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Blackboard Inc. needs a new exterior case design for its new Near Field Communication (NFC) / Mag Stripe reader device.
Blackboard clients are expecting state of the art technology and the ability to remotely access their Transact platform or perform Closed-Loop Campus transactions. This Mobile Reader Device will have the ability to interface to Tablets or Smart Phones using Bluetooth or native wired device interface and can be shared with individuals and across departments and provide mobility, mobility is expected in today’s campus environment. The Mobile Reader Device will also allow third party applications to accept Blackboard issued physical contactless and virtual mobile credentials (supports Bb Contactless and Mag-stripe Closed-Loop Cards).
On sites wanting to extend the reach of their campus operations for sales and eliminate the need to run power and data cables for point-of-sale and card reader terminals at remote locations can use the Mobile Reader Device while connected to a mobile device. Used in remote locations with low to medium transaction volume that want to accept campus card payments or validate the status of a cardholder.
The picture shown at the top of the Challenge is one of our existing products, the PS4101-USB. The challenge device is an entirely new product that works similar to that one but will be mobile, not tethered by a USB cable.
Due to technical difficulties, the new Challenge deadline is 23:59 UTC on September 18th.
You must include:
- STEP or IGES file format
- Description supporting your design
You are encouraged to include:
- STL version (if your design is 3D print ready)
- Native CAD file (SolidWorks 2013 preferred)
- Mechanical drawings
- Multiple renderings
Winning designs will have:
- Marketable & cool appearance
- Ergonomic design
- Solid description so we can understand your design better
- Relatively simple tooling and production design for plastics
Design guidelines:
- Approximate build dimensions: 2.64” x 2.93” x 1.23” (68mm x 75mm x 32mm). These are just a reference to the approximate size all the components would take up when loosely assembled in a manner that could work with a "box type design".
- Suggested wall thickness: Approximately .060" (1.52mm) translucent polycarbonate plastic, gray or black tint.
- Case needs to come apart with screw (s) or snap fit to allow battery replacement.
- Ergonomic design (possible hand held) that provides ease of use with different devices e.g. tablets, Smart Phones, PC
- Reader should have a charging station and / or stand included in design
- Ability to be wall mounted a plus
- Mag Stripe read head can be fixed or moveable to allow use at different angles
- You can download models of the PCB, components and batteries below. The download files are a representation of our development PCB, not of the final design.
Additional guidelines may be given through comments on this Challenge page, based on the entrant’s questions and feedback.
(Added 8/21/14)
- The driving dimension is the Surface Area of the supplied PCB, this is what is required for the NFC antenna and all components used for the electronics. We are allowing you to change the size / shape of the PCB, but would like to maintain its general size.
- The LED's are the user interface LED's. If you feel the LED's would be better as dual or tri color that is acceptable too.
- Two batteries are shown as an example of size, either one can be used for the case design that best works for you. If you know of a better choice for us then your welcome to use that as well, we would need one with a 800 Mah capacity or more and LiPo type.
- The micro USB connector can be positioned anywhere on the edges of the PCB.
- The power switch shown is a sliding type, but any SPDT type with on and off positions is okay.
- One PCB is encouraged to keep the build cost low and ease assembly of the final product. But a clever design that uses two and still keeps these in mind is okay.
ENTERING THE COMPETITION
The Challenge is open to everyone except employees and families of GrabCAD and the Sponsor. Multiple entries are welcome. Team entries are welcome.
By entering the Challenge you:
1. Accept the official GrabCAD Challenges Terms & Conditions.
2. Agree to be bound by the decisions of the judges (Jury).
3. Warrant that you are eligible to participate.
4. Warrant that the submission is your original work.
5. Warrant, to the best of your knowledge, your work is not, and has not been in production or otherwise previously published or exhibited.
6. Warrant neither the work nor its use infringes the intellectual property rights (whether a patent, utility model, functional design right, aesthetic design right, trademark, copyright or any other intellectual property right) of any other person.
7. Warrant participation shall not constitute employment, assignment or offer of employment or assignment.
8. Are not entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for any costs.
9. Agree the Sponsor and GrabCAD have the right to promote all entries.
If you think an entry may infringe on existing copyrighted materials, please email challenges@grabcad.com
SUBMITTING AN ENTRY
Only entries uploaded to GrabCAD through the "Submit entry" button on this Challenge page will be considered an entry. Only public entries are eligible.
We encourage teams to use GrabCAD Workbench for developing their entries.
Entries are automatically given the tag "magstripereader" when uploading to GrabCAD. Please do not edit or delete this tag. Only entries with valid tag will participate in the Challenge.
AWARDING THE WINNERS
The sum of the Awards is the total gross amount of the reward. The awarded participant is solely liable for the payment of all taxes, duties and other similar measures if imposed on the reward pursuant to the legislation of the country of his/her residence, domicile, citizenship, workplace, or any other criterion of similar nature. Only 1 award per person.
All winners will be contacted by the GrabCAD staff to get their contact information and any other information needed to get the prize to them. Payment of cash awards is made through PayPal. All team awards will be transferred to the member who entered the Challenge.
We will release the finalists before the announcement of the winners to give the Community an opportunity to share their favorites in the comments, discuss concerns, and allow time for any testing or analysis by the Jury. The Jury will take the feedback into consideration when picking the winners.
Winning designs will be chosen based on the Rules and Requirements.
- This Challenge ends on September 15, 2014 (11:59pm UTC).
- Due to technical difficulties, the new Challenge deadline is 23:59 UTC on September 18th.
- Finalists will be announced by September 30, 2014.
- Winners will be announced by October 14, 2014.
Void where prohibited.
Cash awards for TOP 5 places.
$1,000 cash
$500 cash
$250 cash
$150 cash
$100 cash
The judging panel is comprised of industry leaders, experts, and innovators in a range of fields from various organizations.
'Blackboard Transact™' technology gives students the convenience of one card for all their needs—from building access to campus meals, to on and off-campus purchases. They’ll also have easy and secure access to financial aid credit balances, student payroll, or money deposited from home. Plus, Blackboard Transact technology helps make your campus a model of expert and efficient operations and delivers round-the-clock student services.
A More Convenient Experience On and Beyond Campus
At a time where student expectations for service are increasing at a faster rate than the budget, effectively leveraging an integrated OneCard program with the help of Blackboard Transact can help you create a seamless experience for your students. Your students will have unparalleled convenience and customer service, and you'll have a system that controls scarce resources, protects physical assets, and reduces overall costs.
With tools like this, we can build a better education experience for everyone on and beyond campus.
