One of the most important things I have learned from this course is an understanding of what I am getting myself into. Before this course I had no idea of the costs, challenges, and steps it took to get from an idea to an executed 3D project.

Through the brainstorming sessions, readings, printing rollercoaster, and class field trips I was able to get a in depth look into what it was like to be a part of this 3D community. It was definitely not as easy as I thought it would be. It was, however, as exciting as I thought it would be! The ideation process is something I could use in my future 3D endeavors as it shows me how my creativity can change and become something even crazier if I just give it another go at brainstorming.

As a designer, I have  persevered through design challenges and grown as a problem solver. Throughout our group project experience, we were faced with design obstacles; failing many times. We did not let the machine win! We kept redesigning over and over until we got a workable and printable design. The design program itself, SketchUp, was a challenge within itself. I can say I have learned some of its capabilities, but I would still need to do many more tutorials in order to master it—something I would like to do because I still feel like a rookie. If I could give myself one piece of advice back in August I would have told myself to watch more tutorials for SketchUp so that come project time, we could have had our project printed earlier and possibly developed it further.

As an entrepreneur, this course has opened my eyes to the business side of 3D printing. My favorite component of the course, as I’m sure was for many of my classmates, were the trips. Attending the Maker Faire, visiting the MakerBot and NRI store were incredible experiences. I saw so many amazing creations and how they are used for other businesses like architect and prototyping. I can see the potential there is for future developments.

After all this; blogging and the class sessions, I have come to the conclusion I still want to continue experiencing my world in 3D.