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- Community-Based Engineering Design -
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This site presents the progress made on the development of a product designed to solve a problem in the community. Scroll down to see my project and all of its detail!
Journey
A week by week log of what the team accomplished!
Week 1:
01/10/2018
Today, as a class, we were visited by, different organizations presenting their specific problems and ideas on how to solve their pressing problems. Of all the great presentations, the project that I was interested in was the Little Free Library.
Week 3:
Week 2:
Allen, Tanya, and I were assigned to the Little Free Library project, in which we were to construct a mini-library for the students at Rocketship Mosaic Elementary School (ROMO). Prior to talking with Jenny, our group prepared a set of questions that would help us understand what Jenny was looking for, and we planned out how we would execute the introductory meeting - Allen and I would ask questions, and Tanya would take notes.
After introducing ourselves, I asked Jenny who the critical customers were for this project. Initially, during the planning period, the team had discussed that the students could be the critical customers for the library. However, Jenny clarified by saying that the primary users "would be the community of the school but theoretically speaking, anybody could use [the library]. The library would still be here open during the summer so it's also for the greater community." Thus, the critical customers were not just the students, but also the local community. Then, Allen asked Jenny how many books would be needed to store in the library, and Jenny responded by saying that the school had an excess amount of books, and so this library would provide the administrators a way to store those books. Once we gained a sense of understanding why the library was needed, I then proceeded to ask about the dimensions of the library. Jenny responded by stating that she was looking for a library with "about 5-6 shelves which could store stay 200 books but could be accessed by kids of all heights. The minimum height [dependent on the shortest student] would be around 2-3 feet and the maximum height would be around my height: 5 feet." Then, I asked if there would be any environmental challenges, and she said that the fences don't protect the area from the strong wind and rain. That would mean that library would require certain some sort of protective measure to keep the library stable.
Once we began understanding what Jenny was looking for, Allen asked if there were any recyclable items that we could use. Fortunately, she was able to find some wood that we could use for the library. We took pictures of the recyclable items (look to your left). Hopefully, we can use these items in order to reduce the financial costs of the library.
As I reflect upon the interview, I think that this meeting was very useful as it allowed us to develop a relationship with Jenny and also understand her project specifications. Also, we were able to go to the site and visualize how we could implement the project. For the following week, my group agreed to develop a basic product design with cost-analysis using the information provided by Jenny.
01/17/2018
Stack of 5 12-feet long wood plank.
Library will be placed in the dirt outside the school
Initial Design #1 w/o cost-analysis
Team Post
For this week, Allen, Tanya, and I worked on developing an initial design for the little library project. We designed a basic sketch (see right), in which we drew how we would store the books and balance the library based on Jenny's requirements. Since Jenny wanted to see some sort of school theme incorporated in this project, we envisioned the library being shaped like a rocket with the colors of ROMO. After discussing our designs, we weren't sure if it would be better to position the library vertically or horizontally. We decided to redesign our initial design using the ideas that we discussed in the meeting. Next week, we hope to come up with a final design to show Jenny.
Also, during the meeting, we worked on a Gantt chart, in which we sorted out our plan for the next 8 weeks. We discussed what supplies will be needed, and then, we delegated who would be responsible for each supply. By implementing a date system through the Gantt chart, we can hold each other accountable for each supply. Not only were we able to develop a Gantt chart, but we also worked on a Project Value chart. In this activity, we were able to carefully extract Jenny's requirements for the project into different sections. Through this, we were able to define the benefits, features, and experience of the free library using Jenny's responses. Also, we were able to define the customer's wants, fears, and needs. This ensured that all of the team members were on the same page regarding the product requirements.
Individual Post
As we were all responsible to come up with a design for the free little library project, I first looked at some past projects of the little libraries online in order to gain some inspiration. Once I began sketching out the basic ideas of the project, I started to ask myself about the shape of the library. Knowing that Jenny wanted to incorporate the theme of the school (rockets), I decided to shape the library as a side-way rocket. Then, I considered how the base would look like. I know that if the rocket would be placed horizontally (to fit more books in), we'd need a sturdy base. Using the conventional wood could hold the library, but would have to include some other support to ensure stability. Also, part of the planning process would require to include dimensions in the sketch. In the initial design picture (on the top right), you will be able to see the exact dimensions to fit all the books. After the discussion in the team meeting, I believe the new design for next week will have the library placed vertically.
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01/24/2018
Project Value chart
Week 4:
01/31/2018
Design #3
Design #1
Design #alpha
Team Post
For this week, Tanya and I participated in the Maker Lab training, in which we gained access to lab and learned how to use the equipment. Since we will be building a little free library by cutting wood and shaping it to our design specifications, it was extremely important to learn how to use the laser cutter. During the training discussion, Tanya and I discussed how we could use the laser cutter to shape the library into a rocket. We could also use it to engrave text on the wood. After the discussion, Allen, Tanya, and I came together to finalize the design that we wanted to submit to Jenny. After some discussion, per Dr. JAK's recommendation, we decided to submit our 5 designs to Jenny. For each design, we specified the positives and negatives, including which design was achievable in 5 weeks. In our email proposal, we decided to set up a meeting with Jenny in order to finalize the design specifications.
