Week 2: Computer Aided design¶
I had 2 final project ideas before, but after talking with my instructor, Matthew, we decided to go with the second idea: a game console for communal play (quiz style). We felt this option would allow me to explore more and be more creative, as it involves more components.
2D Design¶
I changed the design significantly from the first sketch, aiming to make it simpler and more portable. The shape is inspired by my first Nintendo Game Boy Pocket Red.
Adobe Illustrator¶
I created the 2D designs for three different game consoles and the logo using Adobe Illustrator. I chose Adobe Illustrator because it offers many functions and precise controls. Moreover, the graphics are vector-based, so they do not lose quality when scaled up.
At first, I designed everything on a 1080×1350px artboard (RGB color) while simultaneously sketching the new design on paper to better visualize the shape, color, and size of the product. I incorporated vibrant colors (red-orange #fe564b, yellow #fdd400, blue #1a5edb) and many rounded shapes to make the design look fun and friendly, including rounded corners on the body and screen, as well as cylindrical buttons:
For the product name, I wanted to include the word “all” - since the goal is for everyone (all) to play and have fun together. I researched several name ideas, such as “all&,” “&all,” “y’all,” “forall,” and “all.” Since I haven’t satisfied with the name, I looked for alternative words with a similar meaning to “all,” and I found this on Thesaurus.com:
The word “all” is pronounced as “awl”. I loved the name so much, I went ahead and made the simple logo “awl.” and the tagline “play with you awl.” (Font name: Chinchilla):
Afterwards, I adjusted the product dimensions: the body measures 100×125mm, the screen is 80×45mm (16:9), the number button (1/2/3) have a diameter of 27.5mm, the “ABCD” buttons have a diameter of 22.5mm, the top body corners have a radius of 5mm, the lower body corners have a radius of 45mm, and the screen corners have a radius of 2.5mm, as shown below:
In addition, I also utilized “Objects on Path” feature on Adobe Illustrator to arrange the “ABCD” button on an arc:
3D Design¶
Once I completed the 2D design, I moved on to 3D modeling with OnShape and Blender.
The OnShape link: Link text
OnShape¶
I like using OnShape because it is quite simple and allows for precise sizing. The only downside for me is that it requires an internet connection to access.
The process is divided into 3 parts: sketch, extrude, and add fillet.
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Sketch -> This process is similar to how I created the 2D design in Adobe Illustrator.
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I drew the sketch on the top plane like this:
- I applied Sketch Fillet to round the corners and Circular Pattern to evenly arrange the “ABCD” buttons:
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Extrude -> Unlike in the 2D design, this step adds depth to the sketch, turning it into a 3D shape. I set the body depth to 20mm, the screen lowered to 1mm, the number buttons at 5mm depth, and the “ABCD” buttons at 3.5mm depth.
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Add Fillet -> I added fillet so that the design look smoother and it will make the product more comfortable to touch. And this is the final result:
Blender¶
I would say that Blender is much harder and complex to use than OnShape, and achieving precise sizing is more difficult. For example, Blender does not allow precise control over the size of rounded corners in comparison to Onshape where you can precisely add the radius number.
I added some colors to the onjects and used add modifiers -> Generate -> Array (Shape: Circle) to evenly arrange the “ABCD” buttons:
Next, I added text on the buttons, and parent the text to the button:
Next, I duplicated the first game console to create the other two (However, when duplicating objects in Blender, the colors remain linked to the original, so it’s important to delete or change the color afterward):
Moreover, I tried to add an image to the screen. I successfully added it to the first game console, but when I copied it to the others, it didn’t work. In addition, I wasn’t able to make the screen look like an LED screen.
Lastly, I tried making a simple animation for the press number (1/2/3) buttons:
Big thanks to Rico and these YouTube accounts for all the Blender tips and tricks!
Rico’s Blender Tutorials:
Creating a Nintendo Game Boy:
Combine text with objects:
Changing colors of copied objects:
Fusion¶
I wanted to download it with the student account from Fab Academy, but somehow its not working. So I haven’t tried it yet.