Nov 23, 2018, 4:54:29 PM
Testers wanted!
View test report
PACKAGING & DESIGN
Please tell us how you liked the design of the construction kit and the presentation of the individual components in the construction kit. What did you particularly like and what would you perhaps improve?
For single location use the packaging is fine. It would be useful to have a list of reusable components versus consumables. Zip ties, balloons, and tubing that you cut to size will need to be replaced. Knowing length of zip ties and tubing dimensions would be helpful.
If we purchased these for our community, they would circulate out to schools across the county. Pressed cardboard packaging would not last. Labeled or numbered pieces that match a diagram on the inside cover is helpful for users.
Lego WeDo and Sphero Spark have some awesome packaging with clear labeling and robust cases that we loan out and use heavily.
Our student groups created reports that I'm linking to here. Unfortunately, in the time frame we had, the students were all boys. They were pretty forthright in their assessment. Their reports are linked below. If you can't access the reports, email me and I'll attach them via pdf.
* 1. Nathan and Lucas Bionic Test Instructions and Questions 11/14/2018* https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Llefi3jtiaIf8HsB835jzBDqJUNgv1YRhpBF-Ip4kuM/edit?usp=sharing
* 2. Student Response: Bionic Test Instructions and Questions 11/10/2018* https://docs.google.com/document/d/164_Hr5xRnnBFHeZnrm3hal7LbiQIy2uZOFxI6U38KM4/edit?usp=sharing
* 3. Logan Bionic Test Instructions and Questions 11/10/2018* https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vvugc8tuK9qefRbRfhcj6K4wbDBRvLoDPjX68sQeYeY/edit?usp=sharing
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EXPLANATION OF THE BIONICS4EDUCATION kit
How well have we designed the explanation of the product range and building instructions? Are there elements you miss or would like to see better? Tell us about your impressions.
We built both the chameleon tongue and the elephant trunk. Both had mismatches between instructions and the actual product. For example, the graspers at the end of the elephant trunk were missing tabs to allow you to run the zip tie through in a way that would align the two pieces. You definitely should include the spacers and discs for the elephant trunk. Having to source them wasn't something that we were prepared for and had a hard time finding what the directions suggested here in the US. Our foam paint rollers have a hard core which is not easy to cut through. Both builds took two hours. We gave them minimal support other than setting up the computers and getting them the tools and instructions.
BIONICS ANIMALS
How challenging was the assembly of the robotic animals for you? Were there many enlightening moments and surprises on the way? Were the artificial robotic animals in the construction kit able to convey to you the unique findings and optimisation strategies of our animal world and to translate them into technology?
The template for the spaces on the elephant trunk was fine but the tools needed were not part of the parts list. Cutting holes in the center of that disc was a challenge without crinkling up the paper. We switched over to foam pieces and had to improvise. If I were a classroom teacher with 30 kids, there would be some stress caused by the instructions and a lot of instructional time would be wasted having to troubleshoot. I'd be far less concerend with the need for improvisation with an after school group.
the student reports indicated they didn't make the connections. However if I were teaching this with a group of students, we would prepare ahead of time with a study of animal adaptations and how they can help humans. they woudl have more background knowledge going into the build than these students had.
TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATION
Was the supplied technology easy to use? Was it a balance between ease of use and the need to get to know the latest technology? Have you had other experiences with similar technology that you want to share with us?
The students who built the chameleon tongue had success getting the connected to the microcontroller and getting the servos to operate. The elephant group didn't and ran out of time in the two hours they had. Building all the component part with the elephant trunk ate up a lot of their time. We connected using a Chromebook and an iPhone. the Chromebook worked, iPhone and iPad did not. With the Apple devices, we connected through the wifi settings, opened the b4e site and got the control panel to some up, but the servos never would respond. WE checked connection, microcontroller lights, etc. All looked good, but no response.
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CONSTRUCTION PLANS AND EXPANDABILITY
How did you like the product Bionics4Education engineering kit: moving and gripping? Were you able to find additional help? Were the building plans helpful for you and were you able to use them directly? Does the material help to give your creativity its own drive? Could we motivate you to add your own contributions?
I'd say that this is your greatest area for growth. The kids had a lot of negative comments here. A lot of mismatches between instructions and pieces and the actual way things fit together.
TOTAL FACT
What was the overall impression of our Bionics4Education kit for you? Do you think with our offer we can win educational institutions on the one hand, enthusiastic makers on the other hand for us and help to open up the important field of bionics? What can we do to make ourselves better known and to get your recommendation? In which media, communities and groups would you see the information about Bionics4Education?
We were thrilled to be chosen and would definitely recommend other try this product once it's out on the market. I definitely think the maker movement in libraries and schools have room for this kit. We will continue to experiment and test this kit with groups.
I've seen a lot of buzz about FESTO online. There's a great deal of interest. I hope the feedback we've provided is useful. Best of luck!