Personal
Reflection
Lessons Learned from the Design Cycle
The Non-Linear Path of Design
Through this project, I learned how powerful the engineering design process is when applied step-by-step. I experienced firsthand that design is not linear—every idea must be tested, questioned, and often replaced with something better. Initially, I thought we could just "build it and fix it later," but I quickly realized that rigorous planning saves weeks of wasted effort.
Iteration became one of the most important lessons.
The value of identifying riskiest assumptions early became clear, especially during material testing where a single overlooked property (like UV resistance or surface wear) could invalidate an entire design pathway. For example, we initially assumed any plastic would work, but testing revealed that standard PLA degrades too quickly in UV light. This forced us to pivot to PETG. I learned to rely on data, not assumptions, and to stay comfortable with uncertainty as part of the design cycle.
What Makes a Successful Engineer?
This course also helped me understand what makes a successful engineer. Beyond technical skills, engineering requires communication, teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to fail quickly and learn even faster. I used to think engineering was just math and physics, but now I see it as a social discipline where empathy for the user and the environment is just as critical as the calculations.
Engineers must balance creativity with constraints, and they must make decisions that are responsible, safe, and grounded in real-world impact. I gained a deeper respect for the professional engineer’s role in society—designs affect people, ecosystems, and future generations. Our decision to avoid certain adhesives because of their toxicity taught me that an engineer's ethical responsibility extends beyond the immediate function of the device to its entire lifecycle.
Self-Discovery & Future Growth
I also learned a lot about myself. My strengths include discipline, initiative, and the ability to break down large problems into manageable parts. I found that I naturally take the lead in organizing research and evaluating material risks, ensuring our team didn't pursue dead-end ideas.
However, I also identified areas for growth. I want to improve my advanced CAD modeling skills and my confidence in technical presentations. While I can model basic parts, complex assemblies still challenge me. I plan to strengthen these skills by taking advanced SolidWorks courses next semester, practicing independent design challenges, and forcing myself to present our work more frequently to build public speaking resilience.
This project has confirmed that I want to pursue a path where engineering, sustainability, and innovation intersect.