Principles and Practices, Project Management

Website Tools

To create this website I used the Software Brackets ( Brackets Web Page ), which provides a live preview of your website while you edit it. This makes playing around with settings of your page very convenient. For the Code Framework I used Bootstrap ( Bootstrap Web Page ), which is a Framework for HTML, CSS and JS. The Website is very basic and consists of a navbar on top of the page. A table of icons on the project page and then some jumbotron backgrounds and images in the project pages.

Using git and uploading files to the Fabacademy Archive

I am familiar with git so this step was very straightforward for me. After creating my account and getting invited into the repository for the Fablab Aachen I copied the provided link and inserted it into my git application. I am not a great fan of using git only in a console so I am using Sourcetree ( Sourcetree Web Page ). Sourcetree provides a simple graphical interface for using git and makes it easier to keep an overview about recent commits and the structure of your repository. The basic steps to push to the Fabacademy Archive are now:

  • Changing your files in the repository folder on your local drive
  • Open your console or application
  • Checking the git repository for updates of your colleagues with the "fetch" command
  • Pull possible updates with the "pull" command
  • Make your own files ready to upload with the "commit" command and also provide a good commit message
  • Finaly updload your files to the server with the "push" command


Elevating
Table

Cinque Terre

Motivation

Working mostly at a desktop computer while sitting can lead to severe back pain. It is recommended to move in continous intervals or work at a standing desk. A common problem is that most companies and universities only provide you with such a standing desk if you are already diagnosed with back problems. Usually it is also not allowed to alter your working desk because it belongs to the company. Buying your own standing desk may be very expensive and may also not be allowed in a company office. I intend to develop an adapter for a usual desk such that it can be elevated to become a standing desk. The adapter should be easily modifiable and attaching it should not harm the desk.


Challenges

The biggest challenge will be the engineering of the lifting mechanism. A conventional working desk tends to be heavy with it's own weight and the additional weight of screens and additional office items. Therefore the material which will be used to construct the mechanism needs to be able to withstand the forces which are applied by the desk and the items on top of it.




Lightsaber Handle

Cinque Terre

Motivation

If you are a Star Wars fan then the lightsaber is the ultimate fandom item for you. In the Star Wars saga achieving your own lightsaber is a challenging task on the way of becoming a Jedi. But making your own lightsaber in the real life is almost as challenging (if not impossible). Creating the handle by using the concepts of the lightsaber handles, that are visible in the movies, however can involve a lot of small tasks with different materials and machines. So even in the real world creating your own lightsaber (handle) is a challenging task on the way of becoming a FabLab Master.


Challenges

The scope of the project will define how challenging it is. It could be rather simple by creating a 3D model and printing it with a 3D-printer. But the handle could also be created with a metallic material like aluminium and the inside of the handle could consist of wires and LEDs which are arranged such that it looks convincing. So imagination, creativity and the joy of trying to work with different materials will set the scope.