The Design Council has kept busy during online school! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to work on our projects in the design workshops. Thus, to further our learning on socially responsible design, our members were given the choice to complete one of the Online Design Council Projects.
1. Developing a Design Solution
This project enabled members to develop a greater understanding of socially responsible design by producing a design-based solution to a prominent problem. Once members thought of a solution, CAD software like SpaceClaim, Sketchup, and Shapr3D were used to create a 3D model. Members could also produce high-fidelity prototypes at home using cardboard and other materials.
A few ideas our President provided are listed below:
Mask adjustor (e.g. if the mask is too big or if the string is too long)
Pencil & pen holder that minimizes pressure and thereby pain on wrists
A problem pertaining to a specific engineering field members are interested in
For this project, Sanskriti developed a COVID-19 Temperature Scanner. Read more about it here: https://designcouncil.wixsite.com/my-site/post/covid-19-temperature-scanner-a-design-solution
2. Analysing Revolutionary Design Solutions
Analysis and evaluation are fundamental skills in design and engineering disciplines. In this project, members analysed cool design solutions around the world. Additionally, members evaluated them based on their design features and ultimate purpose. This project option is especially interesting for those interested in ergonomics!
Here, Jiwon analysed the OpenBionics Hero arm: https://designcouncil.wixsite.com/my-site/post/analysis-of-the-openbionics-hero-arm
Petch also evaluated ergonomic computer peripherals: https://designcouncil.wixsite.com/my-site/post/analysis-of-the-logitech-wireless-wave-combo
3. Designing an Innovative Product
This option gave members the freedom to explore their unique creative ideas. The project is similar to the first one, but it doesn't necessarily entail members to focus on a real life problem. For example, members could create a new perfume bottle design!
Moving Forward
These projects ultimately helped the members in the Design Council to continue to broaden our design insights. Now that we have returned to school, we will continue to work on the pamphlet holders! Stay tuned for updates :)
Written by Nichapatr (Petch) Lomtakul