The Mother of Dragons
The Automaton
Visual Thinking - Fall 2018
Create a mechanical figure or contraption that presents an engaging scene.
Partners: Brad Immel, Khoi Le, Brooke Redington
Brainstorming
Mechanisms and movements
Mechanisms in context of theme
Theme and mechanism brainstorm
Mechanism Sketches
Many of the cams were worked out quickly, but the mechanisms that posed more of a challenge were those that incorporated more complicated motion. I wanted to include a carousel-like component that displayed both rotational and vertical motion. Below are the process sketches of the initial design.
Prototyping
This was a massively important step in our design process as it allowed us to try out features like the carousel and a drum component without worrying about having the polish of a finished piece. It was also helpful in figuring out what placement of mechanisms made the most sense to have a compelling, complete scene that could truly come to life.
Carousel component prototype
Automaton prototype
Finished Product
A very proud (and exhausted) team
On display at the design showcase
Hand crank detail shot
A better look at the mechanisms
Hand placement affordance
The new and the old