In my last post, I focused on the skills of CAD/CAM and what they contributed to my DT coursework. However, the project required the use of several skills to make an eligible final product.

The skill I would like to highlight in this post is prototyping. For the C4 section of my coursework, I was required to make prototypes of what I envisioned my product to look like. Mine were made out of cardboard. These helped me to understand what aspects of my chosen design were compatible with my product requirements and what parts I needed to change. I realised that the head was aesthetically pleasing to look at and required little change. However, the base of my product needed to change drastically in order to fit my circuit. I also picked up the idea of having a bending stem, similar to that of a flower.

This part of the coursework in particular taught me about flexibility and adaptability of design. I learned not to be afraid to change my ideas and to polish my ideas so that they were the best they could possibly be. It also taught me to perhaps think ahead while envisioning designs, taking into account the product’s function and what’s it’s supposed to achieve.