Designing a Better Design ClassElectric Vehicle Design at MIT

About Me• MIT 2011, M.E.• Shop Instructor,

design mentor• MITERS• BattleBots • Silly EVs

The Problem with Design Classes• Intro: Kitted, procedural, process emphasis– One size doesn’t fit all; lack of engagement

• Senior: Open-ended, high expectations• What about the middle?– Fabrication, manufacturing– Selection of components– Procurement, timeline mgmt.

• No singular class to intro. and exercise practical concepts

The Inspiration• MIT student making scene– MITERS club

• Peer learning• Cross-pollination• Open environment

The Goal• Known challenge– Open-ended path

• Build skills early– Fabrication and hardware

• Spec out own parts– Live with bad decisions– Account for timeline

• Drive it and Fix it– Next level of engagement

Parts & Vendors• E-bike & scooter; R/C model ; surplus

industrial; robotics; medical mobility

Staging Area

Chicane turn is 1.5 parking spaces wide

Battery charging area (Newly constructed; picture is outdated)

Q & AVideo Demo (time permitting)

Downloadable class material set athttp://tinyurl.com/sillygokarts