Group Reflections

We share a common goal to create something that is beneficial to our daily lives, providing convenience. We brainstormed about problems that we face in our daily lives and from there, we found problems that could possibly be improved upon. The most important criteria was the cost of the invention as we are targeting everyone. We wanted our invention to be affordable, as well as aesthetically appealing. The greatest challenge we face was not being able to find suitable materials. We overcame that by having a larger variety of materials to choose from. We met up usually to keep track of the progress, and stay on task. If our group had more time, we would have tried to introduce our invention to manufacturers, and ask for their comments or critics. We learn critical thinking and problem solving skills in this project that could be used in everyday life.

Our Website

This is the link to our web report:

http://www.wix.com/chanjunyang/magical

Group Discussion 8

The group met up to check on the progress of the project. Everything was going according to plan, with the final prototype done and completed, and the rest ongoing. We then tested out the product a few times for accuracy purpose, the experiment was relatively successful. We then start to make changes to the Semis’ powerpoint slides, updating it, to be the powerpoint slides for Finals. We then discussed about the aesthetics of our product.

Group Discussion 7

The group split up the work, with Jun Yang to do the product itself, Ronnie to do the inventor log, Sheng Pu to get the materials, and lastly Bryan to start on the web report.

Group Discussion 6

The group had another meeting. We proposed all the possible ideas we came up with throughout the 4 days break. We came up with many ideas that seem probable, but after some calculation and simulation, we ruled them out. In the end, we came up with a few feasible ideas. For the materials, we agreed on waxed cardboard, the material used in normal tissue boxes. For the design, we agreed that our idea in Semis was still the best, harnessing the effects of gravity.

Group discussion 5

We met up, discussing about the problems that were raised during the Semis. Problems regarding materials, design, etc. We brainstormed and discussed the feasibility of all the ideas we came up with. We came up with crazy ideas, from using paper as materials, to using scotch- tapes. First meeting was not fruitful, so Jun Yang decided to call it a day, and all of us went home to think of inspiration and ideas.

Reflections for Semis...

Ronnie

This project is really beneficial to me as I have learn much knowledge about many things. I learnt how to be innovative, and how to brainstorm more effectively. Moreover, I have better learnt how to work with friends.

Jun Yang

As the leader, I felt that it was difficult to get everyone to cooperate, thus sometimes plans have to be delayed. However, this invention also allowed me to understand how hard it is to come up with an invention. Easy it may seem but in actual fact, many things needs to be considered when making an invention such as its feasibility and its usefulness. All in all, this is a valuable experience for me.

Bryan

I felt that it was challenging to think of a suitable design that is both aesthetically appealing and still can serve its functions. Though some ideas were rejected, it was overall a fun experience trying to think of the design and how to maintain it’s function.

Sheng Pu

Everyone has the ability to change the world, if you try hard enough. Our invention is only a small attempt to it. I feel that everyone should do something to protect the earth, no matter big or small. Do it now, and you won’t regret it!

Group Discussion 4

Things we discuss during the meeting...

1. Feasibility of material used
2. Other possible suitable material

Feasibility of material used

• Using of cardboard for the sides are quite hard and
  tension of rubber is needed to pull it down.
• Using of rubber to pull down the card board would cause the tissue to break
  when being pulled due to too much tension.

Other possible solutions

• Use of paper instead of cardboard due to it being softer
• Taking away the rubber as it is not needed
  because paper is soft enough to fall freely

Model

Group Discussion 3

Things we discuss during the meeting...

1. Problems of current model
2. Ways to improve the model

Problems of current model

• Difficulty in puling out the tissue when it is too low

Ways to improve the current model

• Placing a plank at the bottom of the tissue box to lift the tissue higher.

Group Discussion 2

Things we discuss during the meeting...

1. Problems of current model
2. Ways to improve current model

Problems of current model

• Exterior aesthetics quite ugly due to the falling of cloth
• Strength of rubber would break the tissue when being pulled out
• Difficulty in refilling the tissue

Ways to improve the current model

• Instead of using cloth, we propose to use a foldable cardboard
• Increase the length of the rubber band to lessen the tension
• Putting plastic to on the cover to make the pulling of tissue smoother
• Use an exterior cover instead

Group Discussion 1

30 April 2011, first meeting after prelims.

Things we discussed during the meeting...

1. Distribution of work
2. Ideas on making the model

Distribution of work

Jun Yang - Making of the prototype

Sheng Pu - Find current ideas on tissue boxes

Bryan Lye - Find resources for Power Point

Ronnie Gao - Power point IC

Ideas on making the model

Following our current model, we thought the following...

• Using of cloth for the exterior of the tissue box
• Using the card board for the cover and base of the tissue box
• Using rubber bands to pull the cover and base together

Draft

Brainstorming 3

After researching on the previous idea, we found a huge problem in it.

THIS IDEA HAS BEEN DONE BEFORE!

Thus, we quickly brainstormed for new ideas and we managed to come out with the Magical Box.

It was a tissue box that is made of simply- cardboard, elastic bands and foldable paper.

Features of the Magical Box:

- It can shrink according to the number of tissues left in the box.

- It is easy and cheap to make.

- It is reusable.

- Environmentally friendly

Thus, this design could solve the flaw of the existing tissue box with spring and serve its purpose of giving convenience to the user.

Brainstorming 2

After some researching, our group meet up again to discuss on what we have found so far.

Jun Yang suggested using a tissue box with spring at the base to lift the tissues up, thus giving the user ease in taking the tissue paper. The other group members felt that this is a possible solution to the problem.However, they had several concerns.

1: The spring has to be specially made, causing the cost of production to increase

2: The spring might worn off over time.

But all in all, they felt that it was an idea worth thinking about.

Brainstorming 1

What inspired us?

Ronnie's father bought a huge black pepper crab home for dinner. The
whole family was eating happily with their fingers moving, trying to
break parts of the crab. However, they found out that taking tissue
paper out of the box was very tough as its halfway used, and when
Ronnie stick his hand in, he dirtied the whole box. He was frustrated
and the mood of the happy meal was destroyed.

Thus, Ronnie brought up this problem to the group during projects day
discussion and we all agreed to find a solution to this problem.