Sara Sigel
Michele Arrandale
Steve Forbis
Tom Kuestersteffen
Chris ChallinorHave an awesome idea for this competition? Want to win cool prizes? Sign-up now to upload your entries.
If you don't receive the email within an hour (and you've checked your Spam folder), email us as confirmation@grabcad.com.
178 comments
Dragan Beljan over 9 years ago
Finally, new challenge :D
Victor Bonavarte 6779 over 9 years ago
Ahai....
Pouriya over 9 years ago
:D
Tobias Mattsson over 9 years ago
Sounds like a fun challenge. Description is a bit vague though when it comes to how this is used.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Tobias, what other information would you like on how its used? Basically its a device that allows the student to pay for items, or enter events (proof of ID) on campus using their student card. It is used with tablets or smart phones via an app to communicate to the campus transact system.
Let me know if there are any other questions I can answer during the challenge.
Victor Bonavarte 6779 over 9 years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZia9MNUmtI
Mathieu Rochon over 9 years ago
do we have the possibility to change the layout of the PCB, components and batery?
do we have the right to change the PCB? (Shape or number)
Matt over 9 years ago
I have a few questions:
-Is the PCB form factor fixed or can be the form changed?
-Are those LEDs on the PCB the user interface LEDs or/and can be the LEDs positioned freely on the exterior case?
-Why are there 2 different batteries included? Can we choose the one that fits the design?
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Mathieu and Matt. The download files are a representation of our development PCB, not of the final design. The one supplied is the minimum board size needed for all the components and the NFC antenna needs to be that size (it is around the perimeter of the PCB).
So yes you can change the PCB layout as you see fit as long as it has at least that musch surface area for the components.
The LED's are the user interface LED's. If you feel the LED's would be better as dual or tri color that is acceptable too. Blue will mean Bluetooth, green for power on, and red for low battery. The other two colors could be your choice.
Two batteries are shown as an example of size, either one can be used for the case design that best works for you. If you know of a better choice for us then your welcome to use that as well, we would need one with a 800 Mah capacity or more and LiPo type.
We will be using the micro USB connector and it can be positioned anywhere on the edges of the PCB that works in your design.
The power switch shown is a sliding type, but any type could be used as long as it is a SPDT type with on and off positions.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
It would be OK to use one PCB for the antenna and a separate one for the other components as well.
Mathieu Rochon over 9 years ago
Thank you for this information
caleb hix over 9 years ago
I use Blackboard with some of my college courses! This should be fun!
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
I would like to clarify one item about the PCB (this came up in our morning meeting). While it is OK to use two in your design we would prefer to only have one. This would keep the build cost low and ease assembly of the final product.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Michael Herbert over 9 years ago
can you clarify what you mean by build dimensions? Is that the outer dimensions of the case? If so, it seems way off from the picture shown which has the height approx twice the width.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
The picture shown at the top of the Challenge is one of our existing products, the PS4101-USB. The challenge device is an entirely new product that works similar to that one but will be mobile, not tethered by a USB cable.
The build dimensions listed are just a reference to the approximate size all the components would take up when loosely assembled in a manner that could work with a "box type design".
caleb hix over 9 years ago
Are the given dimensions the minimum size that the reader can be? what are the flexibility with the dimensions given?
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
The only real driving dimension is the Surface Area of the supplied PCB, this is what is required for the NFC antenna and all components used for the electronics. We are allowing you to change the size / shape of the PCB, but would like to maintain its general size.
caleb hix over 9 years ago
Thank you for the reply!
s zandi over 9 years ago
Very Nice . Thanks Chris Challinor
rahil ahmar over 9 years ago
okay
Ray Kalaher over 9 years ago
Are you particularly attached to the Mag reader you have included? There are some micro readers (one, two, and three track) out there that might add some flexibility. I dont want to mess with your supply chain though if I dont have to.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Ray, if you know of a better one we would like to see it. If you could, please give us a link to the web site of the manufacture so we can insure it would work for us.
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
I've updated the Challenge description and requirements based on your great questions and Chris's feedback. This looks like it's going to be a good one :D
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Thanks Sara!!!
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Simion, nice entry. The way it can be wall mounted on its stand is a nice touch. We do have one question, where is the mag strip reader head to be located? The read head slot would be 3/4" (19mm) deep and 0.039" (1mm) wide.
Gabriel Soto over 9 years ago
Hello.In the mobile reader device assembly. Is the orientation of everything how it actually sits? Can you show how the components are organized?
bradley abbott over 9 years ago
Could you provide the make/model #s of the of the on-board PCB components (LEDs etc) - or optimally provide them as individual downloadable 3d files? I'm working in Inventor and it would speed my workflow to have them separately for placement on the new board design...
Thanks!
bradley abbott over 9 years ago
Also, Chris - could you give a brief description (on the LEDs specifically) on the function for each and it's state during each phase of operation? Basically, what would EACH do, and when would it do it? I'd like to streamline the design but need to be 100% clear on the operational functionality to ensure a proper design.
Simply put, what needs to be communicated to the user, and when?
Thanks!
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Gabriel, you can place the components as you see fit, no restrictions.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Bradley, LED functions are:
The Mobile Reader Device must have LED’s for user feedback.
- User feedback for permit and deny. Two LED's or one Bi-colour (red deny, green permit)
- User feedback for low battery indicator. One (red) or up to Tri-colour (green charged, yellow low, red needs charging)
- User feedback for Bluetooth connection. (one blue, when connected via Bluetooth)
- User feedback for on / off / sleep mode. (one that lights up when one, or multi-colour for each function)
We are even allowing you to come up with your own ideas for the LED feedback.
As to type / size, your choice. We would like surface mount types though as all but a few components are surface mount on the PCB assembly.
I will upload the individual files of the components too.
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
The new files from @chris.challinor are ready for download with the 'Download specifications' button, https://d2t1xqejof9utc.cloudfront.net/competitions/specs/332/original.zip?1408733441. There is a new folder with the new information.
Angelo Donofrio over 9 years ago
Hello, just a quick question regarding the NFC reader.
I've downloaded the individual files but am unsure as to what component is the NFC reader. Is it combined with the magnetic strip reader? (read head assembly)
also what is the component - (CSS-0578-SMT)?
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
Just a reminder: You can enter more than once and each participant is only allowed one award. The jury will pick your best entry :D
Angelo Donofrio over 9 years ago
Aha! Thank you very much :-)
Matthew Jaeger over 9 years ago
Hello, does the usb header have to be parallel with the board?
Angelo Donofrio over 9 years ago
slightly confused as some of the entries dont include a mag strip reader, just the nfc reader... ?