During the video conference, we discussed our final design that Jenny liked. Since Jenny liked a lot of aspects of Design #1 (look right), we decided to integrate those design concepts into Design #3 (look right). Jenny really liked the "Mosaic Elementary" sign, and so our final design will have that. After gathering feedback from Jenny, we decided that it would be best to devise a new and improved design that included Jenny's feedback. Our goal for our next meeting is to devise a cost-analysis based on the final design (look at Design #alpha).
Individual Post
After completing the initial designing of the library and gaining feedback from Jenny, I was assigned to complete the final design using Jenny's feedback. From what I understood based off the video conference, Jenny really liked Design #1, but she felt that it would be difficult to achieve in 5 weeks, and so Jenny agreed that Design #3 was achievable, and it fit her criteria. Since she really liked Design #1, I felt I could somehow integrate some of the design concepts of Design #1 into Design #3. I chose to place the stars and the title of the school above the window (as seen in Design #alpha). Now that I have drawn the final design for the free little library, I will work on the cost-analysis for it next week.
Week 5:
02/07/2018
Team Post
For this week, Allen and I worked on completing the final design and implementing measurements to the design. After completing an #alpha version of the sketch, our job was to find out gather the measurements in order to finalize what materials we would need to get for the project. After the team meeting, we successfully calculated the height/width of the free little library, the size of the fins, the roofing, and the shelves system. We made sure the bottom shelf was 26 x 14 x 12 inches in order to satisfy Jenny's requirement of fitting twenty-five 10 x 12 x 1-inch picture books in the library. This was a big step for us because now we could research the necessary materials and its cost. Due to Jenny's concern for children to be able to reach the books, we decided to keep our base post about 2 feet off the ground and a flame hanging off of it for design purposes. We still haven't decided how the door will look like. I believe in the next meeting, we should also finalize whether we want 2 doors and 1 big door. Allen thought it would be a great idea to develop a 3D CAD drawing of the library so that we can see how the library would look like in real life.
Individual Post
Since Tanya wasn't able to attend the meeting, I was responsible for taking meeting minutes (please click the button below for meeting minutes). Also, I was responsible for researching what kind of wood we could use for the library. I found out that the best wood for a free little library is plywood. The most optimized price for the wood is from Home Depot. We will have to go to Home Depot to buy the necessary amount of wood for the project. For this week, we were assigned to answer specific questions regarding our community partner and the project's impact. In the essay, I was responsible to introduce Jenny and state who the critical customer is for the project. Also, I discussed how Jenny has positively impacted her community by instilling important values in the children attending ROMO. Please click the Reflection button below to see our team's Reflection essay!
Design #alpha with Measurements
3D model of Design #alpha (without colors)
Please click the picture to get complete 3D view!
Week 6:
02/14/2018
Design #beta with color
3D Design #beta with color
Team Post
For this week, Allen, Tanya, and I discussed the dimensions that we had agreed on. After further discussion with Dr. JAK, we understood that our approximations were too big, and so we had to recalibrate the measurements so that we could build a more feasible design of the free little library. After discussing the logistics of the design and the measurements, we decided to discuss what to accomplish next and then go to TAP Plastics to get the price details. When we went to talk to one of their customer service representatives (Joe), he recommended us to either use acrylic wood, King Starboard, or TW CCR when considering our price margins. After spending 1 hour, all the team members had a good idea of which type of wood we would use for the base and door, and how much it would cost us. For the following week, I agreed to work on a design scheme for the free little library that would represent ROMO.
Individual Post
After our meeting, I was assigned to work on the color scheme of the free little library. I knew that I wanted to incorporate the theme colors of the school (green and purple). Even though Allen advised me to do the color design on the paper directly, I thought it would be a good opportunity to demonstrate my photoshop skills. Thus, using Adobe Photoshop, I was able to construct a 2D digital version of the library, and I implemented the colors using white, green, yellow, and purple (see left - design #beta with color). Once I completed the colors, I sent the jpg version to Allen so that he would implement the color scheme in the 3D version of the project (see left - 3D Design #beta with color). Finally, for the Status Update Presentation, I was responsible for working on the initial design process part. Also, I worked on creating the structure of the presentation. Please click the button below to view a copy of the presentation!
Please also check out the updated Gantt chart (click on team documentation in the menu)!
Week 7:
02/21/2018
Team Post
For this past week, Allen, Tanya, and I had a Status Update presentation in which we updated our partner about our progress through 7 weeks. We discussed what had been achieved thus far, including product designs & material costs calculation, and then we discussed what we had to achieve. One of the biggest obstacles that we discussed was costs for this project. Originally, we calculated that the price for this library would be about 340 dollars - which is way above our $100 budget. The price estimate was so high because of the cost of colors, After the presentation, Dr. JAK suggested us that we could limit the amount of paint that we use. Also, we learned that Kendall, another community partner, had some spare wood that we could use - including some 4x4 and some plywood. This would significantly reduce our price estimate. Also, Allen suggested that we could ask companies to sponsor our library. That way, we could get some materials for a reduced price. And so, we chose to contact some companies to request for sponsorship. After our meeting, we decided to research materials and begin the process of shaping the library.
