Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
Paper Robot: A Design Activity to Increase Beginner’s Prototyping Confidence with Microcontrollers
Analytis, S.; Sadler, J.; Cutkosky, M. R.
Type:
Year:
2015
Editor:
Amaresh Chakrabarti, Toshiharu Taura and Yukari Nagai
Author:
Institution:
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
Section:
Creativity Supporting Tools
Page(s):
200-208
ISBN:
978-1-904670-60-5
Abstract:
This paper describes a creative design activity to introduce engineering students to mechatronic prototyping. Our goal was to find a creative task to increase student confidence and skills in mechanical design, electrical circuits, microcontrollers, and programming. We present the Paper Robot exercise, a design activity that blends everyday materials such as cardboard, with electronic components. This activity was introduced during the 2010-2011 academic year, and has been repeated every year since, in a global, industry-sponsored design course at Stanford University. The Paper Robot exercise resulted from the observation that students were intimidated to create functional prototypes with microcontrollers. The teaching team needed a way to quickly introduce tools for programming electronic components and to encourage creative experimentation early in the course. Results include a 100% task performance rate of students that successfully made a robot meeting the minimum requirements. 76% of students reported an increase in knowledge in programming microcontrollers (Arduino), and 69% increased their knowledge in creating electronic circuits out of raw components. This activity may be modified to introduce younger students to mechatronic platforms in STEM education curriculum.
Keywords:
