Creativity and Design Blog Post #1

LEGOs + LEDs Lab Challenge

In this in-class challenge we were given a limited selection of materials including LEGOs, copper tape, LEDs, a C9 battery and wires. We were challenged to create a switch mechanism with the LEGOs and use it to power-on and power-off LEDs in just under an hour and fifteen minutes. Creating and exploring circuits is something that I have been familiar with since I was a child. The larger problem was that there were too many degrees of freedom. Since I am familiar with how to make a circuit work I really had to focus on how I wanted to create a switch with thousands of random (and interesting) LEGO pieces to choose from in the OILS Lab.

My Process and Experience

Since I felt that I was presented with too many options I decided to focus on specific tasks and limit my possibilities in terms of materials by only using what was in my immediate vicinity. (“Focus on Specific Tasks,” page 55 in Sawyer, K. (2013). Zig zag: The surprising path to greater creativity: John Wiley & Sons.) I also prepped for the challenge by going to the local LEGO store to pick out some pieces that I thought might work well as switches. After reviewing how the simple circuit worked that was laid out on the table I began to lay out the course my circuit would take around a small LEGO base plate. I then chose what color of LED I would like to light up (blue - my favorite) and I also selected a translucent piece to house the LED to carry the light even further.

During this process I did feel a sense of nervousness about the time. Not because I thought I would not complete the task, but that I would not be able to expand and make the circuit more complex. This feeling of nervousness was overpowered by excitement and nostalgia as I became focused on the task. I completed the switch and simple circuit fairly quickly which allowed me to explore other possibilities. Below you can see some detail photos of the circuit, switch mechanism and battery holder.

Adding Complexity

After I completed the the simple circuit and switch I decided to branch out and try adding a motor to spin a LEGO wheel. (“Branch Out,” page 67 in Sawyer, K. (2013). Zig zag: The surprising path to greater creativity: John Wiley & Sons.) During these in-class challenges the professor and teaching aids are always willing to help, inspire and encourage ways to build upon ideas. I asked for other materials that were not included in the challenge: a small electric motor, another C9 battery and a rubber-band. After experimenting with the motor it became apparent that it needed much more power to light the LED and energize the motor. I also learned that current can run both directions through an electric motor, it just changes the direction that the shaft spins.

Since a higher power battery was not available, I chose to continue adding LEDs to my project and experiment with how many LEDs the C9 batteries could power. I was surprised to find that certain colors need more energy than others. I added green and yellow to the circuit. Once the switch was engaged, the yellow and green lit up, but not the blue - hence it needs more power. I then added a second battery to the circuit to test my hypothesis and the blue dimly lit.

Reflection

This project allowed me to explore and expand previously knowledge of circuits and current flow. It was also an introspective look at my creative process because I used a GoPro camera to document the entire challenge. I've never had a point of view video to reflect on my actions before. I noticed that I never stopped moving, and immediately after completing the first circuit, I was automatically starting on a new phase of my reaction to the challenge. I also noticed that even though I am familiar with circuits, I repeatedly looked at the example and eventually took the small tape pieces marked with "+" and "-" to mark which direction the current was flowing in my creation. It was also apparent that once I started, I never looked up to see what others in the classroom were working on, I was pretty focused on my task at hand. Upon reflection and comparison with the readings I wish that I would have truly challenged myself and tried to make other types of switch mechanisms rather than adding LEDs and a motor. (“Challenge Yourself,” page 54 in Sawyer, K. (2013). Zig zag: The surprising path to greater creativity: John Wiley & Sons.)