This project showed one of the plethora of ways that engineering projects interact with the real world, and how something as exact as scientific and engineering concepts contain nuance when subject to outside observers. With the end of the year soon, we were given the task of creating some sort of design defense presentation to show our work to potential investors. Furthermore, we recorded a video presentation to be shown to interested individuals, using our work in order to lead up to the final product. This was done through a series of further research and discussions that gave us in-depth knowledge of our own product and how it can be applied in a real life setting.
Using this new knowledge, our teams essentially came up with a pitch for our product. Our team decided to use the previous work that we had done to create a coherent pitch. For our pitch, we not only delved into the experimental work that went into the creation of the product, but the marketing principles that made it sound. For example, our product has an efficient algorithm that uses some ML and geometric means, however it is a sleek interface that is appealing to millennials. Regardless, the product would be investable because all of its different components are extremely innovative.
In addition to the design defense that we created, our group also had to make models of our new project. This included 3D models as well as an example of the algorithm itself that could be tested and displayed. Furthermore, we also 3D printed the model that we had designed online and plan to display it as part of our presentation.
Using this new knowledge, our teams essentially came up with a pitch for our product. Our team decided to use the previous work that we had done to create a coherent pitch. For our pitch, we not only delved into the experimental work that went into the creation of the product, but the marketing principles that made it sound. For example, our product has an efficient algorithm that uses some ML and geometric means, however it is a sleek interface that is appealing to millennials. Regardless, the product would be investable because all of its different components are extremely innovative.
In addition to the design defense that we created, our group also had to make models of our new project. This included 3D models as well as an example of the algorithm itself that could be tested and displayed. Furthermore, we also 3D printed the model that we had designed online and plan to display it as part of our presentation.
Models Created
Tinkercad work from this unit
Final Presentation
Design Defense Video
Reflection
Because our group thought very outside of the box when determining what our project would be, the entire process was both challenging yet rewarding. The work we did was very challenging in the sense that since we were doing something off the beaten path and not just creating 3D models but an algorithm, we often had no other groups to reference or consult for help on any similar issues they may have had. However, this project step was rewarding for all of us, because the deviation from a “normal” project caused all of us to think both critically and creatively, and it was interesting to see us apply the skills we had learned in class to a real life scenario.
While working on such an atypical project, there are certain areas where I believe I performed very well. First and foremost, I believe that I did a good job cooperating with my group and taking on a certain task to get done. Our project had a great deal of moving parts, and there were many things needed other than just a 3D model to make it work. For example, we needed to have a good 3D model and a sample of actual algorithm parts and python code. Thus, we all divided the work amongst our group and worked on things separately in order to have a cohesive final product. I specifically worked on creating our algorithm model with Heston, and I believe that my focus on one thing was helpful to our group as a whole. In the past, I have often found myself with a hand in every aspect of the process. However, by focusing on one specific thing and not trying to take everything on, I believe that our project was able to benefit.
In addition to cooperating with my group and focusing on specific areas of the project I could contribute to, I believe that I was able to make some improvements in finalizing this project. During the end of project steps, I often have a tendency to drift away from my group. I kept this in mind during this project step, and I tried to set goals for my team so we could create a good product. I would like to continue this strategy in the future, as I believe that it made my communicating and collaborating skills as a whole much better.
While there were numerous areas I was able to improve in on this STEM project, there are also certain things that I would like to improve upon going into the future. First and foremost, I would like to get better at managing my time. While time management in our independent sections worked well during the project as we were able to focus on specific project aspects, towards the end, I was tending to skimp out on things the group as a whole needed. For example, I waited until the last minute to put something on our model, something that should have been done earlier. This was largely in part due to the fact that I had a great deal of work to complete in other classes at that point, and a majority of the work for STEM I needed to get done had already been completed in class. To fix this issue in the future, I intend to plan ahead better by using the Gantt chart to manage my time. Additionally, I would like to keep up the level of intensity when doing work in class so I can get the work I need done during project work time without plateauing off near the end.
In addition to time management, another area that I can improve on is being more self aware of my environment. Specifically, I need to act more safely when working on any future project that deals with somewhat dangerous tools. For example, when working on this project, I had to use a saw and drill, and I was admittedly using them in somewhat questionable ways to get the exact cut I wanted. This was further underscored by the fact that I was surrounded by many other students who could have gotten hurt if my cutting and drilling job went awry. To fix this issue in the future, I will be more open to asking adults when I have any issues with the work I am doing.
While working on such an atypical project, there are certain areas where I believe I performed very well. First and foremost, I believe that I did a good job cooperating with my group and taking on a certain task to get done. Our project had a great deal of moving parts, and there were many things needed other than just a 3D model to make it work. For example, we needed to have a good 3D model and a sample of actual algorithm parts and python code. Thus, we all divided the work amongst our group and worked on things separately in order to have a cohesive final product. I specifically worked on creating our algorithm model with Heston, and I believe that my focus on one thing was helpful to our group as a whole. In the past, I have often found myself with a hand in every aspect of the process. However, by focusing on one specific thing and not trying to take everything on, I believe that our project was able to benefit.
In addition to cooperating with my group and focusing on specific areas of the project I could contribute to, I believe that I was able to make some improvements in finalizing this project. During the end of project steps, I often have a tendency to drift away from my group. I kept this in mind during this project step, and I tried to set goals for my team so we could create a good product. I would like to continue this strategy in the future, as I believe that it made my communicating and collaborating skills as a whole much better.
While there were numerous areas I was able to improve in on this STEM project, there are also certain things that I would like to improve upon going into the future. First and foremost, I would like to get better at managing my time. While time management in our independent sections worked well during the project as we were able to focus on specific project aspects, towards the end, I was tending to skimp out on things the group as a whole needed. For example, I waited until the last minute to put something on our model, something that should have been done earlier. This was largely in part due to the fact that I had a great deal of work to complete in other classes at that point, and a majority of the work for STEM I needed to get done had already been completed in class. To fix this issue in the future, I intend to plan ahead better by using the Gantt chart to manage my time. Additionally, I would like to keep up the level of intensity when doing work in class so I can get the work I need done during project work time without plateauing off near the end.
In addition to time management, another area that I can improve on is being more self aware of my environment. Specifically, I need to act more safely when working on any future project that deals with somewhat dangerous tools. For example, when working on this project, I had to use a saw and drill, and I was admittedly using them in somewhat questionable ways to get the exact cut I wanted. This was further underscored by the fact that I was surrounded by many other students who could have gotten hurt if my cutting and drilling job went awry. To fix this issue in the future, I will be more open to asking adults when I have any issues with the work I am doing.