problem solving
Here is an example of how I used my problem solving skills to develop an electromechanical game board for my master’s capstone project: rekindling. The goal of rekindling is to help families with cancer better communicate to reduce stress in a fun and friendly way.
user experience flow
I needed to design and engineer the central hub to light up when pressed. Since shapes were to be stacked on the hub, I decided to make the outer ring of the hub clickable by creating an array of momentary switches so that the center was stationary. Integrating the button into the hub makes the experience more seamless, as it is accessible from all angles.
prototyping
One of the technical challenges of the hub design that I had to overcome was diffusibility. Illuminating the shapes correctly was at the center of the experience, and thus I experimented with several prototypes exploring diffusibility. After varying the distance between the LEDs and the hub surface as well as material finish, I ultimately used a thin-walled ABS 3D print to enclose a Neopixel ring.
FINAL HUB DESIGN
manufacturability & materials
I knew that the design required an opaque base and semi-transparent center and ring, so I selected initial materials for the breakdown of the hub.
V1 - too many components, hard to assemble
V2 (final) - reduced # of parts, integrated snap fits for assembly.
I performed a quick FEA on the snap fits on the central hub to help determine size of fillets and taper. From there, I wanted to select a plastic that allowed for deflection without plastic deformation. Since I was 3D printing this prototype, I researched available materials and selected nylon for its flexibility and ability to diffuse light.
design for “clickability”
As a delighter for the user, I wanted to make the button ring satisfying to press. After doing research on existing methods to enhance “clickability,” I designed the ring to house three momentary switches. In between each switch, I included a spring-loaded stopper that prevented the button from tipping, and provided additional spring back since the switches’ deflection is minimal (2mm). The stopper is a 4-40 screw that passes through the base to be pressfit into the ring. In between the ring and the base is a spring.
“Clickability” prototyping
