The product we choose to make is a Carousel Candle, a decoration with moving figures when the candles light up. We were inspired by the trotting horse lamp, a traditional Chinese toy, and angel chimes, a Western Christmas decoration. We quickly sketch out a rough draft, starting our design process.

 

Design Process Overview

Our first step is to define our intended users and have a rough draft of our prototype based on that. Then, we made a detailed plan, including specific measurements, materials, and ways to connect them. Our plan is specific and detailed, which helps us a lot when creating our product. Furthermore, everything followed the plan and went well when developing our product. However, we also faced some problems: First, the spinning platform could not be stably connected to the wooden stick since it is made of paper and has no support. Our way to solve this problem was to add wires under the spinning platform (shown in the picture below) to play a supporting role, which made it more stable and easier to connect the spinning platform with the wood stick. After the inner part (spinning platform, holders, and wooden base) were combined and finished, we tested, and here is the issue: the spinning platform does not spin. We indicated that this is because the folds on the spinning platform were not enough to make it spin; moreover, the space on top of the wooden stick we left was too short, which increased friction between the wooden stick and the hole on the top and make it hard to spin. To address this problem, we re-made the spinning platform, doubled the number of folds, and left more spaces on top of the wooden stick to reduce friction.

Another small change we made through our design process was in materials. Instead of using half-transparent paper, we used transparent paper for our final prototype. This is because we cannot find half-transparent paper, and we do not have time to buy new ones online.

As a result, our prototype was successfully made, except for the spinning platform (still not working even after the change).

Things I learned during this design process were how to use the laser cutter and the importance of a detailed plan. The laser cutter saved us a lot of time because we had a time limit (3 classes), and it is one of the most successful parts of this product. Secondly, I felt that a detailed plan could greatly help people when creating the product. You know what you need and can do to finish the prototype, which avoids wasting time and confusion.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

The success criteria is whether the figures move or not when candles are lit up, which basically focuses on the spinning platform and the convection current. Based on this and the rubric, here are our strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths: 

1. As I mentioned, we clearly define our intended audiences, which are middle schoolers or above, who can probably safely deal with fire. Furthermore, our product can positively impact our intended audiences, such as helping people regulate emotions, feel relaxed, and reduce stress. Although we did not achieve the success criteria, this positive impact remains. If time allows, we can improve our prototype and hopefully achieve the success criteria; therefore, let our product play its best role. (Refer to blog post 1, “Define & Inquire”)
2. Also, we have a highly detailed plan for creating the product. This helped us throughout the creative process. (Mentioned in “things that I learned” and refer to blog post 2, “Develop & Plan”)
3. Our product is both recyclable and reusable. We choose recyclable materials like paper, cardboard, wood, etc. Moreover, a part of the product’s base is the cardboard candle holders. These holders are intentionally built, allowing customers to reuse the product. Their role is to fix the position of candles and also make it more convenient to exchange candles. In conclusion, we have a positive impact on the environment.

Weakness:

1. Our main weakness is that the prototype does not achieve the success criteria, meaning that the spinning platform is not spinning when the candles are lit up. We indicated that the failure was because the convection current was not strong enough to make the spinning platform spin. Furthermore, we came up with a solution: open the lid and reduce the weight on the spinning platform (learn details in blog post 3, “Create & Improve”). If time allows, we will apply this solution to our prototype and test it.
2. Other things went really well and succeeded, except for the failure.

 

Design Specifications

Initially, our design specification transforms thermal energy (candle) into kinetic energy (spinning figures). However, due to the failure of the spinning part, the actual product did not meet the design specification. If time allows, we will make changes to our product and meet our design specifications.

 

Other reflections

One thing that I am most proud of is that I collaborated with my partner really well. Because of our effective cooperation, we finished our product within about 3 classes. Even though the prototype is not perfectly made, we tried our best to make the product and realize our ideas. Secondly, we kept on track to writing these blog posts to record our entire creative process. Finally, we used our time wisely and effectively.

A challenge would be figuring out the spinning part, which I mentioned throughout this blog post. Since this instance is a bit uncontrollable, it is really hard to succeed on the first try. However, my partner and I both enjoy this process, and we tried our best in this limited time.