Cristian over 9 years ago
Exciting challenge, let our imagination flow freely my friends :)
@Chris Challinor, could you please upload some raw volumes of the rest of components so we can lay them out as needed?
I want to create something compact and I need to know if I have enough space to fix the IDTech 80027277 Read Head Assembly to the PCB.
Cristian over 9 years ago
Just to make sure: the IDTech 80027277 Read Head Assembly is a common magnetic card reader right?
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
@Matthew.Jaeger You can change-up the configuration. Be sure to check out the requirements section where it discusses things like the USB and LED details.
@Angelo The requirements note that "Mag Stripe read head can be fixed or moveable to allow use at different angles" so entries should have one.
@Cristian We updated the download to include all the components, which do you see missing? I'll let @Chris.Challinor take your other question.
Cristian over 9 years ago
NFC antenna and the other components used for the electronics, we only have a buzzer, a switch and some leds
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Angelo, the NFC (Near Field Communication) Reader is a Radio frequency antenna built into the PCB.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Matthew J, no the USB connector does not need to be parallel to the PCB, it you want a vertical type could be used
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Cristian, the components shown are the tallest on the PCB and the PCB is the smallest it would be with everything else on it. We are only showing what is needed for the challenge.
Due to the way the read head must be mounted attaching it to the PCB is not advised. For information on how a read head is mounted the Swipe Readers with RS-232 IntelliHead, Technical Reference Manual found at http://www.magtek.com/support/documentation/components.asp should help. MagTek is another read head company that we may use as well, the IDTech read head was on I could model as they gave us a dimensioned drawing of the actual read head.
Pouriya over 9 years ago
@Chris it must be with holes of screws and with lip yes?
Pouriya over 9 years ago
I mean a model ready for manufacturing
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Pouriya, ready for manufacturing is not really necessary. A general case design is all we really need.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
We Are impressed with the entries, there are some great ideas out there. Keep up the great work!!!
One comment came up during our morning meeting, some of the entries are with a dark back ground and were hard to see on our projection screen. If possible please use a contrasting back ground so your design shows up easily.
Christopher Richard over 9 years ago
Is a box type design mandatory?
Cristian over 9 years ago
Thanks @Chris for the quick answer!
Ram Mohan Kartha over 9 years ago
hey......!!!...should the magstrip reader for reading the card be designed seperately...???
Simion over 9 years ago
@Ram Mohan Kartha the magstrip can be fixed or moveable to allow use at different angles, so if you wish to be separately I guess is ok
Ram Mohan Kartha over 9 years ago
thanx simon.....and also what about the display board and PCB....both will be different right.....???
Ray Kalaher over 9 years ago
How were you planing on connecting the read head to the pcb? Do you just have a short cable that goes between them?
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Christopher R, any shape is good.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Ram, Two PCB's are Okay, but for ease of assembly one would be desired.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Ray, the Read Head will either have a flex circuit or a multi-wire cable for connection to the PCB
Ray Kalaher over 9 years ago
Cool, almost done. Just want to make sure I left room for that.
Ram Mohan Kartha over 9 years ago
can the reader have LCD displays....???
Mathieu Rochon over 9 years ago
Does a SPST button (push-on / push-off) can be used?
Why exactly SPDT button for on / off?
thank you
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Mathieu, yes a push on / push off can be used. SPDT will allow charging while off.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Ram, the current design dose not have drivers for a LCD as the display would drive the build cost too high. We would like to keep the LED's. But feel free to show us one with an LCD......might drive some better ideas.
Mathieu Rochon over 9 years ago
ty
Frederik Vollbrecht over 9 years ago
Is it possible/allowed to use a flex pcb?
Ram Mohan Kartha over 9 years ago
okkk....thanks chris.....
Frederik Vollbrecht over 9 years ago
Have a look:
https://grabcad.com/library/magnetic-stripe-iso-smart-card-1
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Frederik, with the components that need to be on the PCB not possible. Some have multiple solder pads under them that make a flex circuit impossible. But for connecting things like the read head or LED's to the main PCB would be fine.
Seth Cotton over 9 years ago
Can someone Save these files into a *.IAM *.IPT for inventor? I cannot seem to convert them :( I was able to open the assembly in E-drawings and noticed there were no mounting locations for the PCB... I am under the assumption based on the provided model that your looking for mostly a skin to throw these components into, a bit irritating for me because I am trying to make the "box" as thin and small as possible. Would 2.25" X 3.75" X 0.75" be too small? Can someone shoot me the board dimensions at the least? Thanks
Angelo Donofrio over 9 years ago
PCB is 2.5" x 2" x 0.63"
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Seth, those dimensions you listed would work. Unfortunately SolidWorks wont convert to Inventor formats, hopefully someone else will be able to
Frederik Vollbrecht over 9 years ago
Chris Challinor With "Flex pcb" i meant something like this: http://ksg-web.cycro.info/en/Technology_Overview/Semi_Flex_PCBs/site__193/
Sorry for being too vague
Frederik Vollbrecht over 9 years ago
https://grabcad.com/library/inventor-2014-files-for-the-reader-device-challenge-1
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Frederik, that would be a great PBS to use.....and a great idea too, thank you
bradley abbott over 9 years ago
Chris, I noticed when looking at the documentation on the Read Head Assembly that there is a PCB that is attached to the read head. Do you have this already modeled (perhaps I missed it somewhere in the contest assets)?
Ram Mohan Kartha over 9 years ago
Here is my design Blackboard Monolithic v1.1
bradley abbott over 9 years ago
How long does the LED for "bluetooth connection" stay active once a connection is established? Is it just a notification, or is it perpetual during the connection. Also, (if not) is it acceptable to be a "notification" (as opposed to perpetually on during connection?
bradley abbott over 9 years ago
Is it just ME - or have ALL the replys by Chris Challinor been removed from the board above?
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
@bradley.abbott I see this too. Let me see what I can do to restore them. Must have been accidentally removed.
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
All fixed! Thanks @bradley.abbott for pointing that out.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Thanks Sara, I could not post all weekend either....looks like its fixed too
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Bradley, now that I can answer the questions again...lol. The Read head is connected either by a flex circuit or a cable. It is not attached directly to the PCB mechanically.
The Blue tooth LED can be programed to be on all the time, or just as a notification single blink when connected, it can also show a "connecting" blink as well.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
A few of you have asked me to tell you what I think about your designs in private messages. I will answer all of you in this reply, all of the designs have something we at Blackboard like. But I do not want to tell you "where I would take" your design as we want your ideas to shine and not be driven by my, our our, opinions.
I know that answer may be a disappointment, but our goal is to have something new and fresh that is out of our normal look (I would say the "Bar of Soap" look).
