3D Printed Prototype

For our fourth assignment in HCDE 451: UX Prototyping Techniques, we explored the use of a 3D printer to create a physical prototype. The assignment required that I use a CAD modeling software to design a helpful common household item. I quickly polled a few of my housemates to identify a "pain point" and discovered that two of my housemates are annoyed by a messy stove-top after setting down their cooking spoon. I decided to model and print a small "spoon tray" that allows someone to set a cooking spoon down without dirtying the spoon or the counter/stove. I quickly sketched up a design in my sketchbook (right).
 

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The assignment required the use of an extrusion, a detracted boolean extrusion, and a shape revolved about an axis. I designed the spoon tray as simple as possible: a small rectangle with a divet that allows the spoon handle to lay flat. The modeled prototype is pictured below.

After printing the spoon tray, I asked some housemates to use it while cooking over the next couple weeks and provide me with some criticism. My housemates revealed the following ways that I could improve on future iterations:

  • Reduce the lip height on the spoon tray,
  • Use soft edges on the inside of the tray for easier cleaning,
  • Modify the design to accommodate different sizes and types of utensils.
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Nathan Young Comment