The Fun Projects

Week 1: Project Management

Overview

During the first week, I explored project management fundamentals, signed the necessary agreements, and set up my personal repository to document my Fab Academy journey. I worked through a Git tutorial, familiarized myself with version control, and created a personal webpage to showcase my assignments and final project.

Project Management: The Illusion of Control

Project management feels like juggling flaming swords while blindfolded. It’s all about convincing yourself you’re in control, even though deep down, you know the chaos has already won. Week 1 was my dive into this delightful madness, signing agreements, setting up repositories, and trying to make sense of Git.

Project Management Chaos

The detailed project planning and updates will be documented further in the Final Project section as the project progresses.

The signed student agreement can be found here.

Let's GIT going!!

Tools I Used

Tool Description
VS Code Code editor used for HTML and CSS development.
Git Version control system to track changes and manage my repository.
Terminal Command-line interface for Git commands and repository management.
Web Browser Used to view and test the personal site.

Git Tools

Command Purpose
git clone Cloned the repository from the Fab Academy server.
git status Checked the current state of the repository.
git add . Staged all changes in the repository for commit.
git commit -m "message" Saved changes locally with a descriptive message.
git push Pushed the committed changes to the remote repository.

GIT this, GIT that: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to set up Git, access your repository, and make your first commit:


# Step 1: Install Git
# macOS
brew install git
        

# Once Git is installed, verify it's ready to go:
git --version
# If you see the version number, congratulations! Git is alive and well.
        

# Step 2: Clone the Repository
cd path/to/your/folder
git clone 
# This creates a cozy home for your project in the folder you specified.
        

# Step 3: Navigate into the Repository
cd repository-name
# You’ve entered the magical land of your Git repository.
        

# Step 4: Stage All Files
git add .
# This command says: "Git, prepare all my files for the next step!"

# --- WAIT! Let’s Make Changes First ---
# Before moving on, edit some files (like adding new HTML or fixing typos).
# Use your favorite editor (VS Code, nano, vim, etc.) and save the changes.

# Step 4.5: Stage Individual Files (Optional)
git add filename.extension
# Use this if you only want to stage a single file instead of everything.
        

# Step 5: Check Git Status
git status
# This command lets you double-check what’s staged and what’s not.
# It’s like asking, “Hey Git, are we good to go?”
        

# Step 6: Make the First Commit
git commit -m "Initial commit: Added basic project files"
# You’re telling Git to remember this moment forever.
        

# Step 7: Push Changes to the Remote Repository
git push
# Now Git takes your changes and uploads them to the cloud. Magic!
        

Week 2: Computer Aided Design

Overview

For this week's assignment, I designed the structure of my project using Tinkercad for the 3D design portion. While I have extensive experience with professional CAD software—including Rhino, Maya, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Inventor, Fusion 360, NX, and Ansys Finite Element Analysis—this was my first time using Tinkercad, and it definitely took me by surprise.

Schematic

I wouldn’t call it complicated, because it isn’t. However, being accustomed to parametric modeling with a history-based workflow where modifications can be made seamlessly, adapting to Tinkercad’s approach was a fun challenge. While I wouldn’t use it for advanced design work, I genuinely appreciated the experience of working within its constraints.

For the 2D design, I had no difficulties since I used Adobe Illustrator, which also set the foundation for next week’s task—cutting my final project’s logo in vinyl. This will be the first iteration of what will eventually become a refined brand identity for AquaBudz.

Tools I Used

Tool Description
Tinkercad Tinkercad is a free, web-based 3D modeling tool popular for 3D printing and introductory geometry learning in schools since 2011.
Adobe Illustrator Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based design software used for creating logos, illustrations, and graphics, widely popular among designers since its launch in 1987.

Tinkercad Tools

Command Purpose
Model & Simulation
Model Sim
Used for designing, analyzing, and rendering objects.
Group
Group
Combines multiple shapes into one solid object.
Ungroup
Ungroup
Separates grouped shapes back into individual objects.
Align
Align
Positions objects precisely along shared axes.
Duplicate
Duplicate
Creates an exact copy of an object for quick modeling.
Scene
Scene
The environment where materials, colors, and object appearances are adjusted.