If you think you have a design that is "too wild" or "out of your mind", think again.....enter that wild or out of your mind idea. Those are the ones that make us think......
bradley abbott over 9 years ago
I've posted a Video in my submission (a Test for the LED functions) 1. Battery Warning 2. Bluetooth Connection Acknowledgment 3. Payment Accepted 4. Payment Rejected
Filippo Moscatelli over 9 years ago
Just posted. hope you like it!
cesar sertzen over 9 years ago
Do you envision the wall mounted version having a power button? I watched the video where these were mounted outside of dorm rooms and it doesn't seem functional to have an on/off switch. Please advise.
Thanks!
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Singlefonts, maybe in your world mechanical drawings are dead......but in the real manufacturing world when parts need to be inspected the mechanical drawing is needed to show what has to be inspected......for this challenge though the mechanical drawings are not necessary, but would be nice to have to show the basic dimensions.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Cesar, The ones at dorm rooms are a door entry security type reader, this reader will be for payment with a student card, entry to a sporting event (proof of student ID). we do want the Power switch for times the unit is not in use to save the battery power.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
One week left and we have a lot of great entries so far. One comment, now that we have looked closely at all of the current entries, some are missing the mag stripe reader slot. As stated above in the comments, this slot should be 19mm (3/4") deep and 1mm (0.04") wide.
Achmad Silmi over 9 years ago
Thanks Chris, i forgot the mag stripe reader slot
Tobias Mattsson over 9 years ago
cant see the need for a mag stripe if you will use the nfc...
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Tobias, we do and need it............the cost of cards is the driving factor, some clients choose the cheaper mag stripe card, others want the better NFC card for the added security it offers.
Alberto Beretta over 9 years ago
I read the post now for the crack sliding magnetic card .... but in escrizone the project is not required
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
@all: I encourage you to include the mag stripe reader as it is part of the design guidelines and in the main description of the device, amongst other places.
.
"Mag Stripe read head can be fixed or moveable to allow use at different angles"
"Blackboard Inc. needs a new exterior case design for its new Near Field Communication (NFC) / Mag Stripe reader device."
Flaviano Crespi over 9 years ago
@ Chris Challinor: I have a question about a particular ID 80027277 Read Tech Head Assembly:
the magnetic stripe of the cards must slide in direct contact with this head or it can be interposed a plastic wall? If yes which is the maximum thickness that can be interposed? Thanks in advance.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Flaviano, The Read head will go through a hole in the mounting surface (approx 12mm, 1/2" square). It will protrude 1mm (0.040"), basically. just touch the opposite surface of the read head slot
Flaviano Crespi over 9 years ago
OK perfect, thanks Chris!
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Last few hours, and wow.......lots of entries last weekend. We are going to have a tough time choosing the finalists.
Flaviano Crespi over 9 years ago
@Sara Sigel, Boston we have a problem! :)
I do not know if it's just a problem of my account but I can not upload files or make changes to my projects, it disappeared the "Edit" button, if I overflow the button "Follow" tells me I have reached the limit of 50 engineers whereas it is not true because I deleted them all. I see all my projects grouped but I do not have access. I also tried to upload a test project (the last one) but it does not work. it is a pity that happen in closing the challenge. Thank you for doing something.
Stefan Gales over 9 years ago
The same thing happens to me.
Unfortunately I can not upload :
"Description supporting your design" for my project SG-Bp (SGCHL SG-Bp)
I'll do that after they fix the problem.
Don't Worry, Be Happy :)
ANOUAR BARODI over 9 years ago
@Sara Sigel, same problem as Flaviano & Stefan , I can not change the project MRD3? Thanks !
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
I e-mailed Sara on this, hopefully it will be fixed soon
Cristian over 9 years ago
Help @Sara! Same here, I can not post more renders or edit the text :(
Naufal Aushaf over 9 years ago
Anyone please answer me, I have a noobish questions, is it possible for us to add for example a missing file after the deadline is finished?
Thank you,
Pouriya over 9 years ago
Yes same problem is here!
Naufal in past chalanges we could but I dont know about new chalenges.
Naufal Aushaf over 9 years ago
Well the problem is, I haven't finish any rendering image, and I don't know if I'm going to upload it or not, my computer is having some kind of a problem that makes it impossible to do any rendering within this hours
Cristian over 9 years ago
Normally it is okey if you post even more renders after the deadline @Naufal Aushaf (experience from past challenges), but let @Sara Siegel confirm that.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
I have heard nothing back yet, but we did tell @Sara Sigel we would not mind if the deadline was extended due to the issues with uploading your having......
Naufal Aushaf over 9 years ago
All right thanks for the information @Pouriya and @Cristian! And @Chris Challinor extending the deadline would be handy indeed!
Simon Cross over 9 years ago
Wow I love the fact that entries can be edited after the deadline. It's so handy to go over all the other entries and cherry pick good ideas and add them to our own.
This is a joke yeah? Files should be locked after the countdown!
Pouriya over 9 years ago
@Simon I agree with you but the last problem happened before deadline but it was so better to lock the editing after deadline or even when we put the models it is not bad to lock without any other changing and editing.
Angelo Donofrio over 9 years ago
I feel that it would be unfair if people could not submit their designs because of a technical mishap, so an extension seems like a viable solution. I don't think people will be 'cherry picking ideas' from other designs, grabcad is a community built for sharing, so it is a form of inspiration in itself.
Cristian over 9 years ago
@Simon Cross, editing your entry doesnt mean you are allowed to modify your 3D modell, what it means is that you can add more pics
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
I apologize for the issue that blocked members from uploading and editing models yesterday. Because of the technical issues, we'll be opening up the Challenge for 2 more days to allow you to add all the files you need. If you have any questions, email sara@grabcad.com. I'll be replying to anyone who sent me a message with these details, too.
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
The new Challenge deadline is 23:59 UTC on September 18th.
Cristian over 9 years ago
Great, but now people is coming with new 3D modells, thats not fair! One thing is to upload renders and another completely different is to post an absolutely NEW entry!!!! The challenge closed yesterday with 126 entries.
Ridwan Sept over 9 years ago
could do nothing, expect the best solution 0:)
Ridwan Sept over 9 years ago
It's a pity for the participants who had planned to upload their models when approaching deadline to avoid the another entries copying their ideas, but now extended deadlines would be seem unfair.
But let the jury decide and give the best solution to this problem :).
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
The lesser of the two evils was to allow a two day extension so everyone who has an entry can get it uploaded, it is not fair for people not to be able to upload their entries.
