Q & A |
What was the inspiration for your design? Does it serve a function?
Well, my partner and I were looking for inspiration, and we came across this video of a little boy who made a cardboard vending machine. We decided we should do a candy machine, using similar elements he used, but upgraded it. Our candy machine dispenses Skittles candy and is able to collect coins. What are you the most proud of with this design? I like the aesthetically appealing look of a clear case for the candy to sit in. We used a gatorade bottle to hold the candy, and cut the top off in a way that serves as a removable cap. Because the bottle was clear, you could see the colors of the candy, and the amount of candy in the container. What challenges did you run into while creating your design? We were challenged when we had to figure out how to make a ramp for the candy to go down. We made a solution by just using a piece of cardboard and sliding it diagonally into the box. It was a really long "slide" for the candy to fall down on. What would you do differently if you did this project again? If I could do this project again, I would remember to be realistic, because I originally wanted to make a skew-ball machine, but it was too hard and too big. I didn't know what I was getting myself into with such a vague idea. If you had an infinite budget and infinite time, how would you create this product in a different way? I am actually not sure. I guess if I had enough time, I would make the skee-ball machine, and make multiple prototypes before the real thing. If I had an infinite amount of money, I would probably just buy a skee-ball machine. How did exhibition go? Were you proud of how your project looked and was seen by the audience? Our project used candy, so when a elementary class came, they crowded around us and ate all of our candy. They also broke our machine! They were so eager to get more candy, they worked the machine themselves! This created an avalanche of candy, and a broken project. Other than hungry little kids, I feel we did a great job. I was proud of my partner and I, and the visitors, too. They gave us ideas on how to make it better, and how to make a chain reaction if we just pressed a button. What will you keep in mind the next time you complete a project like this one? I have to keep in mind my capabilities. I know I can push myself, but I also need to add in time management, realism, etc. What was your greatest growth area with this project? I grew in ability to work with cardboard, and not to limit your ideas. I also learned about simple machines and compound machines. |