{"id":8155,"date":"2017-04-24T09:00:50","date_gmt":"2017-04-24T13:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/?p=8155"},"modified":"2017-04-24T09:00:50","modified_gmt":"2017-04-24T13:00:50","slug":"priceless-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/2017\/04\/24\/priceless-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Priceless Design"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-Keel.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8157\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-Keel.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Good design requires the informative process of design thinking, which can include research, testing, theory, observation, user experience, and a myriad of other approaches that allow the designer to develop a solution that is better than what is currently available. At the College of Design, design thinking is at the core of the curriculum for all of our disciplines. Sometimes this means taking a step back before you can move forward. Understanding more than the why, how, and who, and thinking more broadly about the need, the application, the user, and the materials used in an effort to think outside of the box and discover alternative solutions. Ideation is part of the process and is iterative.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hatchet-Process-Page-Sketch-layout-e1493038763786.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8158 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hatchet-Process-Page-Sketch-layout-e1493038763786.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"352\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The College has a wealth of resources for students to expand their ability to design, build, make, and collaborate throughout the design process. One of these resources is the <a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/student-life\/resources\/materials-lab\/\">Materials Lab<\/a>, a place that provides space, equipment, and trained personnel to assist design students in their projects. Design ideas that originate in the studio can be implemented in three dimensions in the Materials Lab. Full-scale working prototypes and scaled models can be made to present design proposals.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hatchet_0.38.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-8159\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hatchet_0.38.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"405\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>For current senior in <a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/academics\/industrial-design\/#overview\">industrial design<\/a> Andrew Keel, design thinking is more than just a design process; it\u2019s the way he approaches a lot of things. \u201cIt\u2019s about understanding how other [users] utilize the product and then make it better,\u201d he states. Keel, an outdoor enthusiast, often devises his own projects with tools or gadgets that interest him and he would likely use. Recently he decided to redesign an axe and further applied the constraints of using a mainstream label, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gerbergear.com\/Meet-Gerber\/About-us\/Who-We-Are\">Gerber Gear<\/a> , incorporating their brand standards into his design process. In other words, he devised his solution as if Gerber Gear was his client for his product.<\/p>\n<p>Highlights to Keel\u2019s Process:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>With the understanding that the axe was the end product, he examined and researched the problems and limitations with current designs for hatchets, most specifically, camping axes.<\/li>\n<li>Based on these findings, he concluded that users often lose the hatchet sheaths and covers, which can pose a safety and durability issue. This became a focused limitation to address in his ideation process to create a hatchet that would be safe and easy to carry for backpackers, campers, etc.<\/li>\n<li>He crafted a quick hand-made prototype to illustrate the concept of his proposed axe, which he then shared with potential users. Sharing the prototype with his previous Boy Scout troop, employees at REI, and several other college students who are outdoor enthusiasts allowed him to gain valuable feedback. From this group of users, he was able\u00a0to identify two critical findings: 1) his idea was worth pursuing, and 2) he learned the key features and elements that were considered most useful to these users.<\/li>\n<li>He continued with functional ideation, which is like brainstorming a variety of ideas and concepts to address his end goal. Throughout this process, he consulted with engineering students and others to validate if his ideas were feasible.<\/li>\n<li>His final, functional concept included a design where the handle separates or folds up to become the blade-guard, which addressed the earlier concern. With this concept, he then applied the Gerber Gear brand standards that would satisfy this client and allow this new product to fit seamlessly into their current product line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some of the tools Keel used included Rhino and SolidWorks, both CAD programs common to product design. These files were then submitted to Rob Watson, Special Trade Technician in the Materials Lab, who converted the files in order to correspond with the CNC machine to prototype the product.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-axe-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8160 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-axe-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"173\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-axe-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-8161\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-axe-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"179\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Watson confirmed with Keel the appropriate scale used and the material used for machining and then converted Keel\u2019s 3DM files. A 3DM file is an open-source 3D model format and contains a variety of information for 3D modeling such as surface, points, and curve data. These files allow CAD, CAM, CAE, and other computer graphics software to accurately convert and exchange 3D geometry and rendering for the machining process.<\/p>\n<p>Watson shares how the process works: \u201cI program the tool paths in RhinoCAM, which is a plugin for Rhino, the file is posted to the CNC machine and the origin is set at the machine the same as the CAD file. It reads the G-code as tool paths\u00a0and hollows out the stock.\u00a0 The first pass is a roughing pass and then a finishing pass which is smooth.\u201d He also explains that there are some projects that need machining on both sides in order to convey detail designed on all sides. Projects that don\u2019t require flipping are architectural typography maps that only requires one side.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 1920px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('video');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-8155-1\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/20170126_094942.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/20170126_094942.mp4\">https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/20170126_094942.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<p>There are roughly 60 to 70 student projects per semester that Watson works on, converting files and machining. \u201cThere is a lot of face time with the students involved in many of these projects,\u201d says Watson. \u201cIt is important to fully understand their expectations and share the logistics,\u201d he continues. \u201cConfirming that the size of the model is the right size\u201412 inches is indeed 12 inches\u2014sometimes you have to manage their expectations of how detailed things can be.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rob_Materials-Lab.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8163\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rob_Materials-Lab.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><\/a>In the Materials Lab, they have two different CNC machines that vary based on the size of the project. Watson doesn\u2019t recommend machining steel due to the cost and length of time needed, which can in Watson\u2019s words, \u201cclog up the queue.\u201d He has machined anything from blue foam to titanium but recommends aluminum as an alternative to steel.<\/p>\n<p>For two years, Watson has worked in the Machine Shop. He has more than 17 years of previous experience at Design Dimension, a locally owned business that has hired numerous Design graduates. He expresses that one of the best aspects of his job is the ability to share his knowledge with the students. \u201cNo matter how big or small the project, I am happy to share everything I know. The shop tricks that I have learned over the past 20-plus years can help a student reduce their stress, and you sometimes get to see the light bulb go off.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is key for a student to understand how to talk to a machinist,\u201d states Watson. \u201cWe are like the practice vendor to give the students the experience of working with a\u00a0machinist and how to communicate.\u201d Watson knows that students learn to use the tools and also learn problem-solving at various levels, and he calls this, \u201cpriceless.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"<a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-Keel.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8157\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-Keel.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><\/a>\n\nGood design requires the informative process of design thinking, which can include research, testing, theory, observation, user experience, and a myriad of other approaches that allow the designer to develop a solution that is better than what is currently available. At the College of Design, design thinking is at the core of the curriculum for all of our disciplines. Sometimes this means taking a step back before you can move forward. Understanding more than the why, how, and who, and thinking more broadly about the need, the application, the user, and the materials used in an effort to think outside of the box and discover alternative solutions. Ideation is part of the process and is iterative.\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hatchet-Process-Page-Sketch-layout-e1493038763786.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8158 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hatchet-Process-Page-Sketch-layout-e1493038763786.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"352\" \/><\/a>\n\nThe College has a wealth of resources for students to expand their ability to design, build, make, and collaborate throughout the design process. One of these resources is the <a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/student-life\/resources\/materials-lab\/\">Materials Lab<\/a>, a place that provides space, equipment, and trained personnel to assist design students in their projects. Design ideas that originate in the studio can be implemented in three dimensions in the Materials Lab. Full-scale working prototypes and scaled models can be made to present design proposals.\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hatchet_0.38.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-8159\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Hatchet_0.38.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"405\" \/><\/a>\n\nFor current senior in <a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/academics\/industrial-design\/#overview\">industrial design<\/a> Andrew Keel, design thinking is more than just a design process; it\u2019s the way he approaches a lot of things. \u201cIt\u2019s about understanding how other [users] utilize the product and then make it better,\u201d he states. Keel, an outdoor enthusiast, often devises his own projects with tools or gadgets that interest him and he would likely use. Recently he decided to redesign an axe and further applied the constraints of using a mainstream label, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.gerbergear.com\/Meet-Gerber\/About-us\/Who-We-Are\">Gerber Gear<\/a> , incorporating their brand standards into his design process. In other words, he devised his solution as if Gerber Gear was his client for his product.