The Gravediga

I took a class called Design and Engineering. In this class, we learned about a couple of different things including vectors, simple machines, and how to design something for a certain audience. As far as Field Experiences go we went to Home Depot to learn about gardening tools so that we can better understand the market. We also went to Beyond Design which is a design firm that designs things for a living. Going to these places helped us understand the topic even better. For this project, we had to recreate a gardening tool for elderly people. I chose to recreate the sledgehammer.

Before starting this job I had to do prior research to make sure I made the best design possible. The research I did prior included an interview, going to Home Depot and personal research. I interviewed my sister so that I could understand how tools caused stress to certain joints. I went to Home Depot to ask questions of the professionals working there, and finally, I did personal research such as understanding the competition so that I could properly differentiate from them and make my tool better.

I learned that sledgehammers are too heavy for most elderly people to use. Second I learned some elderly people can handle the weight but not the placement of the weight. And finally, I learned that sledgehammers are typically not ergonomic because they stress out the same parts of the body.

Empathy is when you put yourself in someone else's shoes to understand what they are feeling. This relates to the class because to design something for a certain audience you need to be able to make it specifically for them.

I learned a lot from doing this project because while yes I was already very knowledgeable on the topic before entering the unit I hadn't done a sledgehammer or garden tool before so this was something new. I also think this project was beneficial because I now have a better understanding of how empathy fits into the project.