As to copying, its easy to see who did what first as the entries are in "uploaded order"...so we do not think that will be a problem.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
One item I need to address again, we are looking at the entries on a projector screen here at Blackboard Transact, renderings / models with a black background get washed out and we cannot see the details well.
As a suggestion, please use a contrasting background that allows your entry to be seen better.
Jonathan Brazeau over 9 years ago
Great designs, looking forward to having some spare time to glance at them all in more detail! good luck to everyone!
Cristian over 9 years ago
@Chris Challinor, thanks for closing this topic. Good luck to everyone!
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
@Gerardo Arroyo (G&J Reader Device), @Mateusz Czwakiel (Blackboard NFC/Mag Reader Minimalist), @Naufal Aushaf (Project Blackboard), @Vedran Martinek (Blackboard NFC Reader Device), and @Pmargom (Foldable Reader Device) it seems that none of these entries have any files uploaded. Please upload your files and if you are having issues doing so contact @Sara Sigel.
All we can see is a "box" for the entries and nothing in the file folders.
Kafe ammar over 9 years ago
i wonder if i should add another entry, should i ? =D
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Why not.....
Naufal Aushaf over 9 years ago
Is it okay to upload the files right now but the rendering images a couple of hours later after the deadline is over?
#David over 9 years ago
not unless they catch you, lol
Kafe ammar over 9 years ago
Normally people should upload all files in one single shot
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Looks like we have a lot of work to do on the judging staff, all of the entries are greatly appreciated. Thank you GrabCAD community!!!
Kafe ammar over 9 years ago
And thank you too as well for giving us the opportunity to innovate. Good luck for everybody ! the GrabCAD community does realy have talented people.
#David over 9 years ago
Looks like some of you mistook the magnetic strip reader for an NFC radio, essentially making your designs well... awesome looking paperweights, lol
Kafe ammar over 9 years ago
It was an honest mistake @David . but we could reposition the magnetic strip reader and keep the awesome look. A lot of people confused the magnetic strip reader with the NFC radio too , it's not just me.
Ray Kalaher over 9 years ago
My ME friends keep saying that electronics is akin to black magic...starting to see where they are coming from. Mine is boring and simple, but meets all the specs I think. Sorry to turn things in somewhat incomplete Chris, had a death in the family that held me up. Thanks for giving a new engineer a good challenge.
Ram Mohan Kartha over 9 years ago
That was an awesome challenge....really loved it....:-D
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
Thanks to everyone who participated! You all got creative and produced some really beautiful new cases for the Blackboard reader device. The jury was really impressed! We believe these finalists are the best solutions based on our goals of marketable, cool, ergonomic, shows design thinking, and simple manufacturing with plastic materials. Next we'll be taking an in-depth look at how each finalist performed within those areas. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
https://grabcad.com/challenges/reader-device-challenge/results
Pouriya over 9 years ago
Congrats all finalists
ANOUAR BARODI over 9 years ago
Thanks a lot Blackboard & GrabCAD, congrats to all!
Kafe ammar over 9 years ago
My vote goes to Blackboard MRD4 , the design is following the requirement , cool , simple and fits the brand !
Angelo Donofrio over 9 years ago
Cant pick a favourite, but as a student myself and regularly queueing for canteen/lectures/signing in with my student card, i think that the design needs a nice balance of usability and aesthetics. It should be understandable and easy to comprehend without looking simple or out of date. I felt that the usability of the magreader was really important in this challenge, usage shouldn't require examination of the device when you need to swipe your card. If the design creates queues or congestion from lack of usability, then it has failed!
Congratulations finalists :)
Alberto Beretta over 9 years ago
The SiX by AK design
a beautiful design object
Thomas Stokhof de Jong over 9 years ago
The jury picked some nice designs, however it is a pity some of these designs are just 'empty' boxes without any internal engineering. This makes it impossible to judge the tooling and production. I think the Onyx is the overal best, nice design and simple to make.
Govio over 9 years ago
*Blackboard Transact by joseph--14
Simplicity at its best! Practical design with great form factor. I like this design.
*Ergonomic NFC and Mag Stripe Card Reader by seied.muhammad.yazdian-1
Poor rendering, poor Led indicator shape and location, mounting option not upto the mark,
card reader inclined location is unique, moderately good form factor. I think there are other better entries than this entry.
*Blackboard reader device by rokas.bortnikas-1
Nice curves, cool way of transaction indication through the translucent back. Overall the design is good.
*Hiterma Mag Strip Reader by ridwan.septyawan-1
This design is not so clever as compared to other finalist, its more box type of a design, pretty simple LED indicator which makes the design less futuristic, Unique way of mounting the device. I think this entry is not upto the standards of this challenge to be selected as a finalist.
*ReaderDevice by pouriya-1
Simple design with non uniform exterior surface, textured exterior surface is a plus, the entry is not explained with very few relevant rendering. I think the entry is incomplete with not so solid product description.
*Levant - Reader Device Challange by jose-52
Well thought design with futuristic look, very good LED indicator shape, perfect form factor, clean design. This entry is one of my favorites.
*ReaderZingh by john.huizingh
The outward projected LED's could easily break, later modification to incorporate the card reader slot at the bottom of the product is not so user friendly due to its location at the bottom, nice form factor, poor internal space & layout management, practical to manufacture but poor in usability factor. I think some finalist as well as non finalist designs are at par excellence than this one.
*BB Magstripe/NFC Reader new device by hein.miessner-1
No need for gripping sides of the product, not so eye catching shape, LED's at the top spoil the design, less futuristic product. I think the judges were forced to select this entry as a finalist! lol
*Blackboard Onyx by eric.m.sia-1
Ergonomic, excellent LED indicator shape, futuristic design, simple, clean, very good product description, well thought design. This entry is one of my favorites.
*NFC/ Mag stripe reader by deividas.juozulynas-1
Not so appealing, box shape, simple in design, no BB branding logo, vertical LED indicator is good but not unique, pretty common design idea with less unique features and not so futuristic as well. I think the judges very forced again! to nominate this entry as a finalist. lol
*Blackboard MRD4 by anouar.barodi-1
Professional design & rendering, very well thought design, excellent LED indicator shape and pretty good buttons on the design, good product description with each and every details. This entry deserves as a finalist as you worked day & night to launch your whole MRD series. You are my favorites no doubt!
*Reader Device Challenge by anish.mathew-1
There was no need to add that big slot at the bottom of your design, fair LED indicator shape, fair product shape, poor rendering and product description, the device stand is heavy.
*Blackboard NFC/Mag reader by angelo.donofrio-1
Practical, good design, the stand could break easily during use, card slot incorporated with the stand limits the card swipe use in remote location which restricts the product use without stand, great product description, futuristic in design. This entry is one of my favorites.
