STEAM Honors Design & Development Capstone Project
Class Introduction and
Problem Exploration
Weeks 1-3
In December of 2021, a friend of mine fell on the pavement as a result of slipping on ice that had formed at the front of our school. The resulting impact on his spine gave him severe back pain for the remainder of that week. Around the same time, the seniors in STEAM were tasked with identifying a problem. I decided to tackle the problem of people slipping on ice, and after my proposal for a solution was approved, I had the green light to start working.
Project Proposal and Researching Existing Solutions
Weeks 4-6
My Proposed solution: "I propose a detachable sole that can be taken on and off of an existing close-toed shoe hands-free. This sole would incorporate a material that remains grippy when cold, as well as protruded spikes made of metal to increase traction with ice"
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Prototype 1 work time
Weeks 6-12
Learning to use Fusion 360
Weeks 7-8
After getting the green light to start working on the physical solution, I decided to use Fusion 360 to create and design my prototypes. This program, although quite dense with options and control, proved to be incredibly powerful for my work.
Learning to use Makerbot
Weeks 8-10
After designing my first test piece in Fusion 360, I needed to learn how to convert STL files into the Makerbot Format that our 3D printers use. In this process, I realized that there are many, many variables and parameters that these machines use in order to achieve high levels of precision in fabrication.
Iteration and Repetion
Weeks 10-12
After figuring out how to use the design software and printer, I began with a design intended to test the material properties of PLA filament. Once the material proved to be a successful candidate for a design, I started work on Prototype 1.
Professional Review Night
March 3rd, 2022
This event marked the halfway point of our timeline. Each individual project was presented and reviewed by professionals who have valuable in-career experience and insight, providing guiding feedback as we move towards our final prototypes.
Prototype 1
This here is the iteration of my solution that was used during the Professional Review Event on March 3rd, 2022.
Prototype 2 - Spotlight Candidate - Expo Prep
Weeks 13-23
Working on Prototype 2
Weeks 13-21
After digesting the feedback that was given during the Professional Review, I kept iterating my design to be better. Make this bit thinner, make that part rounder, maybe add some flex into the miniature shoe to better mimic a real show, how do I upscale this, can I upscale this? Constantly iterating and trying to reflect in order to make a better thing.
Spotlight Speakers Announced
Week 21
My project progress ended up being interesting enough that I was given the opportunity to be a featured speaker at the STEAM Expo.
Expo prep
Weeks 20-23
As the big day came closer and closer, and there was less time, the difference between what I could and couldn't achieve with the time left became crystal clear. My table plan became less complex but ended up working better for what I had available to show.
Prototype 2
Here is a demonstration of my final product. Tada!
STEAM EXPO
May 25th, 2022
It has been 23 weeks, so what do I have to show for it?
