James
"Technology allows me to put aspects of physics into practice and forces me to think through the processes. In other subjects I know the process at each step whereas in technology I have to think 'if I do this will it affect what I do later?"
James originally looked for a client at the College, but decided that since several members of the class were doing that, he would look for an outside client. He works at the New World supermarket in Karori, so he approached his manager to be his client.
After extensive discussion, the brief was for a source of entertainment for staff during their breaks. James talked with members of the staff about what they might like and they completed questionnaires, which when collated pointed towards some form of games table. The idea of an air hockey table proved eventually to be the winner.
He researched how air hockey systems worked and examined a variety of current models. James decided to make an alternative air hockey game and change its function and appearance. His solution was to incorporate magnets in the table as well as air, plus a magnet in the puck. This would mean that, rather than going straight, the puck would deviate, making it harder to predict where it would be.
James modelled different ideas for the game, one with fans and one with only magnets. However the magnets by themselves were too costly and didn't work as well as he hoped.
He used digital models to show the first ideas for his design.
He also investigated the materials he might use, and compared the power of alternative fans, selecting which to work with, how many to use and what power he would require.
At the same time James was considering the overall design. The clients had specified that the rectangle shape of a traditional air hockey game was too plain, so they chose an oval shape for greater interest. A university mentor suggested he could interchange the sides. James thought this a good idea and so did his clients Now potential solutions could incorporate a wide range of shapes and finishes, adding further interest and complexity.
James found working with a client helped him come up with ideas as well as setting parameters so that he knew how far he had to go. The negative side of this was working under constraints and having to stick to what the client wanted.James says one of the difficulties he had was getting the mitre joints to work and he spent some time on this. He also had to figure out how to site the two boards - the playing base and fan base. This proved to be quite challenging.
If doing this again James would probably explore alternative materials, new construction processes and different ways of putting it together.
James was short-listed for the Royal Society of New Zealand's Realise the Dream competition, which celebrates the work of students who have achieved excellence in research and technological practice.
James is planning to attend Canterbury University to study Mechatronics or Software Engineering.