3D Modelling: Tinkercad Interface

Tinkercad Interface

Like most Autodesk software, Tinkercad features a familiar navigation system. On the left side of the screen, you’ll find essential view controls, including:

At the center of the screen is the workplane, where all the magic happens. This is your primary workspace for creating and modifying designs.

Since my interface is in Spanish, some translations might not be exact compared to the English version, but the general layout remains the same.

On the right side, you’ll find tools such as:

While Tinkercad is often seen as an entry-level CAD tool, designed primarily for beginners and students, it has some surprisingly powerful features. The top toolbar contains essential tools such as:

Despite its simplicity compared to advanced parametric CAD software, Tinkercad offers a refreshing and intuitive approach to 3D modeling, making it a great tool for quick prototyping and creative exploration.

3D Modelling: Boolean Operations

In this step, we will create a solid cube, then use a hollow cube to subtract material, forming an empty space inside. In Tinkercad, Boolean operations are simplified through the Group tool, making it easy to combine or subtract objects.

Solid Cube

Understanding Grouping in Tinkercad:

This feature makes Boolean operations much simpler than in parametric CAD software, where you typically need to manually apply subtraction or union functions.

Visual Guide: Boolean Operations

Solid and Hollow Aligned1 Aligned2 Boolean Result

The Boolean process continues as I create, align, and subtract shapes, gradually refining the design. Starting with basic cubes, I manipulate them using Tinkercad’s intuitive grouping and subtraction tools.

Each step helps define the structure, making it increasingly recognizable as the foundation of the hydroponic garden. By strategically subtracting hollow shapes from solids, I carve out **functional sections** where components like plant holders, water channels, and structural supports will fit.

Below, you can see a series of images illustrating this transformation—from simple geometric shapes to a structure that begins to resemble the structure of the hydroponic garden.

boolean6a boolean6b boolean6c boolean6d boolean6e boolean6f

After defining the base structure, the next step involves creating additional structural elements and integrating them into the main aluminum frame. Unlike the previous step, which focused on removing material through Boolean operations, this stage is about adding new components to enhance the structure.

The purpose of this step is to demonstrate how to design supplementary elements—such as reinforcements, support brackets, or attachment points—and properly align and group them with the primary structure. This ensures a rigid and functional design that can support all necessary hydroponic components.

Additional Elements1 Additional Elements2 Additional Elements3 Additional Elements4 Additional Elements5

The final step in the design process is rendering. While advanced software like Maya allows for photorealistic rendering with fine-tuned lighting, reflections, and materials, Tinkercad keeps things simple and efficient.

Instead of complex shaders and physically accurate materials, Tinkercad provides a basic rendering tool that focuses on clear, visually appealing representations. The results have a cartoonish yet polished aesthetic, making models look clean and easy to interpret. This is especially useful for beginners, educators, and quick prototyping.

Users can apply colors and materials to objects, as well as modify the surface appearance using the built-in shape and material menu.

Material Menu

Tinkercad allows users to customize materials and colors for both objects and surfaces. Though it doesn’t support textures or reflections like advanced rendering software, it provides enough flexibility to give a clear visual distinction between different components of a model.

Below are examples of rendering environment from Tinkercad. While the shading is basic, the models maintain a clean, easy-to-interpret look that works well for prototyping and documentation.

Rendered Interface 1 Rendered Interface 2
Final Render

Once the design is complete, the model can be exported as an STL file, making it ready for 3D printing and further processing in other CAD or slicing software.

You can download the OBJ (ZIP) and the STL file for 3D printing here:

2D Design: AquaBudz Logo

For this step, I created a vectorized version of an image using Adobe Illustrator. While Illustrator offers a quick and easy Image Trace tool, I opted for a more precise and hands-on approach by manually tracing the image with the Pen Tool.

The original image was generated using DALL·E, an AI image-generation tool. The prompt used to create the image was: The logo should use a bright yellow color palette and feature playful elements such as a smiling fish, sprouting plants, and water droplets, all designed to be appealing and approachable for a young audience.