*Fast Transactions - Near Field Communication (NFC) / Mag Stripe reader device by adrian.vallejo-1
Good form and shape, simple and clean look, well thought vertical LED indicators, poor space & layout management inside, one single battery increases the charge cycle, futuristic look. This design deserves to be a finalist.
*BB Transact by david-1957
Futuristic design, professional rendering, excellent LED indicator shape, excellent product shape, eye catching look, solid product description. This is a top class design.
TIER 1 ENTRIES
*Blackboard Transact by joseph--14
*Levant - Reader Device Challange by jose-52
*Blackboard MRD4 by anouar.barodi-1
*Fast Transactions - Near Field Communication (NFC) / Mag Stripe reader device by adrian.vallejo-1
*BB Transact by david-1957
TIER 2 ENTRIES
*Blackboard Onyx by eric.m.sia-1
*Blackboard NFC/Mag reader by angelo.donofrio-1
*NFC/ Mag stripe reader by deividas.juozulynas-1
TIER 3 ENTRIES
*Ergonomic NFC and Mag Stripe Card Reader by seied.muhammad.yazdian-1
*Blackboard reader device by rokas.bortnikas-1
*Hiterma Mag Strip Reader by ridwan.septyawan-1
*ReaderDevice by pouriya-1
*ReaderZingh by john.huizingh
*BB Magstripe/NFC Reader new device by hein.miessner-1
*Reader Device Challenge by anish.mathew-1
BEST OF LUCK!
Govio over 9 years ago
I agree with you @ Thomas Stokhof de Jong .... The juries picks are not so clean and clear. You may find many entries better than some of the finalist.
Ridwan Sept over 9 years ago
Many considerations that we need to think about when designing a product for a company.
Not only the exterior view is unique, I think that should be considered in addition to it is:
1) How it can be produced easily, if it can not cost too much but the results are good.
2) The process of production (assembling) of easy so not too bothersome employees in the assembly and quick assembly time also. So the company does not waste time that should be used for something else.
3) How end users can easily use the product properly even without the aid of such a product user guide.
4) How is the durability of the product itself, we can not make a product too frail but also can not make a product that is too strong so that the company is no possibility to receive repeat orders.
Cheers :)
Ridwan Sept over 9 years ago
@Govio Thanks for the response on my design.
Convey little about the LED.
why I do not use LEDs that are too large or uniquely shaped, according to my experience working on light manufacturing.
Led generate a fairly high heat, for plastic products that need to be considered also. Moreover led large and manifold will also take a lot of power.
But thanks for the comments :)
Deividas Juozulynas over 9 years ago
@Govio Thanks for comments on my design. In response I would like to say that my design is based on Dieter Rams design philosophy - as little design as possible. I don't think that you need to put big logos on device to make it recognizable. Keep it simple.Less is more.
Pouriya over 9 years ago
@Thomas Stokhof de Jong and Govio
Generally you are right,but it is better to read the rules and conversations with Chris that it is not necessary to design inside of the model and this contest was about Industrial designing about exterior and enough place for other parts for inside of the model.
Angelo Donofrio over 9 years ago
Thanks Govio, The stand is not required to use mag strip reader, perhaps the animation or renderings do not convey this? I have also printed the stand using PLA and it is quite strong, but yes it would require endurance testing.
Govio over 9 years ago
@ Pouriya ... Internals always effect the external design. Designing is not just about the external features. A good design carries both the external features along with how well the internal space and layout is managed ... Best of luck!
@ Deividas Juozulynas .... I thought it was the design philosophy of Deividas Juozulynas! Good Luck bro
@ Ridwan Septyawan .... Mid sized LEDs would have helped you, as these LEDs don't operate continuously. All the best!
@Angelo Donofrio ... Great design! All the best.
Thomas Stokhof de Jong over 9 years ago
@Pouriya, Chris asks you to think about the components on the PCB, to be sure that they will fit, to keep tooling as simple as possible. These are all points that will affect the inside engineering, so in my opinion this should be taken in consideration by the judges.
Hein Miessner over 9 years ago
Thanks for your opinion Govio but your snide remarks on some of the designs are unnecessary. Show some respect when making comments about other peoples work and designs. The judges were not forced to do anything. Why would you think that the judges where forced to choose any entry as a finalist. Everyone did there own representation of what they thought met the specifications of the challenge, and the judges chose entries depending on certain aspects they liked in each design.
But lets judge your entry in the challenge with the same lack of common courtesy:
Bb7- Govio
The design lacks any futuristic shape. It looks very square and boring. You completely misunderstood the mag strip read head functionality and your design includes no read slot for cards, which was a clear specification. Your buttons and LED's are too closely grouped and doesn't look appealing and could potentially cause confusion when using the device. Your design uses two batteries which ads unnecessary weight and cost to the design only one would have been sufficient. Overall a sub-par design.
But on another note.
Very well done to each of the finalists. You all deserve it and each design brings something else and unique to the table. It's clear that everyone put a lot of thought and effort into their work. Very interesting and excellent designs showing real skill, and good luck to each and everyone of you.
Thomas Stokhof de Jong over 9 years ago
@Hein Miessner, your comment is a bit unnecessary don't you think?
Hein Miessner over 9 years ago
@ Thomas. No it is not. If Govio feels the need to dish it out he should be able to take some criticism as well don't you think?
Designing comes down to personal taste. Not everyone finds everything appealing in the same way. That's way designs are usually brought before a panel of judges to get the design that appeals to overall taste of the majority.
And that is why subjective comments on other peoples design work, like the comments made by Govio and myself (which I did to prove a point) are unnecessary yes. If you feel that you do not like a design or that it should not have been chosen as one of the finalists then keep it to yourself because that doesn't mean other people feel the same way. Rather contribute positively by giving some constructive criticism rather than just saying something is bad and it doesn't deserve to have gone to the finalist round.
And to laugh off somebody else's work is utterly disrespectful and there is no place for it here in the Grabcad community. If somebody wants to contribute then do so constructively or else leave it.
Thomas Stokhof de Jong over 9 years ago
@ Hein if you do not like to get dished, then do not dish others. But I agree on you that we al have to give constructive criticism to keep it fun and respectfull for everybody.
Ray Kalaher over 9 years ago
I was surprised at how many designs failed to incorporate the two primary design requirements: namely the card slot and a PCB big enough for a near field antenna. Maybe a Google translate issue? lol I am surprised the smiley face bow tie design didnt make the finals. I liked that one!
