The Marble Run contains three different components that utilize a variety of materials to provide users a unique and engaging experience. The first component is the marble “wheel” where the user may turn the wheel to release the marble onto the track, and then the track will guide the path of the marble through twists and turns. Once the marble reaches the end of the track, it would land in a “funnel” that would channel the marble to the final destination. Each component of the device is designed to be both durable and entertaining, ensuring that users will have fun while also learning about the principles of energy transformation.
Final product
Design thinking practices that have influenced my product:
The first design step of defining and inquiring helped me identify my target audience of students of all grades. Some research on one of my precedents, marble mazes, has suggested that people in different age groups all equally enjoy the product. Therefore, I tried to combine some of the concepts in a marble maze. One version of that product was how the marble would land in a hole that was just right for it to “sit” on. I took that idea and put it on the “wheel”, where there is a strip with holes that would have the marble use gravity to fall onto the track. Next, I added 3 simple tracks so the marble would roll to the ending. I deliberately designed the tracks to be simple so that all age groups could use the product and find it fun. Keeping in mind both my goals and audience, helped me better visualize my final product and guide me through the creation process.
Materials:
- 2 CDs
- 1 cardboard strip ( with holes, 1.5cm (to place the marble in)
- 1 rounded wooden stick, long 8cm, circumference 1.5cm (acting as a handle for the wheel to be able to turn)
- Cardboard parts, 2 of 13cm x 7cm, 2 of 7cm x 3.5cm (to hold the marble “wheel” in place)
- Large long rectangular box (to keep the “wheel” above the ground)
- Marbles, 2~4
- Cardboard strips, 8cm x 25cm (for the marble track)
- 1 rounded wooden stick, long 25cm, circumference 1.5cm (to support the marble track)
- 2~3 Rubber bands (to stabilize the marble track)
- A funnel (to place at the end of the marble track
Techniques: The main technique that would be needed for this design, is learning how to use the laser cut machine, and handling the hot glue gun.
First Component: The Marble “Wheel”
The marble “wheel” component
The marble “wheel” attached to the box
These were some of my sketches:
Second Component: The Marble Track
Initially, my idea was to create a rounded track that would have the marble roll in circles, by either laser cutting, or 3D print. However, since the track would be slowly moving downwards, it would be hard to create that using those materials, time-consuming, and hard to meet the success criteria.
Therefore, after talking with the design staff, I considered using other materials as sketched below:
Looking around the design center, I found many materials that can be used, however, it would only satisfy the marble rolling in a straight line. To challenge myself, I thought of combining wooden sticks, which are used to stabilize and guide the marble towards the ending, and curved tubes so that the marbles are able to take the turns.
Initial Sketches for my product:
My initial sketch combines all the components together and is very similar to the final product. This sketch made it easier for me to better think about the different aspects of the methods of creating this product, which later helped me into shaping the product to its final design.
This is the final sketch of my product:
The few changes I have made in my final sketches are to the marble track and the stand that would create the height between the base and the marble wheel (where the marble is first placed). I have modified the materials used to create the marble track, from wooden sticks and curved tubes to simple cardboard. Throughout the creation process, I have been exploring cardboard and I have noticed how flexible some of them are, but also at the same time, sturdy enough to keep the marble from falling off. I decided to bend the long cardboard strips to a “U” shape, so the marble can easily go through from the middle. The box that I added under the marble wheel was to ensure the stability of the pieces. While I was experimenting with the different materials, I found that adding sticks or other types of items underneath the marble wheel will not be as stable. Thinking back to my define and inquire stage, my goal is to make this design as easy as possible, since the users of this product vary in age.
Plan:
- Define & Inquire—Sketch out the design, and ask for teacher approval
- Gather all materials needed, and talk to design staff about the techniques to build the design
- Create the marble “wheel”, which is the component that requires the most techniques
- Find a box that can increase the height of the marble wheel, and ensure there is enough space for the marble track
- Move on building the marble track
- Check to make sure the marble will not fall off while it is moving, especially at the turning points of each track
- Stabilize the marble track with rubber bands, and add materials to support it under
- Create the funnel, and try out different materials that could be potentially used
- Cut into the right size
- Glue all components onto a piece of large cardboard as its base
- Try it out with marbles and make the according changes to the design, referencing the success criteria
Success Criteria:
- The marble is able to successfully make it to the end of the track
- The spinning wheel for the marble before it gets on the track needs to be able to turn
- The product has achieved its purpose and can fully show energy transformation