Course Overview
This hands-on course explores emerging trends in personalized product creation. Students design and build customized items using modern fabrication methods, departing from traditional mass production approaches. The course emphasizes iterative prototyping and real-world implementation.
Course Format
Meeting Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:00–1:50 p.m. at Scaife Hall 234
The course includes:
- Two 110-minute lectures weekly
- Approximately 9 hours of individual work per week
- Hands-on prototyping sessions
- Documentation and online sharing of projects
- Peer review and feedback sessions
Fabrication Technologies
Students work with cutting-edge fabrication methods including:
- 3D Laser Scanning: Capture real-world objects for digital modeling
- 3D Printing: Rapid prototyping of complex geometries
- Laser Cutting: Precision cutting and engraving
- Vacuum Forming: Creating custom molds and shapes
Project Approach
Students work individually or in small groups to:
- Design customized and personalized products
- Develop prototypes throughout the semester
- Iterate on designs based on testing and feedback
- Share projects online for peer review
- Refine designs through multiple iterations
Teaching Support
Instructor: Prof. Kenji Shimada
Teaching Assistants: Six TAs support student projects and provide guidance throughout the fabrication process.
Course Philosophy
The course emphasizes the shift from mass production to personalized manufacturing, empowering students to create unique, customized products using modern digital fabrication tools.