Reflections on the Design Process
Looking back at the design process, the team learned several lessons. The group learned the importance of communication, teamwork, setting realistic goals and deadlines, and the complexity of the design process.
The Teaching Heart team quickly realized that communication is critical to success. Throughout the design process, frequent communication was necessary to keep up with the design schedule and its various deadlines. Additionally, while division of labor was necessary to complete such an extensive project in the allotted time, the design could not have been accomplished without teamwork as well. The group discovered that though working together was less time efficient, this collaboration ultimately enabled them to devise an optimal solution. Not only did this teamwork aid in the design process, it also helped to foster lasting friendships.
The importance of setting realistic goals and deadlines was another critical lesson learned during the design process. The team recognized early on the importance of and need for a design schedule; however, the detail with which to make this schedule was a learning process. Because of the complexity of the project, a bare bones schedule did not suffice. However, setting lofty, unrealistic goals also proved counterproductive at times. Adapting throughout the process, the team ultimately found a middle ground such that goals were completed regularly and on time to meet the final deadline. Luckily, during this learning process, members of the Teaching Heart team were very organized and willing to push each other to stay on task. This lesson is something each member will integrate into other work outside of senior design.
Finally, the group learned first-hand the complexity of the design process. With a seemingly endless number of options for designing each component, it was difficult to assess them all within the short time allotted. Practical industry experience would make these options easier to navigate; however, the team is happy with the ultimate design chosen. This project has taught each member a great deal about the design process, which will help immensely as each prepares to enter their respective fields and industries.
The Teaching Heart team quickly realized that communication is critical to success. Throughout the design process, frequent communication was necessary to keep up with the design schedule and its various deadlines. Additionally, while division of labor was necessary to complete such an extensive project in the allotted time, the design could not have been accomplished without teamwork as well. The group discovered that though working together was less time efficient, this collaboration ultimately enabled them to devise an optimal solution. Not only did this teamwork aid in the design process, it also helped to foster lasting friendships.
The importance of setting realistic goals and deadlines was another critical lesson learned during the design process. The team recognized early on the importance of and need for a design schedule; however, the detail with which to make this schedule was a learning process. Because of the complexity of the project, a bare bones schedule did not suffice. However, setting lofty, unrealistic goals also proved counterproductive at times. Adapting throughout the process, the team ultimately found a middle ground such that goals were completed regularly and on time to meet the final deadline. Luckily, during this learning process, members of the Teaching Heart team were very organized and willing to push each other to stay on task. This lesson is something each member will integrate into other work outside of senior design.
Finally, the group learned first-hand the complexity of the design process. With a seemingly endless number of options for designing each component, it was difficult to assess them all within the short time allotted. Practical industry experience would make these options easier to navigate; however, the team is happy with the ultimate design chosen. This project has taught each member a great deal about the design process, which will help immensely as each prepares to enter their respective fields and industries.