Chuan’s Learning Experience
I would like to describe my learning experience like that of a Gearbox. In this sharing, I would have three points, namely:
- The importance of shifting up
- The importance of changing gear
- How more gears does not lead to a higher output
Importance of Shifting Up
While working on a project, it is important to work on it step-by-step. An example of a step-by-step process is the Design Thinking process. In which the steps are Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and lastly follow by Test. You can see that each step is equivalent to shifting up one gear.
This is fundamentally critical, as it establishes a foundation not only for oneself but also for the team. If these steps weren’t conducted properly, it would lead to disorientation — constantly going back and forth trying to figure out the purpose of some actions.
Importance of Changing Gear
This value emphasizes the quality of being adaptable and flexible. Over the course of the project, there would be constant challenges and changes. Such as an idea not carrying out as intended or a teammate changing schedule due to family commitments. One must know when to change gear and adjust the working pace with his team mate to overcome hurdles and work efficiently. It is most effective when teammates are working at the same pace as a constant communication flow can be established, propelling the team forward.
One must try to fit in or get the team to adjust such that each individual in the team can work at the same pace to allow for optimal progress. With the team working at the same tempo, it is easier to overcome obstacles.
How more gears does not lead to a higher output
From the start, our team has been plagued with team member issues. Such as team members not seeing eye to eye, and ultimately, team members leaving the team. Thereafter, our team only had two members to carry out the project. However, with only two members, it was when our team had the most progress. This shows a cooperative team can be more productive than a larger team.
Amir’s Learning Experience
The Making and Tinkering course has been an eye-opening experience, guiding me through the entire process from ideation to creation. At the start, I felt unsure about where to begin or what direction to take. However, after months of consultations and lab work, my teammate, Chuan, and I successfully developed “Solar D,” an automated solar panel cleaner. Throughout this journey, I acquired a range of technical skills, including 3D printing, Arduino programming, and circuitry. These were completely new to me, but I found that hands-on experience was the most effective way to learn. I relied heavily on guidance from the lab assistants, online resources, and the support of fellow Making and Tinkering members.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during this project was the importance of planning. Failing to plan is planning to fail. This idea was ingrained by the late lab manager, Tony. Although planning felt like a laborious task at the start, I came to appreciate its significance over time. A thorough plan ensured that our project flowed smoothly, outlined what needed to be accomplished, and highlighted any potential technical challenges in advance. This emphasis on planning was crucial in navigating the complexities of the project and ultimately contributed to its success.
Nevertheless, the project was not without its challenges. From the onset, our team faced a shortage of manpower. Down to just the two of us, we had to scale down the original project scope to keep the workload manageable. This experience has significantly improved my problem-solving and design-thinking skills in a real-life setting. It was my first opportunity to create a tangible product that I had designed and ideated, marking a milestone beyond academic achievements. This course has not only expanded my technical skillset but also strengthened my resilience, giving me the confidence to tackle future projects.