Individual Post
After our meeting, I was assigned research some cheap woods on Home Depot. Since the plywood had to be 4' by 8', I had to find the cheapest option. Thus far, I've been able to find the cheapest wood in Home Depot is $52. Through the sponsorship, I'm hoping that we can get a discounted price for the wood. Also, after talking with Kendall, she might have some extra wood that we could use. That could allow us to get a smaller piece of plywood. After completing the team reflection worksheet, I feel that we have made strides individually and as a team. I believe that we have improved our communication skills and our responsibility delegation during this process. I feel that we can still improve on delivering on deadlines, and so I hope we can improve that aspect in the next 2-3 weeks!
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Please also check out the updated Gantt chart (click on team documentation in the menu)!
3D Design #beta with color
(final prototype)
Paint acquired for project
Materials cut up in Maker Lab
Obtaining sponsored materials
from HD Supply
Week 8:
02/28/2018
Team Post
For this week, Allen, Tanya, and I were able to get the materials from HD Supply, including the wood, nails, glue, acrylic glass, etc. After waiting for a response to sponsorship for 3 days, we were FINALLY able to obtain sponsorship for the materials needed to build a little free library. On Wednesday, we received an email from HD Supply, and an hour later, we drove there to pick up the materials. After we picked up the materials, we went to the Maker Lab to begin cutting the 4' by 8' piece of plywood. Before we began cutting the plywood, we used our measurements from our alpha design to draw out the exact measurements on the piece of plywood. After 3 days in the Maker lab, we were able to cut out the main structure of the library (look at the picture on the left). We also were able to sand each piece of wood so that it wouldn't hurt anyone who held the wood. The only concern that we have is where we can store the wood once we start building the library. So far, we have been able to store it in our trunk, but once we attach each piece together, it won't fit in our trunk. We plan to talk with Dr. JAK to discuss possible options!
Individual Post
During the process of cutting the wood, I was assigned to use the Orbital Jig Saw to cut the wood. I began with the front and back piece of the library. Since we had the exact measurements with lines, I was responsible for cutting precisely on the line. Since I had limited experience using the Orbital Jig Saw, there were several instances in which I went over the line, and so Allen and Tanya were able to sand those mistakes. Then, I cut the roof and the door. After successfully cutting the most of the wood pieces, I believe that we are ready to take the next steps to start attaching the pieces together using nails.
Please also check out the updated Gantt chart (click on team documentation in the menu)!
Week 9:
03/7/2018
Team Post
For this week, Allen, Tanya, and I were able to install the wooden post, which would hold the library. This took about 4-5 hours to get done. When we began using the auger to dig the hole, we weren't able to get it started for almost an hour. Then, we called HD Supplies for some help - but we STILL couldn't figure it out. After a representative drove to ROMO, he was able to help us to get the auger working. Once the engine began, we started drilling the hole. It took another hour to dig a 3-foot hole. After that, we mixed quickrete to ensure that the wooden post would be stable. After the 3 hour process, we returned to SCU's Maker Lab to continue building the library. Unfortunately, due to some miscalculations and mismeasurements, some of our pieces were too big, and so we had to recut a lot of pieces. After successfully cutting everything up, we began drilling the holes and attaching each piece together. After spending the maximum number of hours in Maker lab, unfortunately, we weren't able to complete the project in time. We were able to attach the base and color the fins & door, but we weren't able to attach the other pieces. However, Allen, Tanya, and I plan to attach each piece together during Spring Break and install it at Romo.
Individual Post
During the hole digging process, I helped in holding the auger to dig the hole and using the shovels to dig 3ft into the ground. During the Maker Lab sessions, I was assigned to work on the fins for the library. I was able to cut them out using a jigsaw and paint them using green paint. I was assigned to design the stencils to paint the title of the school onto the library. I used CAD to design it, and I used a laser printer to cut it out. I was also in charge of painting the wooden frame. We also were missing some brackets, and so Allen and I went to Lowe's to pick some up.
Please also check out the updated Gantt chart (click on team documentation in the menu)!
Wooden post placed
w/ concrete!
Measured at 3ft deep.
Using an auger to dig a hole.
Final outcome of project.
Final Project Slides + Report
About
Hi, my name is Abhay Varshney!
I'm a second year student at Santa Clara University studying Computer Science and Mathematics. I have experience developing and designing software for the web, from simple landing pages to progressive web applications. I strive to create software that is clean and readable.
Also, I am keen to expand my knowledge as a software developer by learning new and better ways to implement tools that will make my coding ability efficient and scalable. I always seek opportunities to work with those who share my passion for software development and enjoy communicating with my peers on projects.
As a creator and consumer of software products, I possess both the user and developer empathy that enables me to create scalable and beautiful products.
Email: varshneyabhay@gmail.com | Tel: 408-668-4825
Abhay Varshney
The Team
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Tanya Sonker
