*Click on any skill to see where I applied it!
<aside> ✅ Critical Thinking
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<aside> ✅ Creativity
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<aside> ✅ Perseverance
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<aside> ✅ Leadership
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<aside> ✅ Sales Pitching
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<aside> ✅ 3D Modelling
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Carla’s current ostomy bag. Photo Credit: Hollister Inc.
<aside> 💡 Our Team’s Objective: Design a low-profile ostomy bag for Carla which is cheap and long-lasting.
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The first step in this project was to realize why Carla does not replace her bag more often. Based on the given information, my group and I first inferred that Carla had difficulty remembering when she needed to replace her bag. However, I felt it odd that a young person would have such a problem every time! By seeking out more information, I realized that Carla purposedly would not replace her bag due to the cost of using multiple bags.
<aside> 🌟 What I Learned: I should always double-check the analysis of a situation. If something seems unrealistic, it is best to do extra research to find out about implicit details.
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Next, we had to think of a solution. We needed to make the bag last longer while maintaining cost. My group and I discussed several solutions which would increase the life of the bag, but all of them would be more expensive.
A few days before the project, I had attended a materials magic show, where the performer poured water into a cup and made it disappear! He explained that he had put a water-absorbing substance in the cup.
I suddenly presumed - what if I could use the same kind of substance in Carla’s ostomy bag? I contacted the performer for its name - sodium polyacrylate. Although, upon research, I realized it was a little costly as well.
<aside> 🌟 What I Learned: All experiences are valuable. I should involve myself in a diverse set of activities, as they could help me out in unexpected ways.
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Preliminary prototype of SPIDR-Teck straps
After designing a solution, my group and I needed to meet up and physically build the product. At this stage, I took the initiative to book the design studio and ensured that the product was completed on time. Furthermore, I organized several meetings for other deliverables.
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What I Learned: Most team members plan to complete projects at the last minute. However, in order to build a quality product, it is necessary to work on it along the way. Organizing meetings throughout the project is crucial.
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Group brainstorming for a longer lasting bag
Adamant to find a solution, I postulated that the substance could be used in small amounts. Someone else in my group had come up with the idea of adhesive straps. I suggested that the substance could be applied only on the underside of the straps to absorb moisture from the skin. We had finally attained a durable yet cost-effective solution! We termed these “SPIDR-Teck straps”.
<aside> 🌟 What I Learned: In order to solve any problem, it is necessary to have an unfaltering desire to find a solution.
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Photo taken at group meeting
Initial prototype which consisted of a balloon for the pouch of the ostomy bag
After the product was built, I delivered a 3 minute pitch. I spoke about my patient’s needs and the unique solution my group and I developed. I convinced the audience why my product is an innovative solution for all ostomates who want quality along with cost-efficiency.
One of the most significant aspects of a sales pitch is the beginning. Initially, I planned to start off with a question. However, I noticed that other presenters were also asking the same kind of thing! I changed my start to another compelling phrase, and I received quite positive feedback from the judges regarding it.
<aside> 🌟 What I Learned: It is imperative to stand out in any kind of competitive environment. To do so, I should try to find out what other people are doing and be different from them.
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After we had decided the features of our product, I designed the entire prototype in AutoCAD Inventor.
<aside> 🌟 What I Learned: I became proficient is using many advanced CAD tools, such as Loft, Sweep, Revolve, and Mirror.
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