Aim:

To design a 3D object that helps or delights someone else, based on their real needs.

Requirements

• Paper and pen for interview notes

• Computer with Blender installed

• Optional: Access to a 3D printer (for demonstration or prototype printing)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Find Your User

Choose someone to design for:

• A parent, classmate, teacher, or grandparent.

• Someone who faces small challenges (e.g., dropping pens, losing keys, messy desks).

Write their name and a short note:

“I’m designing for ________ because they find it hard to ________.”

Step 2: Conduct a Mini Interview

Ask simple, open-ended questions like:

• “What’s something that annoys you every day?”

• “Is there anything at home or school that could be made easier?”

• “If you could invent one tool to help you, what would it be?”

Write down their responses.
This will help you identify a problem worth solving.

Step 3: Brainstorm Ideas

Think of 2–3 objects that could solve your user’s challenge.
Examples:

• Phone holder: For someone who watches videos while studying.

• Key hook: For someone who often misplaces keys.

• Pen stand: For a teacher who needs a tidy desk.

• Switch extender: For someone who can’t reach switches easily.

Sketch your ideas on paper. Pick one that’s practical and can be modeled in Blender.

Step 4: Design in Blender

Now it’s time to turn empathy into creativity!

1. Open Blender → Start a new project.

2. Use basic shapes (cube, cylinder, torus) to model your object.

3. Adjust using tools:

   • Scale (S): Resize parts to make them fit well.

   • Extrude (E): Add thickness or depth.

   • Boolean Union/Difference: Combine or cut shapes.

4. Add fillets or rounded edges for safety and smoothness.

5. Apply basic colors or materials for visualization.

6. Save and render your design from 2–3 angles.

Tip: Keep your design simple and functional — focus on solving the problem first.

Step 5: Review with the User

Show your design render to your user (in person or digitally).
Ask:

• “Does this look like it would help you?”

• “What would you change or add?”

Take notes and reflect:

“My user suggested I should ________.”

This is called iteration — improving your design based on feedback.

Step 6: Finalize and Export

When satisfied with the design:

• Export it as .STL file (File → Export → STL).

• Name it clearly (e.g., phone_holder_v2.stl).

• Optionally, open it in slicer software to preview for 3D printing.

Step 7: Present Your Project

Create a short slide or poster including:

• Who you designed for.

• The problem you solved.

• Images or renders of your 3D model.

• User feedback summary.

This helps you communicate your design story — an essential skill for real-world designers.