From Idea to Prototyping A Hands-on, Engaging Undergraduate Design Experience

This paper describes an undergraduate-level problem-based design project that relates to easing a real annoying experience for most drivers: the speed bump. It focuses on an engaging, mentoring-based learning process from inception to prototyping, while bearing in mind aspects of commercialization. The process starts with observation – an essential first step in problem solving – of what we take for granted, in this case, the solid, static, annoying speed bump. The next step is discussing and thinking critically, identifying pros and cons of existing solutions. It is followed by a more broad definition of the problem as a “vehicular speed reducer” instead of “speed bump,” focusing on the real problem. This is followed by a re-representation of the problem, performing inquiry-based focused research, thinking divergently to generate multiple alternatives, experimenting, testing, and evaluating multiple relevant solutions. In addition, nontechnical aspects of the project were considered such as sustainability, commercialization, as well as political and environmental friendliness. The problem with existing speed bumps is multi-faceted: they cause vehicle damage, driver discomfort, and interfere with emergency response vehicles just to name a few. Most importantly, the design of the speed bump has remained unchanged for over half a century, and for the most part it is an ad-hoc design. Redefining the problem allows for innovative ideas to flow, taking off from the current inside-the-box thinking. Students who have been involved in this on-going project have gained experience in multiple non-technical soft skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, and the ability to benefit from constructive criticism. The status of the project sits in the middle of testing our latest prototype which utilizes springs as a mechanism to make the speed bump more dynamic. The idea is to have the mechanism impact fast vehicles while having no impact on vehicles abiding by the speed limit.