3D4KIDS exercise: Individual buttons for Model Games Controller

myminifactory

This is part of the 30-exercise series developed during the 3D4KIDS program, an Erasmus+ initiative aimed at enhancing teachers' knowledge of 3d printing technology through specialized training materials. For more information, visit https://www.3d4kids.eu During this project, students researched Games Controllers by creating a Mood Board of existing products and analyzing them. They discussed where to find relevant information, explored Ergonomics, and its role in designing a Games Controller. This group-based activity involves students working together to design their individual controllers. Step 1: Students research different types of button shapes, create a mood board from internet images, and decide which design would look best on their products. Step 2: Students sketch out the type of buttons they'd like to add, add annotations, and determine which design (shape/s) would be most effective on their products. Step 3: Students draw their chosen idea(s) in Tinkercad. Step 5: More advanced students consider button texture, adapt their drawings for ergonomic designs with shaped surfaces instead of flat ones. Step 6: Students export their final design to Flash Forge Finder. Step 7: Students scale their drawing to fit the buttons onto a controller made from a 150mm x 200mm foam piece. Step 8: Students print their buttons in chosen colors matching or complementing their Model Games Controllers. Step 9: Students attach buttons with a hot glue gun and photograph their product. Step 10: Students complete their Production Logs detailing the processes they've just completed.