Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Students Create Innovative, Engineered Life Hacks

By Tierney King | May 3, 2018

Share

When 18 teams, made up of Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) students and Hopkins engineering students, were given the assignment to create an innovative “life hack,” it seemed as if one group would focus on the aesthetics and the other would focus on the technical design.

“We’d bring the paint, and they’d bring the gears,” said Emma Talpey, first year student from MICA, according to John Hopkins Hub.

To the students’ surprise, everyone contributed to all aspects of the planning and designing.

The teams had specific requirements for their final project: there had to be at least five different materials, the project had to be interactive with moving parts and there was a budget maximum of $100.

Despite having different ideas of what could enhance their lives, teams found common ground in certain areas where a life hack could come in handy.

One team decided that waking up in the morning was a dreaded task that needed a new design. They created the “Rise N’ Shine Machine,” a complex assembly that can wake someone up in seconds. People who attended the show could test out the machine by walking into a set-up bedroom and push a button. Once activated, the lights would automatically turn on, the curtains unveiled and the user’s favorite song would play. Essentially, they tried to make the experience of waking up a more efficient and exciting process.

Another team created “The Remedial Ripple,” a motorized art piece made up of gold blocks that read ‘Peace begins with a smile.’ When turned on, the gold blocks would move at different times and peaks, which created an illusion of a wave.

“The Remedial Ripple,” a motorized art installation of gold blocks that reads “Peace begins with a smile.” Credit: Michael Ciesielski

After discussion, another team realized they experienced homesickness, so they created mechanical flower petals that were programmed to open and close depending on the user’s emotional state. Their mood depicted by the flower was then transferred to far away friends or family to check in on the individual user.

Other designs included a hugging machine, a “smart” umbrella and an “ultimate study space.”

The teams showcased their final projects at “Hack Your Life Design Challenge” on the MICA campus.

Students create a hugging machine called Maxbay. Credit: Michael Ciesielski


Filed Under: Student programs, Rapid prototyping

 

Related Articles Read More >

PCB mills
Basics of printed circuit board milling machines
Rapid Product Solutions, Inc. enhances its rapid prototyping and production services
Protolabs Launches Production Capabilities for Metal 3D Printing
3D Printer Makes Peacekeeping Missions Cheaper and Repair of Defense Systems Faster

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Renishaw next-generation FORTiS™ enclosed linear encoders offer enhanced metrology and reliability for machine tools
  • WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
  • Epoxy Certified for UL 1203 Standard
  • The Importance of Industrial Cable Resistance to Chemicals and Oils
  • Optimize, streamline and increase production capacity with pallet-handling conveyor systems
  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development

Design World Podcasts

June 12, 2022
How to avoid over engineering a part
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings