Week 4-

Our assignment in short: Create a device that records voice and video with intervening with the NYPD, also make it possible to view your rights.

For this weeks zine we had a different format - two a5 pages. I decided to go back to a much simpler way of making zines, I drew some sketches and I took pictures with my phone. With a little photoshop edit I put them all together. It was nice to see that I can make very simple shapes and text and just make an entire zine out of this. It fits my style and my meaning of values.

This weeks assignment was all about mixing a few given components into an industrial product, using the 3D printer. For this assignment Elisa and I decided to work together, which was an advantage for me given the fact she studies product design, and I could use her knowledge to get to hang of the 3D software.

Every group of students got a specific assignment and different components. Our assignment and components are seen in the picture ---->

Elisa and I started brainstorming about the possible ways of making all these components into an actual product.
Jokingly I said that we should make it a weapon, make it a very controversial joke, something that by the looks would never do it's purpose but by functionality it should. Elisa answered; A GUN? And that is how we decided to make a gun.

Elisa suggested that we should start by measuring the components, we can use this information for the 3D model we are making.

The sketch I made for the gun with all the components already implemented. The LED, camera and recorder are placed in the front of the gun. The joystick is placed at the trigger. The rest of the components are supposed to be on the inside of the gun.

After some discussions and brainstorming with Elisa, she explained to me that she would first make the 3D model completely, then 'cut' the print in half and work on the inside of the gun.

It was interesting for me to work together with Elisa, she has a lot of knowledge about products and materials. She is a very patient person and good at explaining herself. I asked her a lot of interesting questions, also a little off-topic, about 3D models/prints and products. She is very keen on answering these and explaining it until I understand.

I did feel that I couldn't add much to the group, except for brainstorming about the assignment. Elisa is very talented in 3D modelling and exactly did what I had in mind!

Elisa helped me a bit with figuring out how to use the 3D software 'Fusion'. I decided I wanted to figure it out mostly myself - in the end I understand how it works just have to find where it's all located - which might have been a little mistake. It took me really long to figure out how to even make a simple rectangle..

In the end I didn't get to make the entire gun. I would like to try Fusion again and maybe print something far more simple. The gun was a fun and cool idea, but way too advanced for a first project.

The 3D print Elisa finally produced and printed. Looks pretty cool and sturdy! If I have some extra time, I would like to make a 3D model and try out the 3D printer anyways!