Creating the Draft: Works-Like and Looks-Like Model

For our in-class exhibition, we have to present a prototype -- a model that looks and works like the final vision. Kat and I stayed late into the early morning, fine-tuning this piece with our recently ordered supplies. Kat and I broke down our interactive exhibit into a Work-Like Model, Looks-Like Model, and Learn-Like Model (storyboard). Now, we must combine all the bits and pieces to create our first draft of a fully working, aesthetically pleasing interactive display.

Below is a spreadsheet of all the materials we purchased for the first rendition. Items such as wire, hair dryer, paper, etc. are readily available and require no cost. The budget is around $100, which is pretty tight for a large, electrically and mechanically robust project like ours. So, I think we did quite well in finding deals for the items we need in such a short turnaround (less than 24 hours).

On Monday, I began working at 1:30 pm and didn't leave the lab until 4am. By then, I had only finished 3/4 of the project before my body started to shut down. Then, with hands bruised by scars and electric shocks, tired eyes and a perseverant mind, I returned to the lab at 10am to finish up the last bits, resolve our past problems, take note of new problems and formed a working display for the class presentation. I'll put it simply: Kat and I were no longer on the struggle bus -- we were on a struggle plane, taking "I Can't Even" airlines for a round-trip to "I'm So Done" nation. However, it was just our luck that the deadline for the in-class exhibition was extended to Friday.... Well, at least we won't be rushed later this week. Time to catch up on sleep.

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