The Way Things Work

Course Objectives & Content

This course aims to help students understand the working principles, mechanisms, and energy sources of objects. By analyzing the structural components of objects, students explore motion and power transmission mechanisms and gain hands-on experience in integrating these concepts into the design process.

Process & Outcomes:

• Product Surgery: Analyzing fundamental mechanisms by identifying the assembly and disassembly processes of existing objects.

• Motion Dynamics: Distinguishing between circular, linear, and eccentric motion types and explaining their functions within mechanical systems.

• Mechanical Integration: Integrating basic mechanical principles and various power sources into new designs to develop functional solutions.

• Kinetic Applications: Developing material strategies and three-dimensional outputs, culminating in the creation of kinetic sculptures that demonstrate motion and energy utilization.