Hein Miessner over 9 years ago
@Thomas I never dish others. I merely did it on this occasion to prove a point as to how unnecessary it is to do so. Yes and that is what Grabcad is all about. To be constructive towards each other and to have the ability to learn from other designers and to so build your own skills
as a designer. It is nobodies place to speak badly of any body else's design work nor to question the motives or integrity of the judges in a challenge.
Rather keep it clean and fun and try to positively influence one another. It's really disrespectful to speak ill of somebody else's design work as everybody puts a lot of effort into their work.
Flaviano Crespi over 9 years ago
@Thomas Stokhof de Jong
I agree with your note, many of the projects selected are just empty boxes that do not show how they could be accommodated components. Thus have a lower value than other detailing them perfectly. In addition, some have completely wrong the interpretation of the functionality of the magnetic stripe reading head , others do not have the required STEP files,do not understand how they can be evaluated.
In practice, a challlenge organized by an engineering forum is reduced to styling exercise. And then how come your model, that objectively speaking is the best, was not chosen?
These are the delights of crowdsourcing :)
The companies are very enticed by the possibility of having many projects from which to draw inspiration, but when they have to choose one in many cases they have a feral doubt to reveal to competitors well in advance what will be their next model, and then fish in the deck random models with laughable reasons, a detail here, a detail there, then calmly draw their real model instead of the one chosen that will certainly not be produced.
Want an example? The previous challenge quite similar "AirPatrol Controller Casing Design". The new model published on the website of AirPatrol is a mix of many models participating in the challenge.
Another prestigious challenge which was attended by hundreds of users in spite of the fact that the rewarded projects are still very high quality, at proof of the facts 500 Group shows tin their site an image of a preliminary model that participated but which had not been not selected.
Moral, not always the best model is rewarded, indeed, prepared to see a few months the new Blackboard device will have strange similarities :)
Thomas Stokhof de Jong over 9 years ago
Please stop this discussion and lets go back to the challenge, we are drifting away.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
I do not feel the need to comment on the above, but I do find a lot of the comments disappointing. But in the interest of "up-holding the peace".....
The selection of the finalists was not easy, many of the designs are excellent and we had a hard time choosing them. We all had many more we would of liked to see as finalist, but unfortunately they all could not be chosen (either missing the requirements, we had to choose the best of many entries from one entrant, or some other reason).
As a mechanical engineer I can "see the final assembly" in my head, I do not need to see all the internal components in a case design, nor do I need to see how its assembled (screws, snap fit, ultra-sonic welding, etc). If the design looks like it will work I can make it work, that's my job. I can even figure out how to make the "impossible" work given enough time, this is why I love doing this work.
Everyone who entered should be proud of their work, every design has its merits and I learned something from every one (this is one of the best things about GradCAD, we can see something we never thought about before and learn from it).
Govio over 9 years ago
@Hein Miessner ....As you are a finalist, I commented on your entry. Don't you feel there are some entries better then you who deserved to be a finalist. Thanks for you comment on my entry. I appreciate your criticism, and take it light heartedly. All the best!
Govio over 9 years ago
@ Flaviano Crespi ... you are absolutely right to your point of view. There are many drawbacks of crowsourcing designs on grabcad. I think grabcad could possibly improve all the drawbacks through some good suggestions from the participants. In this challenge, the judges were not able to guide or comment on many of the entries for improvement, there was no healthy discussion between the participant and the juries. It was more like a mislead challenge. I think there is excess time for the juries to personally comment on each and every entry. Also, there should be a phase in between the selection of finalist and selection of winning entry, where more refinement of the design entries can take place. This would anticipate a healthy learning and designing environment on grabcad. Mixing of design ideas should also be avoided by the judges. As there are rules for the participant, there should be rules for the juries as well. Grabcad, please enhance your challenge section, to make it more appealing and true to its intent.
Aleksandar Andjelkovic over 9 years ago
I'm disappointed. A good part of the finalists has no minimum requirements listed above. Good luck to everyone.
Taro Nagano over 9 years ago
Congratulations all of the finalists! My best favorite is Blackboard Transact by joseph--14 although all of finalists are very attractive for me.
Jonathan Brazeau over 9 years ago
congrats to all finalists:
Some really extraordinary work here so all the hard work should be commended.
judges are going to have a hard time, some nice entries.
I've looked over all finalists at slightly more than face value:
1st place
Angelo
Blackboard NFC/Mag reader
This is where I'm hoping my voice has gained some clout. When you really look at this design, it is just the most feasible, cost effective yet descent looking option. And all put together in a seriously professional package. I don't think amateur when I see this, I think "designer" and "real product". I really feel strongly about this, I hope the judges give this some weight because this really is a great design for this company. I havn't been paid by Angelo either :)
2nd place
Joseph
https://grabcad.com/library/blackboard-transact-1
Again, simple, effective with a little flair of design but not too much to render it unfeasible to make. The molds would be fairly easy to make, just a design with a"real world" mind set.
3rd Place
Ridwan
Hiterma Mag Strip Reader
Sure, no sexy curves but has design cues that are appropriate for a card reader, plus the mold would be easier to make than some of the more curvacious designs with a lot of undercutting etc.another "realistic" entry. Hope this one get's looked at.
4th Place
Anouar
Blackboard MRD4
Nice little clean design, I would prefer to loose the color outlined buttons but otherwise could see this sitting on a desktop.
5th Place
BB Transact
David
Ok Ok, this design would be super expensive to make and to me, the design cues go wayyyyy above and beyond what a simple card reader oughta look like but man, just look at those renders......scrrrruuuuumptious. The white plastic with blue and orange highlighted LED's.....oh...I think I've died and gone to design heaven.Don't you just want your mouse to look like this!! give him some credit for that atleast! Great design, wrong comp! :)
Cheers
J
Filippo Moscatelli over 9 years ago
I don't feel so comfortable with half of the finalists you chose, I'm sorry. I took part in this challenge setting me some lines I could not overtake and knowing that there were some requirements that must have fitted inside the final product.
By the way, the other half of this choice is made of very cool and clever ideas, so if somebody cares about my though I believe that the best one is
NFC/ Mag stripe reader by Deividas Juozulynas
NFC/ Mag stripe reader
Easy shape, easy manufacturing, cool design. Quite enough to win ;)
cheers!
see ya to the next challenge!
