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.

Makerspace Showcase: Creating the Solution

Makerspace Showcase: Creating the Solution

Demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the solution

 (I forgot to take a picture of my chair with the cloth on top and a fixed "head and neck rest".

Construct a logical plan, which outlines the efficient use of time and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution

I had a set of measurements and a drawing on how long each stixx will be and how far they would be from each other. My design was to have two identical sides and a row of sticks connecting the sides and supporting the actual person.

1. I was going to roll a lot of newspaper stixx. I was going to make about 100.
2. I was going to cut every stick with a saw for both sides and mark them. Most of the measurements were paired up with another, so that I turn one stick into two, and roll less stixx.
3. Then, I was going to make the two sides first by precisely tying them together with zip ties.
4. And then, I was going to use the sticks that were not cut (which are mostly the same length) to connect the two sides together and make the top and bottom. That was also going to be done using zip ties.
5. Afterwards, I was going put a surface on top which was very likely to be cardboard. It was so that people will not be lying on thin hard stixx with gaps between each of them, and to spread the pressure a little.

Follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately
and
-explain changes made to the chosen design and the plan when making the solution.

1. I rolled about 70 newspaper stixx.
2. I started to cut them according to my measurements. I looked at the measurements, measured the correct length and cut it. Afterwards, I gave them a number according the their position in my list. (I turned most of the stixx into two). I only finished cutting the stixx for one side for this part. This is because I didn't have enough stixx, and it was time to start assembling the pieces.
3. I assembled the first side, and this part is basically just using zip ties to tie all the pieces / stixx together. I started with the part for the head because I marked the stixx from the front to the back. (The first few stixx I had someone hold them when I tied the zip ties diagonally for each interception, ending up with little crosses). I only had the back part (part for the legs) left before the main stick snapped. That stick connected the sections together. Since I was missing that part, I couldn't continue the leg part.
4. Then, I remembered that I collect two metal rods from an old laundry hanger that was going to be thrown away. So I brought them to school and replaced the original "main stick" with one of them. And then I finished that side. I thought it was great because the thickness of the rod is close to the newspaper stixx and it is really strong and hard to break.
5. Since I found out it took a lot of time referring to the measurements, cutting the stixx, and marking them, then sorting them out. I decided I would start with the metal rod and build the new side on top of the completed side (the completed side was strong and also rolled fine when I tried by hand). And I cut each stick and zip tie them immediately. Even if it sounds inefficient, it was actually a quicker process than cutting all the stixx and trying to find the right one. It was also easier and more convenient. For this side, I also used a plier to tighten the zip ties which was much easier and less painful than doing by hand. This part went much smoother and there wasn't much challenging about making this side since I had some experience with tying and cutting the newspaper stixx already.
6. In the middle of step 5, I actually had to roll more newspaper stixx because the ones left were poorly rolled and were not strong enough.
7. Afterwards, I picked the strongest newspaper stixx left and made the top of the "chair", which also connected the two sides and allowed it to balance on its own. For this part, I had to use long zip ties because there were three sticks for one intersection point. Most of the stixx were of the same length and I kept that approximate length. So I did not cut any stixx for this step. The stixx left were not the strongest ones, so I had to use more of them and put them closer than I expected for the bottom and back part. I didn't connect the bottom of the sides because I was out of stixx and running out of time. This made an unfixed distance on the base and made the chair tilt easily when people sat on it. Therefore, I added a cross brace for both the front and the back and at the bottom.
8. This part was when I added the cardboard on the top. The cardboard makes the chair more comfortable to lie on, spreads the pressure from the weight of a person, and also acts as stixx since it goes beyond the sides. I found a big cardboard box in the class and cut it out so it's not too wide and I left the end extended so not the feet can also be placed, not just the legs. Then, I poked holes with scissors so I could tie a zip tie around a small section of the cardboard and tie it to the stick available below. I did a couple of these throughout the cardboard so it is fixed and secured.
9. Then I added a piece of thin white cloth on top of the cardboard. That way it looks a better, and will perhaps feel better than just a piece of cardboard.

Makerspace Showcase: Developing Ideas

Design Specifications

• Made out of newspaper stixx
• Support: Can support at least 60 kg
• Durability: Used sometimes (30 mins each time 3 times a week) for at least 4 months
• Rock-able chair
• Comfortable
• Covered by cardboard for better look
• Maximum: 140(cm) long, 80(cm) wide, 90(cm) tall

Design Ideas:

Chair (1)

The diagrams show the main measurements and the 3D model gives a sense of what it looks like with the stixx as lines. This is for my original net-chair design, and I could go to the model in sketch-up and look at the measurements if I need to. It does have a lot of newspaper stixx, but it is the only way this kind of shape of "the purpose of the design" can sustain up to 60 kg. It is only the time to worry, I am sure there is enough newspaper for this in the staff's room.

