C7: 3D Designing (BlocksCAD & Tinkercad 3D)

Aim

To design a useful object that helps elderly or differently-abled people in daily tasks.

Requirements

  • Computer with Tinkercad or BlocksCAD

  • Internet access

  • Sketch paper and pencil (for planning)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Brainstorm Problems

  1. Sit with your group or think individually.

  2. Write down: What everyday challenges do elderly or differently-abled people face?
    Examples:

    • Difficulty opening tight bottle caps.

    • Trouble holding thin pens for writing.

    • Hard to switch on/off small buttons on TV remote.

    • Need help carrying heavy bags.

Step 2: Choose One Problem

  1. Select one problem you want to solve.

  2. Example choices:

    • A bottle grip tool for weak hands.

    • A pen holder grip for easy writing.

    • A key turner for unlocking doors easily.

Step 3: Sketch the Idea

  1. Take your sketch paper.

  2. Draw a simple rough sketch of your design.

    • Show what shape it is.

    • Show how it will be used.

    • Label important parts (grip, slot, handle, etc.).

 Sketching helps you plan before making it in 3D.

Step 4: Build in Tinkercad

  1. Open TinkercadNew Design.

  2. Drag shapes that match your sketch (cylinder, box, wedge, etc.).

  3. Resize shapes using ruler tool (example: grip size = 30mm).

  4. Use hole tool to create slots or gaps.

    • Example: A hollow cylinder can be a pen grip.

    • Example: A box with a hole can be a key turner.

  5. Group shapes together to make your final object.

Step 5: Test and Improve

  1. Rotate the view to check all angles.

  2. Think: Will this object really help? Is it too big? Too small?

  3. Adjust sizes and re-group if needed.

Step 6: Present Your Design

  1. Save your design.

  2. Prepare to explain it to your class:

    • What problem did you choose?

    • How does your design solve it?

    • Who will benefit from it?

Observation Table

Step

Action

Example

Purpose

1

Brainstorm

Elderly can’t open bottles

Identify problem

2

Choose

Bottle grip tool

Focus on one solution

3

Sketch

Round handle with grip

Plan design

4

Build

Cylinder + hole in Tinkercad

Create 3D model

5

Improve

Resize to fit hand

Make design practical

6

Present

Show design to class

Share empathy-based design

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