Modelling and Modifications

How long have I got for this section? Due in week commencing 28/11/05
How many marks is this bit worth? 4
How many pages should it occupy? Maximum 3

Your ability to make simple models and use them to finalise details of your design will be marked at this stage. You should attempt to produce a scale model (half size, 1:5 etc) using simple materials such as paper, card or modelling foam. Use one of the digital cameras to take a photo of it, stick it in your design folder and make a note of any conclusions that you reach and, crucially, any changes that you make to your final idea as a result.

For example, you might have an idea in mind for the shape of a mood light that reacts to temperature and light levels. With the information that you have gained in the previous section about components, material sizes and construction methods you can now make a scale model of your design and use it to check the aesthetics.

You might have an idea for the shape and proportions for an electronic metronome. Making a model will help you to establish that the proportions look right (and so it meets aesthetic requirements in your specification) and that the design is stable.

Making a model from card means that it will be hollow so you can establish that there is sufficient space for a battery pack, a circuit board and other components inside.

Like I said, if you will need to make changes between the model and the final design, record them here.

As a starting point, I suggest that you decide upon the measurements of your final product. Do this by looking at the maximum/minimum size limits imposed by your specification. Check that you are not designing something using material which might not actually exist in those particular sizes; materials are usually only available in stock sizes eg 3mm Acrylic, 1.5mm Polystyrene, 6mm MDF.

Most Systems & Control projects can be modelled actual size ie. scale 1:1.