Pro's: Original, strong structure with the intersections and triangles, interesting

Con's: Lots of newspaper (waste), time-consuming, very challenging, The cloth and the tying of cloth has to be very strong, and I need a large cloth

Chair (2)

The other chair is based on the one I found on the Internet. This one has 2 sides which are trapeziums but with round bottoms. Between the sides are 2 boards formed by newspapers. one is for sitting on, and one is for lying on (for the back). I will add a round bottom or a back to it for stability.

Pro's: It is more comfortable because it sits like an actual chair; It is not that long so it is space efficient; It might be a little more normal design (Pro & Con)

Con's: Still lots of newspaper; The board made from newspaper in between might be hard to support - The two sides can bend easily

Chair (3)

This is a more relaxing chair where you can actually lie down. Or it can also be for sitting on sideways. It might be able to support 2 kids on each side too. The con is that the shape on the top doesn't give many flexibility for how to place the sticks, so I would go with how it looks like in the picture, which is going to require many stick making and cutting.

Pro's: There are multiple ways to sit on it, less high so it's easy to get on and off.

Con's: Not much compared to the other ones

Chosen Design:

I chose Design (3).

1. It is because it seems to be the most stable, and would be the safest path. It is already quite a risk to choose to make a big, rock-able, chair out of newspaper stixx, and I think now I better choose a safer path. The reason this seems to be more stable is that it is long, but short (in height). So the overall pressure is more spread out. And in case it breaks, someone won't fall on their back so heavily because he/she is low.
2. It is because there are multiple way of sitting on it, and it seems easier to get on and off, and even children can climb up and down. I think that makes it more useful, meaningful, and interesting.
3. It is because it is shorter and a bit smaller, so it would be easier to carry around and would take up less space at home.
4. It is because this one seems to have a lot of newspaper stixx, but a lot of them are very short, so I believe and can cut a full-length stick apart and use it as two sticks. So it uses less resources and time.

And I didn't pick the other ones - even (1) seems to be more unique and "interesting" and (2) seems to sit more comfortably, and can use as a proper chair while working - exactly because of the opposite reasons why I picked (3).

List of Materials:

• Newspaper-stixx machine/roller - To roll the newspaper stixx to build the chair out of
• Newspapers - To be rolled out of
• Glue - So the newspaper will stick together and also for providing hardness to the stick
• Container - For glue
• Saw - For cutting newspaper stixx to the precise length, also so that I use more than once while only rolling once
• Plastic "strands": For tying the newspaper stixx together

Other Materials:

• Water - to mix with the glue
• Cloth - For wiping the glue off and cleaning the rolling machine afterwards
• Brush - to put the glue on

 Drawing, Description, Measurements:

I group some measurements together keeping them close to or under 50 cm. The purpose of gourping them together is so that I don't have to crank as many stixx as I need, I can use a saw to easily cut them instead as the are paper. This will save time, paper and glue.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22

Makerspace Showcase: Inquiring & Analysing

Makerspace Showcase: Inquiring & Analysing

i) Explains and justifies the need for a solution to a problem

The purpose of this project is to develop a new skill of using the equipments in the design classroom - Which will be demonstrated in a short, 2-minute video that's going to be used to teach others' how to use the equipments.

ii) Constructs a research plan, which states and prioritizes the primary and secondary research needed to develop a solution to the problem independently

I am going to go through the list of materials and tools we have in our design class. And then, come down to a 3-4 projects mainly by considering the number of skills used, the interest, the amount of challenge, and the need. Afterwards, I will have a look on Instructables, youtube, and some google images on what other designs there are that I can learn from or take inspiration from.

iii) Analyses a group of similar products that inspire a solution to the problem

"Lie Down Reading Frame"

As I found out the I and some people like to read lying down, but it gets tiring when you hold the book up, and frustrating with the pages, but it would be harmful to hold it close. And this is a solution to it. It is a wooden frame structure that has a thin plastic book wrapper on top which allow the book on top to be viewable with its transparency. I actually had something like this as my project for my Makerspace ECA last year, which was the time I was still not yet familiar with woodworking. It was very fragile and I just tear it apart at last as it wasn’t going to work anymore (& for fun). I am planning to remake it with a side which would become a thin desk surface. I will also be adding more parts to support the structure in the desk angle and reading angle. I would also add a part on both sides like a thin shelf displaying inward. Kind of like in the image. However, I decided I would move the back shelf to the front of the other side in order for balance. I had some measurements from last year. More details when chosen.

