Foundations of Engineering Design Thinking -
Honors Research Experience

What? 

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In the spring semester of 2023, a team of five Honors scholars collaborated closely with an engineering professor to undertake a research or product design project. The group's interests and goals pointed towards using the resources provided at the 1819 innovation hub to develop an innovative solution for broken eyeglass frames that is easy to use, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. After conducting extensive brainstorming sessions, the team settled on the idea of creating bespoke 3D-printed eyeglass frames under the brand name 'Vision-Morph.' The development of the concept necessitated the utilization of engineering design thinking tools such as project management software, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and the design process stages. On April 6th, the group presented their project at the CEAS Expo, where they were the only freshman group among the senior participants. This achievement marked the successful culmination of their collaborative effort and provided a sense of pride in the team's hard work.

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So What? 

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Working closely with an engineering professor and a group of honors students for 80 hours was an Educative and fulfilling experience. Applying principles and processes learned in class to a real-life project allowed me to understand the intricacies of product design and enabled me to use engineering design thinking tools to solve real-world problems. I learned how to use various project management tools, CAD software, and design process stages, which allowed me to effectively contribute to the development of the project. Our group's presentation at the CEAS Expo was a notable achievement, especially since we were the only freshmen among groups of seniors. This project taught me a kitty full of valuable lessons including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. It also enabled me to expand my knowledge of materials science, electronics, and product development, which will be useful in my future projects. Overall, this experience provided me with memorable moments and a deepened understanding of product design, and I am excited to apply the skills I gained in my future engineering endeavors.

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Now What? 

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I plan to build on the lessons learned from this project by continuing to hone my design thinking skills. I am excited to explore other opportunities to apply my skills and knowledge to real-world problems and take advantage of other honors experiences offered by the University Honors Program. Additionally, I plan to use the reflective techniques I learned to continue to reflect on this experience and apply these lessons to future projects. This experience has motivated me to pursue a career in engineering, and I look forward to the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.