Final Stretch: Checkmate

The chess board is in the initial stages of the build.  I have acquired the wood, brought it to the Makerspace, and have started to build my product.  I began…

Construction Timeline: Ben Fried

Below you can see a schedule of events that I need to complete.  I have done this process before for the prototype, so I am familiar with the materials and…

Design Review: Chess Board Prototype

For my final project, I have decided to create a chess board, complete with a storage unit, and possibly a matching cribbage set to go with it. I began by…

Top Five Constraints: Chess Board

For my final project, I have narrowed down my idea to a few items, each of which are made of wood.  For me, woodworking is the most practical type of…

Main Project Inspirations: Ben Fried

For my main project, I would like like to build a fully functional object that I am able to keep and use for the future.  As I mentioned in blog…

Skill Sets and Aspirations: Ben Fried

My schooling (undergraduate and graduate) has been in mechanical engineering, but I am more interested in management, system engineering, and finance, which is where I can see myself in the…

Upcycle Final Report: Trail Maps

  This upcycle project was inspired by the rustic Adirondack feel that many mountain cabins and homes have.  When I lived in upstate New York (Potsdam, NY), many home had…

Design Loop: Trail Map Upcycling

Throughout my engineering career, I have been a part of many design processes, some successful and others, partial.  One common trait throughout both is that they all have an end…

Upcycle Progress: Re-used Trail Maps

After a week of sketching, brainstorming, and doodling, I’ve narrowed the scope of my project to something one of a kind that relates to maps, and will enable me to…

Aesthetic Explorations: The Utility of Maps

I am a strong believer that everything I own must have a purpose.  This purpose could be physical or abstract, but should have enough of an impact for me to…