Updates

We have recently confirmed our project deliverable with Mark. He expects to have a working prototype of a workbench. In addition, the patrons should be involved in the building process. We sent drawings of the workbench design (shown below) to Mark for approval and he gave some useful feedback and suggestions. We made modifications to the design based on his feedback e.g. adding leg adjustments, indicating hinge positions. The final plan (linked below) were sent to the Learning Exchange and were approved. Chris Koch, the operations manager at the Learning Exchange, informed us that we need to send them an expense claim form with the cost of the materials we will need. He also mentioned that 26-28 March  would be suitable to have the build sessions with the patrons.

Initial drawings of workbench

Final workbench plan

Tasks and Dates

Material list and expense claim form: Monday 11th March

• wait for confirmation from Learning Exchange

Purchase materials ourselves: 13-15th March
Cut and drill material at UBC: 18-22 March

• book one or two sessions at a workshop on campus

Build workbench on-site with patrons: 26-28 March

• set up one or two build session(s) with Learning Exchange for patrons to drop-in and help with the building
• make arrangements for tools and transporting the materials to site

Next step

After figuring out the materials needed and submitting the expense claim form to the Learning Exchange, our team will meet up and discuss the following:

• when and where we will buy the materials
• who will go to buy and bring the materials to UBC
• when we want to do the cutting and drilling of materials on campus
• how we will get the materials to the site
• one or two days between 26-28th March to have the build session(s) at the Learning Exchange
• planning the poster and documentation assignments

In this blog post, we will present our brainstorming for the project and the techniques we will use to filter and evaluate ideas. We will also present an overview timeline and milestones for the project. Finally, we will mention our plan for the next step of the project.

Brainstorming phase

Last week, we acquired the Sketch-up drawings of the workshop with the proposed elements (e.g. workbenches). A majority of brainstorming was done during the first meeting with the client. at this point, we openly discussed and brainstormed on which elements would be most vital, and how many would be feasible. We will continue to brainstorm ideas for the construction of the prototype elements for the carport renovation by examining the Sketch-up designs. Aside from the construction procedure, we also need to get the community members involved in the project so they feel a sense of belonging. A good way to connect with the community members would be to meet them during the drop-in sessions. The coordinators and staff at the Learning Exchange are willing to help us throughout the project so we can seek their feedback on our ideas and progress as well as consult them regarding any concerns that we raise.

Timeline and Milestones

Here is our team’s plan for tackling the various stages of the project:

• February 16 to March 10: Brainstorm of construction methods, material selection, and shop drawings
  • Consulting coordinators for feedback on feasibility and patron satisfaction
  • Finalizing prototype drawings
  • Cost evaluation to remain on budget
• March 11, 2013: Construction start
  • involving team members and community members
• March 21, 2013: Construction completion
• March 24, 2013: Poster completion
• March 27, 2013: Project documentation completion

Next step

Our team will be visiting the Learning Exchange next Tuesday (during reading break) to meet with the coordinators to go into the specifics and to brief them on our project plan. While we are there, we will also discuss about the construction of the prototype.
In addition, we need to figure out how we can have access to a workshop and tools for the construction of the prototype.