Making a neat mess
Dear Reader,
In the third week of the Innovation Pipeline 1 at the Keio University Media Design Program (KMD) we got a chance to trash the classroom with bits and bolts and wires and plastic strewn about. Then we made neat little displays of all the intricate parts of the various products we disassembled. My group took apart a $30 vacuum cleaner, which was mostly just plastic! I was amazed how intricate the designs for the plastic were that made it so easy to put together. No instructions were necessary, which I took as a sign for great product design.
Taking apart the little guy was where the fun began though. I’ve always enjoyed taking apart objects to see how they’re made. Most of the parts were easy to dismantle. The only real challenge was the vacuum’s motor, which I never did take a picture of unfortunately. The fan was completely hidden to us until we found it tucked away inside a round chamber of metal and plastic. We tried our best to pry it open gently, but in the end I took some sheet metal cutters to it.
Other groups took apart a printer, fan, toaster, radio, and coffee maker so I even got some toast and coffee out of the deal (which was so necessary). This was definitely one of the best classes I’ve taken part in so far. Minamizawa Sensei seemed to be having a great time, too, as the teams went along smashing things open. When can I take a hammer to a PC? It’s been too long since I’ve had that satisfaction.
During class, memories of working with my dad popped into my head, and I appreciated all of the hands on work I was able to experience during my childhood. During quite a few summers I helped out (although admittedly poorly during my younger years) and learned the art of heating and air contracting. My dad taught me many lessons about hard work, perseverance, problem solving, and just general ruggedness towards life. It has definitely given me a more down to earth understanding for many of the appliances we tend to take for granted in our homes. Sometimes, when I am reminded of these things, I take a moment to appreciate what I have and what my dad has given to me.
In future posts I’ll try and get more detailed information about the products, facts, etc. in order to share them with you. That way we can both learn more through the extra research I do!
Your friend,
Tanner