Product Dynamics by Zjenja Doubrovski Products around us are becoming increasingly complex, with more electronics in them. They can seem like black boxes – we know what they do, but not how they do it. This course explores the dynamic behaviour of products, looking inside to see how they work. And it aims to show that understanding complex products doesn’t have to be complicated. Many products nowadays are in motion or rely on motion to function. Think of e-bikes, drones, or 3D printers. This course centres on giving designers the skills to evaluate, conceptualise, and prototype such products. Learn to analyse the mechanics and electronics of a product. Calculate how objects move and understand which forces are applied. Practice applying both simple back-of-the envelope calculations as well as more detailed mathematical calculations. Explore how to control the dynamics of moving parts using electronic sensors and actuators. Develop the ability to communicate with experts from different disciplines during the embodiment of a design. Use new knowledge and skills to work on an applied prototype. Ultimately, build a level of confidence to be able to quickly assess a product, then reason, calculate and predict the behaviour and the properties of that product. This course is closely aligned with Design Project 3. The content is also relevant to any project where movement or moving parts within a product are essential for its functioning.
“What I like about this course is that it’s really a place where math, physics and electronics come to life in applied cases. I will be proud if students are confident to really dig in and try to understand complex dynamic products.”
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