With the completion of SEED, I have so much to reflect on at this time. I’ll first update you all about our final design before reflecting.

Our Final Prototype

Ultimately, we have designed and created a device that is comfortable and supportive in enabling campers with low trunk and neck strength to safely use the zip line and high ropes course at Camp For All. Our chair is made entirely from waterproof and UV resistant fabric. The chair holds its shape with two wooden dowels sewn

into the bottom sides of the device and polyester strapping along the top sides for comfort. The bottom half of our device is made of two layers of duck cloth for added strength and durability. We also used a combination of steel d-rings and polyester webbing to create attachments. Ropes and carabiners can attach to the d-rings in order to suspend our device. A common issue we found in testing was the length of rope. Taller people often needed the back ropes shortened and shorter people needed the back ropes elongated. In order to eliminate this issue, we purchased carabiners that allow ropes to lock into place and be easily adjusted without tying new knots. We also decided to use shoulder straps and a waist strap. The shoulder straps work just like a backpack and can be adjusted from the back. The shoulder straps allow users to comfortably maintain an upright position. The seat cushion was handmade from styrofoam, cotton, and velvet fabric. Though we had purchased other seat cushions, we felt they did not provide firm support compared to the one we made. We also purchased a lumbar support cushion to provide back support.

 

In the near future, we would like to send our final design solution to a professional seamstress to ensure safety and durability. The sewing technique is the primary source of strength for our device so this is a crucial step in producing a fully functional device to Camp For All. Once the sewing is complete, Andrew and I plan to add the additional features and test our device at the campgrounds.

Final Presentations

With designing and testing complete, Thursday was spent presenting our final design solution. Aubrey and Andrew gave a wonderful presentation that grasped everyone’s attention. We even had a visit from Lindsay, our client from Camp For All. This was her first time seeing our device and she was overjoyed by our accomplishments. Her reaction gave us a sense of pride as we felt as though we had achieved exactly what Lindsay envisioned. Overall, I am overwhelmingly proud of my team and can’t wait to see our device being used by special needs campers.

An Enlightening Experience

This summer was an experience entirely unlike any other. I had the opportunity to grow closer to not only my peers at Rice, but also 8 talented and inspiring students from Malawi and Tanzania. It’s completely surreal to me that when I wake up tomorrow morning, I won’t be finding my way to the OEDK to continue my zip line project. I am immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside international students, Rice students, Dr. Wettergreen, and Dr. Hunter. During my first few days of SEED, I would have never believed that I would learn as much as I did. From sewing to Chichewa (a Bantu language primarily spoken in Malawi) and everything in between, these are skills and knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Thank you so much for reading my blogs throughout the summer! Here’s some pictures of my team and I.