(Right Click to Play and Control Video)
Jude Pullen (Design Modelling) and Armand Kerckhoffs (TE Connectivity) on the fast and intuitive features of DesignSpark
They gathered 4 teams of experts from a range of companies and diverse disciplines. They challenged the teams to create something life-changing with significant impact on people using the DesignSpark Mechanical 3D software, and implement it! The teams include electrical engineers, embedded systems designers, CAD program designers, project managers, inventors, and other disciplines employed with Elecktor, Arduino, TE Connectivity, 3M, Schneider Electric, SpaceClaim, Dyson, RS Components, and more.
Live coverage of the event is available and Day 1 (UK time zone) has already been completed. Participation of viewers via social media from the site is encouraged, and the design teams will interact with viewers as the competition progresses. Twitter feeds are posted, a challenge diary has been created for each day, and strategic videos and photos document the progress of each team.Team Using DesignSpark to Aid Design Process
The challenge takes an existing method for mastering use of new tools (here it is -- see what you can do with it) to a new level by producing a meaningful product in a short time frame while letting people watch and participate in the process. MIT has done experimentation using wearable computing and head-mounted video cameras to document training on unfamiliar equipment, yielding advantages in showing the process of learning (both good and bad experiences) as skills are developed. This challenge, the online coverage, and audience participation use technology to further this concept.
Designs in Process from Day 1
Using off-the-shelf parts and rapid prototyping, the designs are to be quickly converted into a real product. This reminds me of science fiction making ripped from the pages of Cory Doctorow’s novel, Makers. Early themes from day 1 of the event are focusing on designs in energy, conservation, and health related areas.
Go to the DesignSpark web site and observe the design process of inventor Trevor Baylis (Clockwork Radio), design modeler Jude Pullen (Hey Jude of Instructables Solder Buddy), microcontroller expert Clemens Valens (Elektor and Circuit Cellar Ink contributor), and 3D modeler Alfred Schallert from Traceparts. All will be using the new DesignSpark Mechanical software which you can download for free and maybe design something of your own from the inspiration gained. Or just go and add your two cents to the process using social media!