Project 3: The Enigma

 

Due Dates

Tuesday March 27: Preliminary project ideas due
Tuesday April 3: Preliminary project proposal outline due on course website
SATURDAY April 7: Test of Project 2 at Moving 4th into Engineering
Tuesday April 10: Proof of concept prototype critique
Tuesday April 17: Functional prototype due
Thursday May 3: Fully functional prototype presentation and critique
Wednesday May 9: Complete project due including web documentation
Wednesday May 9: Final presentation at Meeting of the Minds

For project 3, you will design, build and test hands-on exhibits that help library visitors understand how an Enigma works. Your project can cover either the physical or cryptographic aspects. Your project should:

  • engage a visitor’s curiosity about the Enigma
  • appeal to people with differing levels of knowledge and abilities
  • be safe and durable
  • use appropriate and sustainable technology
  • include at least one part manufactured by the team using a digital fabrication technology and at least one electronic component

Preliminary Project Ideas: Tuesday March 27
By the end of class on Tuesday March 27, each team will make an informal presentation of the ideas they have come up with. The presentation should cover what the activity is, what people will learn, and how they will learn it.

Preliminary Project Proposal: Tuesday April 3
Each team will create a page(s) on the class web site explaining the idea they plan to pursue, answering the following questions:

  1. What is the concept people will learn?
  2. What will the vistors do and how will they learn by interacting with your project?
  3. How does your project meet the requirements given above?
  4. What supplies will be needed? What needs to be manufactured? If appropriate, include a sketch of the activity.

Test of Project 2 at Moving 4th into Engineering Saturday April 7

On SATURDAY April 7, you will have the chance to test your toy from Project 2 with the children who will be at Moving 4th into Engineering.

Proof of Concept Prototype: Due Tuesday April 10
Each team must bring a proof-of-concept prototype of their activity to class. The purpose is to see whether the project will work and to get more concrete reactions and suggestions from the other teams. The prototype should demonstrate the concept and convince you that your idea probably will or probably won’t work.

Functional Prototype: due Tuesday April 17

Fully functional prototype presentation and critique: Tuesday April 24

Completed project due Thursday April 26

Your web site should document your project, explaining how it works and what it being learned. This web site is for external consumption, so you should not include the design process information that you put in your portfolio.

Meeting of the Minds: Wednesday May 9
The final presentation of your project will be during Meeting of the Minds. All the projects will be set up in the Studio Theater in the CUC. More details to follow.

Links to external pages about the Enigma

To order material or parts for your project, use the class order form.