Reflections on the Power of Making Real Things

“Select a subject area that you would like to focus on. For instance, you might be particularly interested in biotech, architecture, toys, archaeology, fashion, manufacturing, food, retail services, software design, materials, ethics, sustainability ??? 3D design and printing touch on all of these fields and more. Select a theme. Tell me about your interest. Pose a question you’d like to explore, and begin to research the question. You’ll be working with this theme throughout the remainder of the semester, so go with your interest. The idea is for you to become an expert in an area, and then share your growing expertise with the class via your blog.”

I’m a little confused about the requirements for this assignment. Not confused in the sense that what the “ask” is from the professor is confusing, but confused because I’m unsure how to tackle this. One the one hand, I can pursue the obvious path for me. That is, 3d printing applications for space exploration. I have a strong interest in the subject and my enthusiast-lens helps me to synthesize concepts that I read. This can also span many research questions such as: (broad question) “What are some mission critical applications that 3d printing can facilitate?” or narrow such as “Are 3d printed spacecraft parts feasible, reliable, and effective?”

Or I could disregard the whole space exploration applications, since I’m already working on something for my SmartPitch project, and venture into an unknown territory. An area that has always appealed to my curiosity is the area of 3d printed prosthetics. When I was in the music business I met a married couple (both musicians) with limited income (again, both musicians) and they had a little girl, about 5-6 years old, who was missing a leg. I recall there was a campaign within our music network to help raise funds just to help with the expenses of her prosthetics. Children prosthetics are particularly critical and expensive because they require a new set, in some cases, every couple of months as the child grows. This path of research may be interesting but also emotionally draining. Perhaps I should stick to the space path. What do you think?