Sketchbook

Various life drawings, ideas, and illustrations, mostly personal work

When I found out we were paying $200 every few weeks to replace the mechanical robot in one of our exhibits, I knew there had to be a better way. I worked with volunteer Paul Stankiewicz to create a durable, low-maintenance, and affordable replacement. The Robo Crab uses an over-sized motor, linear guide rail, and pivots with bushings and shoulder screws.

Above: Paul decommissioning the last of the ‘disposable’ $200 robots, before replacing it with Robo Crab

Materials cost around $200, and thanks to Paul’s generosity, it only took a little bit of my labor to manage the project.

Fenner Nature Center Concepts

After seeing my designs at Impression 5, Fenner asked me to conceptualize a new space to reinvigorate their aging exhibit area.

Overview of the final gallery design

Fenner Ideas v03 - Backdrop and environmental copy

A materials and finishes rendering used during the design phase.

Test caption added in gallery.

Build Zone

This was a very quick, low-budget project to fill a gap made by a departing traveling exhibit. Other staff developed the activities, and I designed the exhibit layout, look and feel, and environmental treatments. The project took 2 months from initiation to completion.

It turned out to be one of the most popular exhibits in the museum.

POP

Goals

Redesign and relocate the aging bubbles exhibit at Impression 5 Science Center. I added to the atmosphere with iridescent plastic panels that resembled the thin-film effect seen on bubbles.

The Bubble Tower component was prototyped by other museum staff, and I was tasked with designing the cabinet.

I was also responsible for the graphic system and graphic design

SketchUp model

Roles

I served as exhibit designer, graphic designer, and assisted with fabrication and install. Prototyping and fabrication by Cyrus Miller, Matt Hill, Josh Smith, and Larry Stump.

Location

Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing MI

Completed

2013

Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera Controller

Electrical vs Mechanical

When it comes to hands-on exhibits, I usually favor mechanical solutions over electrical because mechanical methods are more obvious to the user, often allow for wider exploration, and often require less maintenance. However, there are times when circuits make sense. I have the ability to design and implement simple circuits, including PCB design and integration with consumer/commercial electronics.

The Project

I was tasked with creating a camera setup that would allow visitors to remotely view birds at a feeder. Unable to find a kid-proof control interface, I created a controller that allows a pair of Suzo Happ analog joysticks to control a Sony EVID70 commercial grade pan-tilt-zoom camera.

The software allows a technician to easily change various parameters (such as maximum zoom, pan/tilt ranges) with a laptop via a serial interface.

Code

Check out the code on github!

MiNature

A hands on exhibit about Michigan nature and environment at Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing, MI.

Roles

I was responsible for environmental design, graphic design, AV design and implementation. I also assisted with fabrication and install. Initial concepts, prototyping, and fabrication by Cyrus Miller, Matt Hill, Josh Smith, and Larry Stump.

Location

Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing MI

Completed

2011

Silent Spring

The Challenge

The MSU Museum contracted me to design an exhibit about the impact of Rachel Carson and Silent Spring. There was a lot of text but not many artifacts, so I did my best to add images and compartmentalize the text to make it easier to skim. Because the exhibit would travel, I was required to put all text and images on 4×6′ panels. I designed backdrops to the panels to connect them and unify the gallery.

Early concept rendering, created with SketchUp and Photoshop

Final 3D model, before install

Installed

Roles

SV: Project lead, designer, graphic design
Toni Chester (sub-contracted): graphic system, graphic design (designer website)
MSU Museum staff: content, artifacts, and installation

Client

MSU Museum

Completed

2012

Handy Hydros

Goals

Design and build portable activities that demonstrate hydraulics in action

Design Details

Challenge: Facilitators can set up a challenge, such as saving a metal toy dinosaur from a vat of acid, and the user moves the magnet to complete the challenge
Durability: I wanted to make the activities out of everyday materials, but it still had to be durable enough to withstand being disassembled and packed for school visits. The devices didn’t need to be bombproof because a staff facilitator mediated the activity at all times.
Service: I used shoulder screws, bushings, and threaded inserts (tee-nuts) to make service as easy as possible. The syringes are held by a press-fit collar and can be removed without tools.

Roles

SV: Completed all tasks from design to documentation. Worked with Education staff to ensure their needs were met.

Portable Demo Devices

Goals

Build demonstration devices for the MSC Traveling Science Program, which visits schools in Maryland and surrounding states and performs science shows on stage for large audiences.
Improve on older designs, which were difficult to set up and take down, and just didn’t work very well
Keep items compact for easy transport

Design Details

We used simple yet durable materials to make the experiments more relatable, especially since audience members would not be able to touch the experiments.
Designed to be maintainable by Education staff, who may not have mechanical experience

Pendulum snake box. The snake comes off the stands and straight into the box. The box is divided to prevent tangling.

Pendulum snake string length adjustment jig

Newton's cradle in action

Detail of the string adjusters. The nylon washer is easier on the fishing line than metal, and is registered to prevent rotation while the cap screw is tightened.