3d Design and Assistive Technology
Instructions (Part I): Click here to make an account and log into Tinkercad. Click “Resources” the “Learning Center” and complete five activities of your choice.
Instructions (Part II): Now that you’ve learned how to use Tinkercad, design at least one of the following: keychain, name tag, book mark, logo, personalized game piece, luggage tag or even a bubble wand! Check out the cat keychain example below.
Instructions (Part III): What is Assistive Tech?
Let’s kick things off by exploring amazing inventions that help people with daily tasks.
- Icebreaker: If you could invent anything to make your life easier, what would it be?
- Discussion: We’ll check out some real-world examples and chat about how 3D printing can create helpful devices.
Instructions (Part IV): Idea Explosion! 💥
Get inspired and start brainstorming.
- Scavenger Hunt: Head over to websites like Thingiverse and https://www.makersmakingchange.com/s/assistive-devices to find examples of assistive technology.
- Sketch It Out: Grab your paper and pencil and sketch out two cool ideas for a device that could help someone with a specific need.
Hands-On Prototyping! ✂️
Before you design on the computer, bring your idea to life with your hands! Create a physical model to test your concept.
- Build It: Use cardboard, tape, binder clips, paper clips, popsicle sticks, and other materials to build a rough version of your best idea.
- Test It: How does it feel? Does it work? This is the time to find problems and make improvements to your design before you go digital.
Instructions (Part V): Go Digital! 💻
Now, take what you learned from your physical model and build it in Tinkercad.
- Build Time: Use your physical prototype as a guide to create a polished, digital version in Tinkercad.
Feedback Fest & Redesign 🗣️
Team up with a partner to share your digital creation and get some fresh ideas.
- Partner Share: Explain your design, who it’s for, and how your physical prototype helped you create the digital version.
- Constructive Criticism: Give your partner helpful feedback.
- Tinker Time: Use the feedback to make your digital design even better!
Showcase & Submit! ✨
It’s time to show off your hard work and get your design ready for printing!
- Show & Tell: Present your digital design to the group and explain its purpose.
Instructions (Part VI): “Export” your model for printing as an “STL” file and share it below. Type your first name in the “Subject” area and describe your design in the “Write something beautiful” section, be sure to say which color you want it printed in -These are the options: Black, White, Gold, Silver, Green, Blue, Red.
