video under construction…
Northwestern University's Engineering Design Innovation
Pre-term Project
5 days
True North in Motion
An expression of my identity through interactive physical design
Skills Developed:
Workshop Tools
Mechatronics
Rapid Prototyping
During my pre-quarter orientation in Northwestern University’s EDI program, I was challenged to translate my “True North” into a physical project. I define my True North as leaving my curated touch on experiences for myself and others, which led me to design an interaction that literally leaves a mark. Over four days, I learned new mechatronic and prototyping skills and applied them to create moving mannequin fingers that mold and manipulate a ribbon.
Materializing an idea as interaction
I iterated through low-fidelity prototypes, switched directions quickly when an approach didn’t work, and problem-solved in real time. The final design used a combination of servos pulling illusion wire on the tips of fingers, while music wire affixed to the backs of the fingers straightened them. This rapid, hands-on process forced me to make intentional material choices and adapt my ideas on the fly to achieve a working interaction.
A hands-on test of curiosity and agility
Learning by doing shaped every decision in this project. I chose the scale and complexity of the build based on the time I had and pushed through uncertainty by creating instead of overthinking. I relied on peers for quick tests and feedback, and I experimented with found materials to keep momentum. This experience reinforced how powerful hands-on exploration can be for creativity and insight, and it pushed me to think about design not only as a reflection of myself but as something meant to be shared and experienced by others.
Reflecting on learning by doing
