Session 7: “Iterative Development: Refining Team Designs”
Architect:
Syed Shayaan Haider - Markhor3D
Session Overview
In this session, Grade 7 teams will further develop their collaborative projects through an iterative design process. Teams will work in OnShape to refine their digital models, produce physical prototypes, and then test and gather feedback on their designs. Based on the testing results, they will return to OnShape to make adjustments. This cycle emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement in design, preparing students for real-world engineering challenges.
Placeholder for iterative design cycle image: [Google Image Search “iterative design process diagram”]
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, students will be able to:
- Refine Digital Models: Use OnShape to make detailed improvements to their team designs.
- Prototype and Test: Build physical prototypes of their digital models and evaluate them for functionality and durability.
- Incorporate Feedback: Analyze testing results and peer feedback to identify areas for design improvements.
- Iterate Effectively: Apply iterative development techniques to enhance their project continuously.
- Embrace Adaptability: Understand that continuous refinement is a key part of successful design and engineering.
Teaching Aids
Visual Aids:
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “iterative design process diagram”] – A visual representation of the iterative cycle.
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape refined digital model”] – Examples of refined digital models.
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “3D printed prototype testing”] – Images showing prototype testing and feedback.
Required Equipment:
- Computers or Tablets:
- One per team, with OnShape access and project files open.
- 3D Printer:
- For printing updated prototypes.
- Slicing Software:
- To prepare models for printing.
- Interactive Whiteboard or Projector:
- For live demonstrations and group discussions.
- Measuring Tools:
- Rulers or calipers for evaluating prototypes.
- Notebooks and Pens:
- For recording test results, feedback, and ideas for improvements.
- Assistants or Volunteers:
- To help guide teams through testing, feedback collection, and design refinement.
Structure and Lesson Plan (Total Time: 60 minutes)
1. Introduction and Recap (10 minutes)
- Welcome:
- “Good morning, teams! Today, we’re focusing on refining your designs using an iterative process—this means you’ll design, prototype, test, and then improve your project.”
- Recap of Previous Work:
- “Let’s review your current digital models and the prototypes you built so far. What feedback did you receive in the last session?”
- Overview of Iterative Development:
- “Iteration means making continuous improvements. It’s okay if your first prototype isn’t perfect; every test is a chance to learn and make your design even better.”
2. Digital Model Refinement in OnShape (20 minutes)
- Review and Identify Improvements:
- “Look at your digital model in OnShape. Based on the feedback you received, what are some changes you think are needed? This might include improving fit, enhancing stability, or refining aesthetic details.”
- Live Demonstration:
- "I will demonstrate how to make a few common adjustments in OnShape:
- Adjusting dimensions and constraints to improve accuracy.
- Using the fillet and chamfer tools to smooth sharp edges.
- Adding pattern features to reinforce structural elements."
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape advanced sketching adjustments”]
- "I will demonstrate how to make a few common adjustments in OnShape:
- Hands-On Practice:
- “Now, work with your team to refine your digital model. Make sure your design is fully defined and ready for another round of prototyping.”
- Teacher Support:
- Circulate and assist teams as they make adjustments, ensuring everyone is using the tools effectively.
3. Prototyping and Testing (20 minutes)
- Preparing for Print:
- “Once you’ve refined your digital model, export it as an STL file using the parts menu and right-click method. Import your file into the slicer and adjust settings as needed.”
- Placeholder: [Google Image Search “OnShape export STL”]
- Printing the Prototype:
- “Send your updated design to the 3D printer. While waiting for the print, review your checklist of features to test.”
- Testing Phase:
- “When your prototype is ready, test its functionality. Use measuring tools to check dimensions and apply gentle stress to see how strong it is. Record any issues such as weak spots or parts that don’t fit as intended.”
- Group Discussion:
- “Discuss within your team: What worked well? What did not? Write down your observations and ideas for further improvements.”
4. Sharing Feedback and Planning Next Iterations (5 minutes)
- Team Presentations:
- “Each team, briefly share one key observation from your testing phase and one idea for improvement.”
- Peer Feedback:
- Encourage a few teams to offer constructive feedback to others.
- Teacher Feedback:
- “Great insights, everyone! Your observations are crucial for making your design stronger.”
5. Conclusion and Next Steps (5 minutes)
- Session Summary:
- “Today, you learned how to refine your designs through iterative development. You adjusted your digital models, built prototypes, and tested them to see what improvements are needed.”
- Preview of Next Session:
- “In our next session, we’ll focus on finalizing your designs for presentation and further refinement, ensuring your project is ready for a final showcase.”
- Closing Encouragement:
- “Keep up the great work! Iteration is a key part of design, and every change you make brings you closer to a perfect solution.”
Glossary
- Iteration: The process of repeatedly refining a design based on testing and feedback.
- Geometric Constraints: Rules applied to sketches to control the relationships between elements.
- Feature Patterns: Tools used to replicate design elements efficiently.
- Fillet: A tool used to round off sharp edges in a design.
- Chamfer: A tool used to create beveled edges, reducing stress points.
- Prototype: A preliminary model used for testing and evaluation.
- DFAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing): Guidelines for designing models that are efficient and strong for 3D printing.
For suggestions, improvements, and corrections, feel free to reach out at shayaanhaider@gmail.com