Scope
Solution
Discrepancies
The original
design and the final solution are nearly the same. The biggest difference is
the lack of sequins in the final solution. Originally, glow-in-the-dark or
fluorescent sequins were to be sewn onto the front of the shirt. In the final
solution, fluorescent paint was used due to time. The fabric cut of the
neckline was uneven, so binding was sewn onto it as a trim to hide the cut. The
binding was not a part of the original design.
Design Flaws
The
one main design flaw in the final solution is the elastic on the end of the
shirt and at the end of the sleeves. The elastic is too big and is not tight
around the model. The neckline is also bigger than expected. Despite the shirt
fitting the model, the elastic and the neckline do not fit the description in
the original solution.
Unsolved Design Problems
One
design problem that will remain unsolved is the use of glow-in-the-dark
sequins. In the original design, sequins were to be painted with fluorescent
fabric paint and sewn or glued onto the shirt. Because of time issues, the
sequins were not used. Another unresolved design issue is the tightness of the
elastic on the shirt. The elastic does not properly fit the model. If time
allows, this design flaw may be fixed.
Suggestions for Improvement
If
the shirt was to be recreated, different fabric should be used. The fabric
proved to be hard to work with. Parchment paper placed underneath the fabric
while sewing helped guide the fabric along, but was sometimes difficult to
fully remove. Additionally, I would measure the elastic band right on the
model, instead of going by measurements taken. The elastic did not fit
correctly because the model was not readily available while sewing the elastic
on.
Successes
I
think the biggest success I encountered during this project was learning how to
properly sew. The two garments are the first items I have ever sewn. Sewing is
a practical skill which I will need as I grow older.
Setbacks
The
biggest setback was the fact that I did not already know how to sew. I watched
multiple tutorials and received help from multiple people for help. I also did
know anything about fashion. Taking the time to learn about fashion and sewing
was the biggest setback I encountered during this project.
What I Have Learned from Setbacks
I have learned so much about fashion and sewing during this
project. I acquired the ability to sew different fabrics and garments. I also learned
much about the fashion world. Because my partner, Alyssa, loves everything
about fashion, I gained a lot of knowledge from her. Drawing, sketching, and
creating different clothes designs may be a skill I will need later in life.
Additional Learning
Despite
this project being new to Systems Engineering II, I gained a lot from this
class. I learned about the design process and how the steps can be applied to
different types of projects or assignments. I also gained knowledge about
fashion, something I was never interested in until this year.
Improvements on:
Problem Solving Skills
My
problem solving skills improved greatly throughout this year. The design
process helped me understand something when I did not clearly comprehend a
problem. For example, when I did not know which alternate solution to choose,
the design process helped choose one clear solution.
Communication Skills through
Drawing
Drawing
the different designs and solutions proved to be very helpful. Instead of
trying to explain a solution through speech, drawing assists in clarifying
designs. Drawing out the garments displayed my ideas on paper exactly as
envisioned.
Communication Skills through
Speaking
Because
of the regular presentations in front of the class, my presentation skills
improved greatly. Although not perfect, speaking in front of an audience does
not scare me compared to past years. I still get nervous, but my speaking
skills during presentations have greatly improved.
Communication Skills through
Writing
Due
to the many assignments and papers throughout the year, my technical writing
skills have improved. Writing technical papers to clarify ideas or alternate
solutions comes easier than before this course. Each assignment assisted in
improving my writing skills.
Organizational Skills
My
organizational skills definitely improved this year. The whole course had a
very rigorous schedule. Although due dates were not always met, my time management
skills were enhanced. Time management and organization are both essential
skills needed.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, many skills were obtained throughout this entire year. The most
critical skill I gained from the Systems Engineering II course was time
management. Due dates are important and so is using my time wisely. I also learned
and used the design process the whole year, which is a process I will use in
college and beyond. Gaining knowledge about fashion and sewing may prove to be
useful in later years as well. My technical writing and designing skills have
also grown. Although difficult at many points in the year, Systems has given me
skills that I know will be useful later in life.
