Corestone
"CoreStone" is an innovative 3D printer workstation designed to elevate printing performance by minimizing vibrations and offering efficient storage solutions, ensuring optimal printing results. With its sleek and modern design, "CoreStone" seamlessly integrates into home environments while enhancing the printing experience for users.
01
Research
Methodology- I intend to leverage Munari's method as the primary framework for its comprehensive approach and emphasis on nurturing creativity. Additionally, I aim to incorporate Baxter's method to complement Munari's approach, given its focus on ensuring market viability, a crucial aspect in this domain.
Sub Problems- While delving into the primary problem that CoreStone aims to address, I unearthed several subproblems that must be solved to ensure complete project success. These include materiality and cost, variety of 3D printers, storage, noise, and aesthetics.
Surveys- Proved instrumental during my research and discovery phase, shedding light on the current setups users employ to house their 3D printers. These surveys provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by users, particularly in relation to print quality and overall user experience. By analyzing responses, I discerned that existing setups often contribute to print quality issues, affecting both the parts being produced and the overall printing experience.
Furthermore, surveys helped uncover the primary pain points experienced by users. These pain points ranged from inadequate storage solutions leading to material degradation to noise disturbances impacting the printing process. By understanding these pain points, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the user experience landscape, enabling me to tailor CoreStone's solutions to address these specific challenges effectively.
02
Problem Statement
There exists a lack of affordable workstations designed specifically for 3d printing, which leads many consumers to use unstable furniture that fosters negative printing experiences.
03
Finding the Opportunity
Following the meticulous process of defining the problem, conducting extensive market research, evaluating existing products, and identifying the array of subproblems, it became apparent that a significant opportunity awaited in crafting a tailored solution for this space.
04
Ideation
The process of sketching ideas and gathering feedback from peers served as a catalyst for creativity and innovation, ultimately leading to a more robust and well-rounded solution that considers a multitude of perspectives and potential scenarios.
05
Development
Final Prototype- After the iterative sketching phase, I transitioned to a more structured approach by creating a comprehensive design assembly using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This step was crucial as it allowed me to translate conceptual sketches into detailed, accurate representations of the final product. With the CAD model in hand, I proceeded to develop a cut plan, meticulously outlining each component's dimensions and placement to ensure seamless assembly and functionality in the final prototype. This step was particularly important in preparing for the construction of the prototype in a 1-to-1 scale. Building the prototype in full scale was a key milestone in the project, offering the opportunity to validate the design's feasibility and functionality. By following the cut plan derived from the CAD assembly, I ensured that the prototype accurately reflected the intended design, facilitating a meaningful evaluation process.
UI Design- During the UI design process, I drew inspiration from the intuitive interfaces of smart home devices, aiming to create a user experience that felt familiar and effortless. By incorporating elements from these interfaces, such as clear navigation paths and visually engaging controls, CoreStone's UI design aimed to streamline the user experience and enhance usability. In essence, the UI design process followed a methodical progression, beginning with user flow analysis and evolving through sketching and wireframing stages before culminating in the creation of the final UI design. This iterative approach ensured that the design remained user-centric, prioritizing usability and functionality while drawing inspiration from established design paradigms in smart home device interfaces.
06
Result
CoreStone's final outcome received exceptional praise from users, peers, and mentors alike, primarily due to the extensive and comprehensive design framework employed throughout the project. By meticulously delving into every aspect of the design process, from problem definition to user interface refinement, I ensured that CoreStone's solution addressed the needs and challenges of users in a thorough and effective manner.
