Design Notebook

L3e - Context, Work, Discussion

11-7-04

Context
For this week’s design lab assignment , we will finalize the construction of our water balloon launcher and conduct tests as we assemble it, so that we can be sure it meets all of the initial requirements. When the assembly is complete, we will divide the launcher into a small number of components that are easy to put together. This should allow the launcher to be assembled by another team in a short amount of time. After the launcher is finished, we will create a set of assembly instructions to be read by another team. These instructions will be a mixture of photographs, drawings, and written text that clearly show the assembly of the launcher, as well as clearly show the modifications caused by the KTPPA table we completed some time ago. The launcher will also be tested a set number of times by an 8-year-old, so that we can be sure of the launcher’s ease of operation.

Work
We will construct the launcher and divide it into a small number of components or pre-assembled pieces. We will then conduct “experiments” to determine if the launcher meets the initial distance and safety requirements and can, in fact, be used by an 8-year-old child. We will then create a detailed assembly plan involving pictures, sketches and text as well as the modifications as a result of the KTPPA table. Finally, we will create a formal prediction of how far the balloon will be launched.

Discussion
We completed the launcher and tested it continuously; we constantly made small modifications to improve both distance and accuracy. We made a comprehensive assembly plan with both digital photos and detailed descriptions of how to build and use the launcher. We also allowed an 8-year-old child test the launcher, so that we are now sure that our design could be used by a third grader. Finally we made a final prediction as to how far the balloon will actually travel on Monday.