After successful completion of the course, students are able to ...

- understand the process from creative design to fabrication

- understand the value of physical prototypes

- select the appropriate fabrication technology

- design prototypes in 3d CAD software

- design printed circuit boards in CAD software

- consider the issues of scalability and sustainability

- promote a product in a crowdfunding campaign

- work in groups, discuss, and assign individual tasks

The course “Design and Fabrication” introduces the process from creative design to large-scale fabrication. Thereby, the use of prototypes is motivated, for example, to test specific technical features or to evaluate the application and acceptance by users in studies. The course focuses on designing, making, and promoting functional prototypes. The lecture starts with the fundamentals of creativity techniques and design principles, then introduces computer-aided design (CAD) software, and explains current subtractive and additive fabrication technologies for the manufacturing of prototypes and housings. Because electronics have become an essential part of today’s products, the design and fabrication of modern printed circuit boards (PCBs) are also explored. In addition, the issues of scalability and the concepts of responsible innovation are discussed. Finally, as an alternative to conventional business models, open-source licensing and crowdfunding are presented as ways to bring products to market.

The hands-on part of the course consists of three individual exercises and a group project. It requires the application of the learned creativity techniques as well as the design and manufacturing of haptic and functional prototypes. The exercises and project submissions are handed in via TUWEL. In the end, the projects will be promoted in the style of a crowdfunding campaign and pitched to a jury.

The course will be a healthy mix of lecture and lab time. The fundamentals are consolidated in tutorials and exercises. They prepare for the group project in which the acquired knowledge is applied and extended. Finally, the group work is presented in a project pitch. Regular attendance is required to successfully complete the course.

This course will not feature an exam. Instead, the course is graded based on three individual exercises (40%) and a group project (60%). The submission and participation in both parts are mandatory to pass.