Thanks for the Memory...
Context :
A recently published OfSTED report ('Meeting technological challenges? Design and technology in schools 2007–10'), found that in over a quarter of primary schools and about half the secondary schools reviewed there were insufficient opportunities for pupils to develop their knowledge of modern materials, electronic systems and control, and computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM).
Contemporary, appealing project briefs that make use of new technologies such as CAD/CAM are vitally important in redressing this problem. Educational suppliers have been quick to develop low cost kits, which can form a convenient starting point for such projects.
The increasingly popular USB memory stick is a good case in point. It could be used as a KS3 class project, typically at Y8 or Y9, to introduce pupils to new manufacturing technologies and the concepts of designing for batch/volume production. Similarly, it could provide the context for an introductory design and make task or a short ‘Controlled Assessment’ project at GCSE level.
Assignment:
Your task is to design and manufacture a prototype product in response to this context that incorporates the given 1 Gb USB memory stick circuit. CAD/CAM is to be used extensively in the development of your prototype. This will be a promotional 'freebie' used to publicise the launch of one of the following ventures:
- a new cloud based android or iPhone app
- the launch of a new web based music streaming site
- an information service for the 2012 Olympics
- the first film in a new science fantasy trilogy
- or any other product/company you wish to promote
CreoElements Pro and Corel Draw should be used to refine and develop the product’s shape, form and function. The prototype product should be manufactured using CAM equipment (eg. laser cutter, Fused Deposition Modeller, CNC router, sublimation printer etc') as the principal means of production.
You should also consider appropriate packaging and labelling to protect/promote/display the product.
Submission:
As evidence of your developing capability in CAD/CAM you are required to produce……
1. a personal development ‘blog’ that highlights your ongoing professional development in this area. (see for example http://mp3ampfolio.blogspot.com/)
The blog should be a selective presentation including evidence of
- initial research and specification
- how you have integrated other design activities (eg.sketching / modelling) with CAD in refining and developing your initial ideas;
- how your chosen concept has been developed and enhanced by the use of CAD software;
- how the product concept is taken through to manufacture using CAM;
- a critical evaluation in which you have reflected on the effectiveness of the final outcome.
- Ongoing decision making must be clearly justified through critical analysis and comment (supported by appropriate referencing)
2. A visually dynamic practical outcome and associated packaging, demonstrating the effective use of CAM
Weighting :
This assignment will account for one third of your overall grade for the Design & Manufacture Studies module. (Please be aware that you will be expected to submit all three DMS projects to access the full range of marks)
Submission date :
Wednesday 14th December, 2011
