Role:
My role was to draw, design, and label the rooms that we were modeling. I went around to the different classrooms to observe and create the base that was used by the other group members. I would layout where the sinks were, doors, windows, fire extinguishers, etc. I also helped out Sarah in the Makers space by finding vacant 3D printers, to talking with the staff about questions she had. When discussing what we were going to make, I also was the one that brought up the idea to make accessible maps.
3D map (Final)
Braille (prototype)
Responsibilities:
My responsibilities covered a range of possibilities. I went around to map out the classes we were planning on printing, talked to the teachers about where Molly would sit, and labeled all important areas of the classroom for the people that were making the 3D maps. While Sarah was making the Braille room numbers, I helped by finding available prints (which was unnecessarily difficult because there were 5 classes using the printer that week so they were always in use). I have a very good relationship with the teachers working in the Makerspace, so when Sarah would have a question I would ask them for her. I would also talk to the teachers about the best time for Sarah to come in for printing so she wouldn’t have to go down so many times.
Contributions:
Since I believe it is crucial for our school to have additional accessibility features and as I had a great time working on this project, I am really pleased with the contributions I made. If Molly really finds the braille to be helpful, I believe there will eventually be more braille installed across the school in the years to come. The maps would be a great addition to the school, and will help her with navigating the classrooms she visits most often.
Braille room numbers (final)
3D map (while printing)
Collaboration Skills:
While I mostly played support during this group project, I believe that I made a huge difference in making everyone’s process go more smoothly. I often asked if any of my group members needed help, and did whatever I could to better contribute to and support them. We had a group chat to better communicate with each other, and I did my best to answer and take initiative to any questions my fellow group members had. I kept everyone updated on the progress, and gave reminders so we didn’t fall behind.
Working With SME:
Molly taught me so much! I came to see how crucial her cane was to her and how it helped her go around the school. She also taught me how quickly she can recall places on a tactile map, which I find intriguing. I also gained a lot of knowledge about braille, how to empathize, and how to try to develop something to enhance the life of someone I have never lived with and will never fully grasp. Overall, it has been a pleasure working with Molly, and this design project has taught me a lot that I otherwise wouldn’t have known.
Braille (Final)
Braille (prodotype)
What I Like About The Process:
I frequently struggle to visualize the finished result in my brain, so being able to write it down makes the design process easier. I had a great time working with a bunch of folks I knew and had previously collaborated with on other projects. Because everyone was allowed to express their own ideas, discuss, and participate equally, I also believe the design approach is good for group collaboration because it made it simpler to work together. I appreciate how it effectively lays out a road plan for success. By assisting and comprehending a person we wished to assist, I think this was a fantastic way to end the year.
What I Will Remember:
When Molly tried out our tactile map, she comprehended it nearly exactly, therefore I will always remember Kathreen and Kendra’s work. Additionally, I gained a better comprehension of Braille and am now able to read numerals up to five, which isn’t really spectacular but I still think is cool. Additionally, I discovered how to work more effectively in a collaborative project, particularly when everyone is doing something different. I also learned how to use the 3D printer and how to better navigate the Maker Space.
Braille (design process)