My name is Hanna Khoury, and I am unsure of what major I would like to choose, but I am interested in the STEM field, especially engineering, astrophysics, and nuclear physics. I am taking this class because I would like to be able to better understand the process of creating a product for a customer and the thought process that goes into it. As well, I would like to be able to hone my creativity, teach myself how to wield it at will, and learn the skills necessary in creating a new product.
The product that I will be focusing on is my mechanical pencil, which I have used for over two years. I find it very interesting because it is designed to be more efficient when writing and to be used for as long as possible. Firstly, it is designed with the button to push lead out to be on the side of the pencil so that when writing, one does not need to stop and turn the pencil around, but instead can just press the button on the side and continue on with better efficiency.
As well, the eraser is longer than a typical eraser on a mechanical pencil, and can be stored and have the length changed at the will of the user in order to avoid the eraser breaking or becoming dirty. Finally, the eraser and lead can be replaced when they have run out in order to prolong use of the pencil and avoid spending money on buying a new one every time the eraser has run out.
My design question I have about the product is how can the plastic shell/casing be produced in a way that may be more environmentally friendly and use materials than can be recycled while still being sturdy?