to address a significant challenge faced by Tiffany—her difficulty with plugging in electrical outlets. So we all started working on initial conceptual designs and I proposed a solution centred around an extendable device equipped with a specialized attachment for securing plugs, alongside hooks for managing cords. After the evaluation of the prototyping phase, we decided to merge my prototype with another teammate's, leading to the development of our final prototype. After this, I designed the hooks on Inventor and recommended the adaptation of an existing mechanism instead of creating everything from scratch. This approach simplified our design process and reduced the complexity associated with fabricating our device. As the subject matter expert, I fulfilled my administrative responsibilities and managed the source materials database. For the final report, I focused on completing the finalized design concept section, compiling references, completing the source materials database, and creating engineering drawings for all CAD-designed components of our solution.

Project 4: Final Report

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Reflection

Project 4 was by far the most open-ended project of the entire ENG1P13 course. Reflecting on this project, for me it was mainly about personal growth in working with teams and a deeper understanding of engineering’s impact on the real world. This project was not just about engineering, it was also about empathy, understanding and solving real-world problems. The initial stages were really exciting yet also filled with uncertainty about how we were going to accomplish the objectives of this project. The questions began to arise: Had we truly understood Tiffany’s need? Were we designing for her or the sake of innovation? This brainstorming led to to focus our device more on a user-centred design instead of just aiming at high-tech solutions

Our group’s success in this project is evident as were were one of the top 6 teams out of 277 teams to be selected for the final design showcase. Our success in the project was directly related to listening to what each person had to say and, more importantly, what Tiffany could teach us about solving her problems. As a group of people with diverse skill sets, I learned the importance of diverse perspectives.

Reflecting on the iterative design process and the constant back-and-forth between prototyping and feedback, I wonder if we could have done things differently. What if we had involved Tiffany more intimately in every stage of the design process? Could we have discovered a simpler solution that simplified our design and made it more effective? On a personal level, this project taught me the value of patience, perseverance, and the courage to challenge my assumptions. As I move forward, I carry with me a deeper understanding of the impact engineering can have on improving lives. The questions and challenges this project posed have not only made me a better engineer but a more thoughtful individual.

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References

[1] P. Doherty, “The power of community engagement,” CEO Monthly, https://www.ceo-review.com/the-power-of-community-engagement/ (accessed Apr. 10, 2024).

[2] “Website design: Design a website that sets you apart,” Wix.com, https://www.wix.com/website/design (accessed Jan. 8, 2024).