Creating Paper Robots increases designers' confidence to prototype with microcontrollers and electronics. Issue 1 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Analytis, Santhi; Sadler, Joel A.; Cutkosky, Mark R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of design creativity and innovation. Volume 5:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Rapid prototyping -- interaction design -- electronics toolkits; Design -- 21st century -- Periodicals; Design; 620.0042
• DOI: 10.1080/21650349.2015.1092397
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2165-0357

Abstract

Abstract: This article describes a creative design activity to introduce engineering students to mechatronic prototyping. Our goal was to find a creative task to increase student confidence and skills in mechanical design, electrical circuits, microcontrollers, and programming. We present the Paper Robot exercise, a design activity that blends everyday materials such as cardboard, with electronic components. This activity was introduced during the 2010–2011 academic year and has been repeated every year since, in a global, industry-sponsored design course at Stanford University. The Paper Robot exercise resulted from the observation that students were intimidated to create functional prototypes with microcontrollers. The teaching team needed a way to quickly introduce tools for programming electronic components and to encourage creative experimentation early in the course. Results include a 100% task performance rate of students that successfully made a robot meeting the minimum requirements. 76% of students reported an increase in knowledge in programming microcontrollers (Arduino), and 69% increased their knowledge in creating electronic circuits out of raw components. This activity may be modified to introduce younger students to mechatronic platforms in STEM education curriculum.