Big Tuna
Timeline: 5 weeks
Tools: Solidworks, 3D printer, basic rapid prototyping supplies
Project description: Create a meaningful, 3D personal logo that represents your own identity. Communicate design intent through hand drawings and digital models of 2D and 3D geometry, and build functional physical prototypes as part of your iterative design process.
Initial Sketches and Refinement
After mind-mapping, I chose to focus on themes about the meaning behind my Chinese name, love for graffiti, and goofy personality.
Orthographic drawings
When investigating my favorite ideas in depth, I created more detail drawings that explored stamps and rings in attempt to make the product functional.
Rapid Prototyping
I rapid prototyped my favorite ideas with play-doh, foam core, hot glue and more. These prototypes were quick and tested a particular goal/ functionality for each design. I ultimately decided to develop my fish prototype (top left) as I felt it was most fun and representative of me. Additionally, I thought it would be most useful because it could act as a toy house for my hamster (when scaled up).
Digital Fabrication
After creating my initial Solidworks design and printing a small version, I made improvements to make sure the product was structurally sound and quick to print. For example, I redesigned the eyeball so that it wouldn’t fall out. I also hollowed out the center of the fish to make the print more efficient and create more room for the hamster.
