Food Waste Processing Device
DATE
Apr - Jun 2024
TYPE
Academic
Engineering Design
Interaction Design
Team Project
RoLE
Lead Designer
Engineer
DELIVERABLEs
Conceptual 3D Model
Physical Prototype
TOOLS
A. Fusion 360
Miro
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. This was the final design project at the end of the class. Our team decided to design a device that create compost from food waste, with the help of black soldier fly.
THE Design PROCESS
I. theory PHASE:
At the start of the class, we explored the philosophical, ethical, societal, and political factors of engineering design. We examined historical design cases and discussed their impact on their respective fields and the world. This phase helped our team understand more about designing, and personally inspired me to continue to pursue creating meaningful products.
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.
II. design PHASE:
The team was split into two groups: Technical and Design. The technical group focused on researching the life and behaviors of black soldier flies, while the design group worked on creating 3D models to visualize the necessary modules and workflow based on their research.
I was the leader of the design team. To ensured smooth communication between our team, I decided to create a share framework on Miro to assist us with our design work. I approached this by modularizing the devices, splitting the big design problem into smaller problems, and tackle them one by one. Then, our team brainstormed the ideas that we can use to solve these problems, and together decided the functions of the device.
III. Prototyping:
After the design phase, due to time limits, our team decided that creating a 3D model on Fusion 360 and a physical prototype from the basic materials would be the most realistic approach. The 3D model was used to visualize the modules included in the devices, and the Physical Prototype was used to demonstrate the user flow of the device.
From the design framework on Miro, the design team get on Fusion 360 and draw the 3D model together, while the others found materials and planed the process of creating the physical model.
From the design framework on Miro, the design team get on Fusion 360 and draw the 3D model together, while the others found materials and planed the process of creating the physical model.
The 3D models
After the 3D models on Fusion 360, all members of the team get together to the lab and create the physical model with drills, glue gun, and tape. The Physical Prototype is shown in the picture below.
The Physical Prototype
Pitched by Ryan, the leader of the whole team
Pitched by Ryan, the leader of the whole team
Takeaways
This project was an incredibly valuable experience for me, especially in my growth as a designer. Initially, I was skeptical about using black soldier flies, since keeping a box full of insects and maggots in apartments felt unconventional and irrational. However, this challenge pushed me far outside my comfort zone, requiring me to tackle unfamiliar problems and embrace a new perspective.
The experience was not only fun but also refreshing, as it allowed me to design without being overly critical about every choice. Beyond honing my design skills, working with people with different personalities and cultural backgrounds was also a challenge.
To support the team, I developed a design framework on Miro for brainstorming and organizing ideas. Using this framework, we defined the problem, explored viable solutions, and decided the modular components of the final device. This approach helped us work efficiently and cohesively throughout the process.
The experience was not only fun but also refreshing, as it allowed me to design without being overly critical about every choice. Beyond honing my design skills, working with people with different personalities and cultural backgrounds was also a challenge.
To support the team, I developed a design framework on Miro for brainstorming and organizing ideas. Using this framework, we defined the problem, explored viable solutions, and decided the modular components of the final device. This approach helped us work efficiently and cohesively throughout the process.
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.
Out of the box
Approach problems in a non-traditional way.