DALL-E-generated

Vectorization Tools

Tool Purpose
DALL·E AI image-generation tool used to create the original fish illustration, serving as a base for vectorization.
Adobe Fonts Provided a wide selection of typefaces, helping to find the right font for the "AquaBudz" logo.
Pen Tool Used to manually trace and create precise vector paths with adjustable anchor points.
Ellipse Tool Created basic circular and oval shapes for organic elements like fins.
Pathfinder Tool Combined, merged, or subtracted shapes to refine the structure and details.
Transparency Adjustment Made a semi-transparent reference layer to aid in manual tracing without obscuring the workspace.
Color Picker & Swatches Selected and applied a custom color palette to enhance contrast and visibility.
Layer Management Organized different elements (base shape, details, decorations) to maintain a structured workflow.
Text Tool Typed and adjusted the font into an arched shape to fit the overall composition.
Export as SVG Saved the final vector file for further processing and vinyl cutting

The process begins by importing the selected image into Illustrator. To ensure a cleaner workflow, I created a duplicate of the image and reduced its transparency. This allows me to use it as a reference while keeping the original hidden for a final comparison.

Setting up transparency

Once the reference layer is set, I started manually tracing the image using the Pen Tool. This tool allows for greater control over curves and sharp angles, ensuring a more refined and editable vector design.

Tracing with the Pen Tool

For elements like fins and curves, I used the Ellipse Tool and manipulated anchor points to create smooth organic shapes. Adjusting these points allows for more precise control over the final design.

Modifying shapes for fins

To merge different shapes seamlessly, I used the Pathfinder Tool. This essential tool in Illustrator helps combine multiple objects into a single form, ensuring a smooth transition between the different parts of the illustration.

Using the Pathfinder tool

Finally, I added finer details such as the eyes, scales, and outline refinements to bring the vector design to life.

Details1 Details2 Details3

With the vector design complete, the next step was applying colors and additional decorative elements. Instead of simply filling in colors, I carefully selected a custom color palette to enhance contrast and visibility.

Applying Colors

To add depth to the scene, I incorporated extra elements such as water waves and plants. These elements were carefully layered in Illustrator to create a visually balanced composition.

Other Elements

The final step in this process was designing the AquaBudz logo. Instead of using a standard font, I used a font recognition tool from Adobe to identify a unique typeface that closely matched the concept.

Font Used for AquaBudz Font Used for AquaBudz

After choosing the font, I shaped it into an arch to fit the design aesthetics. This required careful alignment and transformation to maintain proportionate spacing.

Logo Arched

For final refinements, I applied the Image Trace tool selectively to vectorize the text while preserving the crisp edges and details.

Vectorized Logo Final Logo

With the design finalized, the vectorized AquaBudz logo is now ready for vinyl cutting and further application in digital and physical media.

To illustrate the transformation, here is a side-by-side comparison of the original*DALL-E-generated image and the final vectorized version. The difference highlights the level of precision and refinement that manual vectorization brings to a design.

Original Image Vectorized Image

You can download the Illustrator file (ZIP) and the SVG file for vinyl cutting:

Who's this guy?

Daniel Perez

BIO:

Hi, I'm Daniel Alejandro Pérez de la Mora, a proud graduate from Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México, where I majored in engineering. I also hold a Master's degree in Industrial Design Engineering from Delft University of Technology. For my master's thesis, I developed a fascinating project: a sanitary system that transforms solid waste into fuel for generating electricity. This project was even supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation!

In 2024, I completed my doctoral studies in Engineering Sciences at Universidad Iberoamericana. My research focused on Community-based Smart Microgrids, an exciting project that combined technology adoption with the implementation of community microgrids.

Apart from my academic pursuits, I'm an independent consultant in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. I get to work on analyzing energy-saving alternatives and designing and implementing energy-saving measures. Since 2017, I've been a Researcher at the Institute of Applied Research and Technology, focusing on Sustainable Technologies. It's a role I find incredibly rewarding and aligns perfectly with my passion for sustainability.

Education:

Work Experience:

Research Publications: