interaction design studio
I got the chance to enrolled in the Interaction Design Studio course during my second semester in POSTECH. Our class consists of 7 students from South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam.
DATE
April - June 2024
TYPE
Course Project
RoLE
Lead Designer
Engineer
Engineer
DELIVERABLEs
Conceptual 3D Model
Physical Model
Physical Model
TOOLS
Autodesk Fusion 360
Miro
Engineering Tools
Miro
Engineering Tools
THE Design PROCESS
I. theory PHASE:
At the beginning of the class, the students learned about the Philosophical, Ethical, Societal, Political factors of Engineering Design. We examined the design cases in the history and discuss how these designs impacts their fields and the world.
We decided to choose Food Waste as the theme of our final project of the class. The design process of this device was done during the second half of the semester.
We decided to choose Food Waste as the theme of our final project of the class. The design process of this device was done during the second half of the semester.
II. design PHASE:
The team were split into 2 groups: Technical & Design. The technical group focus on researching about the life & behaviors of black soldier fly. The design group focusing on making 3D models to visualized the necessary modules & work flow based on the research of the technical group.
I was the leader of the design group, together with 2 other students. We work together using Miro to brainstorm the problems and our idea, we then co-design the device together on Fusion 360. After the digital version is done, the whole class come together to build the physical model, using simple materials like cardboard, glasses & plastic bottles.
I was the leader of the design group, together with 2 other students. We work together using Miro to brainstorm the problems and our idea, we then co-design the device together on Fusion 360. After the digital version is done, the whole class come together to build the physical model, using simple materials like cardboard, glasses & plastic bottles.
The design workspace of our team on MIRO
The 3D models
The Physical Prototype
Takeaways
This course and project was enlightening for me as someone wanting to pursue a career in product design. During the theory phase, I learned a lot about how technological innovations shaped the world in the industrial revolutions, the relationship between human to human, society, ecology & technology.
Key Knowledge
Designs shape Society
The story of the Robert Moses's bridges in New York City with low profile & elegance architecture but limit accessibility of people from the less affluent communities. This case study have taught me that equity and accessibility are extremely important when making design decisions.
Abandon the average, Design to the edges
I have learned through the case study of Daniel Gilbert that designing for the mythical "average user" is designing for no one, and the one-size-fit-all design philosophy is no longer suitable for the modern world. Instead, we should be inclusive, design for the marginalized users will ensure solutions for everyone in the margins.
Collaboration & Interdisciplinary is Key
I have learned that collaboration between different human and discipline is essential in the engineering design process. By combining technology with liberal arts & humanity, we can create efficient and innovative products.
During the project, I am the leader of the design team. This is an extremely valuable experience for me. During this project, beside practicing designing, I also have to consider the teamworking aspects, how to balance the team with different personalities & from different culture, how to create a framework or a platform for the team to work together, etc. I have been able to setup a design framework on Miro for the team. We use that framework to brainstorm our idea for the modules in our devices, from defining problem, to brainstorming the viable solutions, to combining these module into the device.
I worked with my other teammates when designing the 3D models, and when trying to make the physical model. This project was a fun way for us to apply what we had learned during the theory phase.
I worked with my other teammates when designing the 3D models, and when trying to make the physical model. This project was a fun way for us to apply what we had learned during the theory phase.
Key Skills
Design Thinking
Apply the design thinking process, from examining the problem, brainstorming, to design a digital & physical prototype.
Multi-cultural experience
Learning & working with people from different countries & cultures.