Makerspace Showcase: Evaluating the Solution

Describe detailed and relevant testing methods, which generate accurate data, to measure the success of the solution.

To measure the success of the solution, I am going to compare my finished product with my design specifications and see if the product accomplishes the design specs. To test some of the design specs, I will need to ask someone to test my "lounge chair", and also ask for some feedback.

Explain the success of the solution against the design specifications.

I think I am not extremely successful, but it wasn't too bad.

The first thing that my design spec says is that it has to be made out of newspaper stixx (not counting the zip ties and top covering), which it was, but no entirely. Those two metal rods plays a big role in the whole support of the chair, and they were not newspaper stixx. Also, there was a very thick stick that I found, it was my classmate's experiment and it was layers of newspaper wrapped around a wood stick, which I used for the part that supports the bottom (body part).

The second thing says that it should be able to support at least 60 kg. My classmate who was almost 60 kg sat on it and it was able to hold him for almost a minute (before I asked him to get down). However, I am a little more than 40 kg and it was able to support me for at least 5 minutes. And a classmate of mine who was 35 kg sat on it for 15 minutes and it is still fine. Speaking of support, it leans to one side a little and if the longer you stay on the chair, the more it leans. (Although it seems to stop when it leans to an extent).

The third thing is that it should be durable enough to be used sometimes (30 mins each time 3 times a week) for at least four months. That means 4-5 minutes every day for four months. This hasn't been tested by I think it would need to be adjusted every time after being sit on since it tilt/leans afterwards.

The next spec says that it has to be rock-able. Although it seemed to rock fine when you get up and do it by hand, it's hard rock when you are sitting on it.

The fifth spec says it has to be comfortable. I think it does well here. The cardboard and thin cloth I added on top feels dry and cool. I thick the whole shape of the "lounge chair" is natural and fits the shape of a body well. My classmate sat on it a couple times and he said it was comfortable. I haven't ask some taller people to try it yet. But I think the main people this is for is perhaps the grade 5s or 6s (who are about the same size as me).

Covered by cardboard for better look was the next design spec. I did cover it with cardboard but the cardboard was for more for comfort and extra support (even though messy newspaper stixx probably looks worse). The white cloth gives it a better, cleaner, and more comfortable look. After all, I did put a cardboard and I did make it look better. So this design spec is accomplished.

The last design specification says it should be less than 140cm in length, 80cm in width, and 90cm in height. It didn't pass the limit so it fit this design spec.

Describe how the solution could be improved

I was really hoping that it could rock, but it was hard to get it rocking when you actually sit on it. So I think after adding more stixx at the bottom, I can attach on more large piece of cardboard on the bottom. I think that would make the bottom rounder instead of having a spiky bottom, so it should be easier to rock on.

If I were to make a new one, I would also roll more and tight (and thick) newspaper stixx. That way, I have strong newspaper stixx which I can put close together for more support.

Describe the impact of the solution on the client/target audience

The purpose of this unit/project was to showcase what we have in our design class. It was to let others know what we do in this class. Tell them what is available in this class, how to use them. Unfortunately, the possibilities here that are showcased is only newspaper stixx and how to put them together. However, this project is also to inspire others to make things. I think my project was a very big project, and I think it should inspire the younger grades how much can be achieved and what can be made in this class. This lounge chair will be left at school, and it is something that kids can actually see and try physically, and I think it will be something that kids will find interesting or cool and will be inspired.

I think that using newspaper stixx to make a chair is a good method and I would definitely recommend using a newspaper stixx machine to make a chair like this. I think this material is great because it can actually be really strong, and newspapers are things we have daily access to, so you can roll a lot of stixx and make a chair out of many newspaper stixx. It is even better if your family reads newspapers, now you can upcycle it in a pretty fun and interesting way. Newspaper stixx are also easy to roll, cut and put together (using zip ties), so the imagination and creativity can be turned into reality probably quicker and easier than other materials, such as wood or cardboard (not as strong). It doesn't require a lot of practice or high-level skills. However, it does train a person's patience and time as you are putting small pieces together. If people are working as a group then it's even better. It is because there are many parts in the process of rolling, cutting, and assembling the stixx that require people to discuss and work together. Everyone would have to understand the design and skills well enough, and work can easily be split and done separately, so it also makes a great group project. Therefore, I would recommend a Newspaper Stixx rolling machine for making a chair like this.