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
@Govio Quote "(1) There are many drawbacks of crowd sourcing designs on GrabCAD. I think GrabCAD could possibly improve all the drawbacks through some good suggestions from the participants. In this challenge, (2) the judges were not able to guide or comment on many of the entries for improvement, there was no healthy discussion between the participant and the juries. It was more like a mislead challenge. (3) Also, there should be a phase in between the selection of finalist and selection of winning entry, where more refinement of the design entries can take place. This would anticipate a healthy learning and designing environment on GrabCAD. (4) Mixing of design ideas should also be avoided by the judges. (5) As there are rules for the participant, there should be rules for the juries as well. GrabCAD, please enhance your challenge section, to make it more appealing and true to its intent. (edited miss spelling for clarity and to add answer markers)
(1) There are drawbacks to everything in the real world, but the benefits of this challenge to us were greater than we anticipated. Can improvement be made, sure as with everything else, improvements are the way forward.
(2) We answered every question entrants submitted here, As to guiding the entries, we want new ideas, not our own....if we guided every aspect of the entrants design whose design does it end up being? But, did you bother to ask about your concerns during the challenge? Did you start a "healthy discussion" during the challenge? Not that I can see......
(3) It is clearly spelled out in the challenge rules how the challenge is run.
(4) "Mixing of design ideas should also be avoided" Why? Should a buggy never have an engine attached to it to become an automobile, should that engine be never replaced with an electric motor, is there no reason to add more seats in an automobile and create a bus........suppose we should all still be using horse and buggy, or just the two feet we are born with?
(5) We do have rules or guidelines to follow, and due to this there were some great designs we could not choose.
Sorry you are disappointed with the challenge and its results, unfortunately that is life and not everything can go exactly how we want it to.
#David over 9 years ago
@Chris, I just want to say that I and others appreciate how involved you were with this project and how considerate you have been to the folks on here. Roughly 25% of the comments on here are from you and I must say that's quite alot for a project creator. Some of the folks on Grabcad while talented, are students or budding designers who can't yet appreciate nor understand designing a marketable real-world product for a PAYING client or company. A few of them also seem to the lack the maturity to take rejection gracefully. In any case, I hope your experience here was worthwhile and the money you will be paying for it is worth it. Thanks for the opportunity and I'm sure all of us hope you come back soon for more work and even spread the word to other folks who you think may need to give their product a creative jumpstart.
@The Whiners: None of you have any right to complain about the results of this project or any other for that matter since it costs you nothing but time, that in my opinion some of you could've better spent actually reading the details of this challenge. It DOES however cost people like Chris money and not just for the awards, but to pay Grabcad for creating this challenge for him. None of you will be manufacturing or marketing this device as a business or, putting up tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring this product to market, therefore your opinion on what you think about the winners, the non-winners, or the results of the judges matters not in the least. The two things that do matter is 1) the opinion of the client and 2) that (hopefully) the client was/is happy with their experience here...hopefully happy enough to be able to come back to give Grabcad (and us) more business and interesting work. And more importantly: maybe even spread the word to other folks so that we can get more chances to design cool things and maybe even make some money...wouldn't that be nice? Personally, I look forward to these challenges not to win, but to improve my design and rendering skills for my own stuff. These challenges force me to think about new things and get me thinking about where technology (sometimes interesting) and consumer products are moving. What we really need here at Grabcad is more challenges and better incentives (similar to this one - I think anything under $1000 for top award is too low for these kinds of things). Now, If you guys keep whining like a bunch of little girls all the time, how is that gonna happen? So please, lose the skirts, be grateful, and stop bitchin.
Hein Miessner over 9 years ago
I would like to apologize for my earlier comments made. It was unnecessary and should have been handled better. I just found it unacceptable how some of the people commented about other peoples designs and the challenge outcome but realized the situation could have been handled better from my side.
We are a designing community on GrabCad and we should act like one. The reason people are here and take part is to learn and develop skills. I myself only have experience in designing high precision and quality products in the aviation industry. This involved only accuracy and strength considerations and mostly had nothing to do with aesthetics of the designs as performance is more important. So I try and learn from other GrabCad users and these challenges to try and improve this branch of my designing skills.
So there is no need for bad comments on others peoples work as everybody is here to learn and improve. So any comments should be made in a positive manner to build the community and not break it down. And everybody should have a little more faith in the decision of the judges. The decisions they make have reasons behind them and it is not the GrabCad community's place to question these decisions. If this is the attitude we have after decisions are made by judges and we whine about the entries they chose and that they do not deserve to be there it doesn't paint a nice picture does it. We should accept and respect the outcome and the same goes for respecting other GrabCad users and their work.
This was my first challenge on GrabCad and I think it was great! It was well organized with good feedback and clarity. More than enough time was given, and it was fun and challenging and I look forward to the next one to only improve. Each day I teach and show people how to use CAD software and I support and consult them in their own designing process but rarely do I get the opportunity to do my own design from start to finish. And GrabCad offers this to me and for that I am grateful.
@David, I agree with you on the involvement. Any questions that were posted were answered and the project description and specifications were also clearly stated and updated so at all stages everybody knew exactly what to do and if not then the reason could only be that they did not read carefully or enough. And yes we all appreciate the involvement of Chris and the feedback given by him and Sara. It gave much needed clarity about the challenge.
And seeing as "GrabCAD helps mechanical engineers build great products faster" like the slogan on the home page says. It would be great i think, if we had a challenge one day that calls for some more in depth study in designing which combines aesthetics with FEA or CFD analysis. Bringing feasibility into the design. That would be a very interesting challenge and would call for some more in depth knowledge when it comes to designing real world products.
But nonetheless looking forward to the future of GrabCad challenges and working with the community.
Jonald Trump over 9 years ago
@Jonathan....... Are you a judge??!!
Pouriya over 9 years ago
Like Hein and #david
Jonathan Brazeau over 9 years ago
for this challenge no, but in the game of life...YES! :P
+1 David! on...the....nose...
Sara Sigel over 9 years ago
Winners are announced!
http://grabcad.com/challenges/reader-device-challenge/results
.
Thanks to everyone who participated! We believe these designs are the best solutions based on our goals of marketable, cool, ergonomic, shows design thinking, and simple manufacturing with plastic materials. We've taken an in-depth look at how each finalist performed within those areas. You can see how each performed, on the results page. Now, meet your winners!
Ridwan Sept over 9 years ago
congrats to all winners :) !!!
ANOUAR BARODI over 9 years ago
A really great news, thanks a lot Blackboard & GrabCAD !!! Congrats to the winners and all participants !!!
Tommy Mueller over 9 years ago
Right on, right on! You guys did awesome!
Congrats to the winners :)
Pouriya over 9 years ago
I agree with top five and this is compeletly fair.
Congrats to the winners
Hein Miessner over 9 years ago
Congrats to everyone. Was a fun challenge. Looking forward to the next one.
Chris Challinor over 9 years ago
Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you everyone who entered the challenge.
Clix over 9 years ago
congrats to winners!
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