\n\nHighlights to Keel\u2019s Process:\n<ul>\n \t<li>With the understanding that the axe was the end product, he examined and researched the problems and limitations with current designs for hatchets, most specifically, camping axes.<\/li>\n \t<li>Based on these findings, he concluded that users often lose the hatchet sheaths and covers, which can pose a safety and durability issue. This became a focused limitation to address in his ideation process to create a hatchet that would be safe and easy to carry for backpackers, campers, etc.<\/li>\n \t<li>He crafted a quick hand-made prototype to illustrate the concept of his proposed axe, which he then shared with potential users. Sharing the prototype with his previous Boy Scout troop, employees at REI, and several other college students who are outdoor enthusiasts allowed him to gain valuable feedback. From this group of users, he was able\u00a0to identify two critical findings: 1) his idea was worth pursuing, and 2) he learned the key features and elements that were considered most useful to these users.<\/li>\n \t<li>He continued with functional ideation, which is like brainstorming a variety of ideas and concepts to address his end goal. Throughout this process, he consulted with engineering students and others to validate if his ideas were feasible.<\/li>\n \t<li>His final, functional concept included a design where the handle separates or folds up to become the blade-guard, which addressed the earlier concern. With this concept, he then applied the Gerber Gear brand standards that would satisfy this client and allow this new product to fit seamlessly into their current product line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nSome of the tools Keel used included Rhino and SolidWorks, both CAD programs common to product design. These files were then submitted to Rob Watson, Special Trade Technician in the Materials Lab, who converted the files in order to correspond with the CNC machine to prototype the product.\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-axe-1.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-8160 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-axe-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"173\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-axe-2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-8161\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Andrew-axe-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"179\" \/><\/a>\n\nWatson confirmed with Keel the appropriate scale used and the material used for machining and then converted Keel\u2019s 3DM files. A 3DM file is an open-source 3D model format and contains a variety of information for 3D modeling such as surface, points, and curve data. These files allow CAD, CAM, CAE, and other computer graphics software to accurately convert and exchange 3D geometry and rendering for the machining process.\n\nWatson shares how the process works: \u201cI program the tool paths in RhinoCAM, which is a plugin for Rhino, the file is posted to the CNC machine and the origin is set at the machine the same as the CAD file. It reads the G-code as tool paths\u00a0and hollows out the stock.\u00a0 The first pass is a roughing pass and then a finishing pass which is smooth.\u201d He also explains that there are some projects that need machining on both sides in order to convey detail designed on all sides. Projects that don\u2019t require flipping are architectural typography maps that only requires one side.\n\n[video width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" mp4=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/20170126_094942.mp4\"][\/video]\n\nThere are roughly 60 to 70 student projects per semester that Watson works on, converting files and machining. \u201cThere is a lot of face time with the students involved in many of these projects,\u201d says Watson. \u201cIt is important to fully understand their expectations and share the logistics,\u201d he continues. \u201cConfirming that the size of the model is the right size\u201412 inches is indeed 12 inches\u2014sometimes you have to manage their expectations of how detailed things can be.\u201d\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rob_Materials-Lab.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8163\" src=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Rob_Materials-Lab.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><\/a>In the Materials Lab, they have two different CNC machines that vary based on the size of the project. Watson doesn\u2019t recommend machining steel due to the cost and length of time needed, which can in Watson\u2019s words, \u201cclog up the queue.\u201d He has machined anything from blue foam to titanium but recommends aluminum as an alternative to steel.\n\nFor two years, Watson has worked in the Machine Shop. He has more than 17 years of previous experience at Design Dimension, a locally owned business that has hired numerous Design graduates. He expresses that one of the best aspects of his job is the ability to share his knowledge with the students. \u201cNo matter how big or small the project, I am happy to share everything I know. The shop tricks that I have learned over the past 20-plus years can help a student reduce their stress, and you sometimes get to see the light bulb go off.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is key for a student to understand how to talk to a machinist,\u201d states Watson. \u201cWe are like the practice vendor to give the students the experience of working with a\u00a0machinist and how to communicate.\u201d Watson knows that students learn to use the tools and also learn problem-solving at various levels, and he calls this, \u201cpriceless.\u201d"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NC State Design&#8217;s Materials Lab is one of many resources available to students expand their ability to design, build, make, and collaborate at the College.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":8157,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10,1],"tags":[19,6],"class_list":["post-8155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-student-experience","category-uncategorized","tag-_featured","tag-industrial-design"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8155"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8155\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}