Pro’s & Con’s

Pro's: Has a need, have an interest, a new idea

Con's: Not much skills required (only cutting thin wood and nailing and gluing and normal stapling), maybe sometime for a personal project because it is done before.

Bicycle Object Holders

For this one I am planning to make bicycle bottle-holders, and a smartphone-mount. I will use polymorph plastic to mold it into shape for the mounting part. I might use cardboard or probably polymorph too for the phone case. I might sew cloth to cover the polymorph to decorate and add colour. I would be useful and it can personalize my bike.

I got my idea from:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Ipod-Touch-bicycle-mount/

Pro’s & Con’s

Pro's: Useful, new skill of polymorph, can have a range of designs to consider, personalising my bike, some need

Con's: Not “a lot” of skills and is quite easy, Not a very big interest

Board-game

I have made boardgames before and have a couple of ideas. I might improve on one or develop one. I would use 1) 3D printing (for figures), 2) Polymorph & 3) 3D pen for other pieces. I might paint or I can try use embroidery to add lines and colours and everything to form the board part of the game.

Pro’s & Con’s

Pro's: A bunch of new skills which would be useful and are challenging, big interest in making an interesting game, can gain ideas from peers

Con's: Long and complicated, Idea might be quite personal, not very clear idea

Rocking Chair

It is a little weird… I got the idea when I noticed a schoolmate sitting in between those two “columns / sticks” on the back and in the middle of the net. So I thought I might be interesting to make a chair based on that idea. It will be made using newspaper stixx, which is a skill to learn. It is basically a slanted, straight part with a tight cloth tightened to the newspaper stixx frame. Beneath that is basically a right triangle. But I have thought of taking out the angle part and make it round, that way, it is rockable. If I have remaining tme, I might learn how to sew patterns onto the piece of cloth and maybe stitch a pillow there for comfort. Cardboard will be simply laid over the newspaper stixx for better look. I will not be very big in order for the project to be achievable, for transporting, and for the space at home.

However, I would also be considering other rocking chair designs like the ones below

Pro’s & Con’s

Pro's: Interesting, inspiring, big interest, some need, challenging, (original, unique)

Con's: Not a lot of skills, though sewing would be a very new and hard experience but fun (I think), not a big need, not much space at home, time-consuming but possible

iv) Develops a design brief, which presents the analysis of relevant research.

What

I am going to make a chair with a capacity of 1 person and the width to carry 1 person. From the side, it looks like a right triangle with a big round corner. On the hypotenuse side there will be a big piece of cloth that is tightened to the side covering the whole surface which is for people to lie on. The main skill and medium I will be learning and using is newspaper stixx. And cardboard would probably be laid on top of the structure to make it look better and higher quality.

Why

I chose this idea because it is a new idea and original design. I am very interested in making the structure and make it functional. I also really look forward to seeing how the result would turn out. I also want to try making "furniture type" things, like last year's 3D project, but I never had the time, thus the chance, to make it with cardboard. This chair isn't necessary but it would have a use, which is for sitting, instead of just decoration. It will be challenging but I think it is a possible project. Newspaper stixx is an interesting and new skill which will not be very easy. I might also learn sewing if I have time, so, another skill.

Who

I am making it for myself and for my interest. But, of course, I hope for it to be strong enough so that my family gets to try it. I can have other people to try it too. At April, when the renting is done, I will perhaps put it in one of the classes, or rooms at school, not just for display, but maybe for everyone because then it will probably tear down very quickly.

How

I am going to use newspaper stixx... Questions:

1. How to use the newspaper stixx machine?
2. How to stitch / sew?
3. How to make a strong structure that can support a person?
4. What decorations and designs to put on the cardboard?
5. How to you tie or glue the stixx together?
6. What tools will I use to tighten the cloth to the sides?

Resources & Answers

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhxbTI80MMg: This one basically teaches you how you fold the newspaper, roll it, glue it, and use the newspaper stixx machine properly.
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhVQi5PZY-8 : This one provides some idea of how an intersection point can make a structure much stronger.
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMqK-fNrCrM / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2mfJweh8a0: These two teaches in detail how to stitch and sew, including how to tie the thread to the needle.
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEzQwG6JwcA: This one teaches how to tie two stixx together or in an angle.

Other Ideas I have considered:

http://www.instructables.com/id/3-in1-table/
This is a good idea, but woodworking was full before I decided anything yet. Also, I like an original design more, and I think I have worked with wood before. There is also no need for this (perhaps it can go with the CHAIR when I'm done. Just not very interested.