1.2 Core report - Project design

Designing the Project

I made a Design tools page researching and considering the various frameworks for both my project and report. I chose to follow GADIE because it is simple, I felt it would help keep my process focused (image left).

After implementation of the PSP I started questioning my process. By backtracking my steps I found a better articulation - see DRABADIR (right column). I detail this process in the following section, as it is a more thorough explanation of my process, and has within it all the components of GADIE.  

Designing this Output Packet

To design/create this OP I chose to follow SADIM (right column). I was introduced to this framework by Charles Thibodeau when I reviewed his OP2. I felt the survey step would help me reach my goals of improving my OP process. See right column for design methods.

Click on Method text (brown) to be taken to an explanation of the design principle in 3.3 Index of design principles.

1. Define the problem: Method - observation

Having lived in this cabin three years (spring - Autumn) provided plenty of observations.

2. Research: Method - Best practices, use onsite resources (previously saved documents)

My basic knowledge of PSPs was not satisfactory. Seeking BP I was searching for what others had found from their actual PSP builds.

3. Articulate Goals: Method -  Finding solutions within problems, Recognize functional relationships between elements

To define my goals it took: research, speaking with the owners, and problem solving,

4. Brainstorm (Analysis): Method - Integrate research and goals, site survey, Detail analysis

I assesed how to apply my research of BP and my goals to the site/project.

I performed a site analysis including a solar survey, see Solar Azimuth 3.1 Supporting evidence).

5. Assessment (Design): Method - prototyping

To design this PSP I decided to use SketchUp. The ability to prototype to-scale digitally allows for great versatility in rapidly changing the design. See video of my prototypes in 3.1 Supporting evidence.

6. Develop (Build): Method - Ingenuity, Repurposing, slow and small, observe and interact



Ingenuity and repurposing are two methods that go hand in hand when retrofitting an unconventional DIY project.

7. Implement (Install): Method - planning, preparing, team work, leadership

I coordinated with Prem and my wife to secure a time slot where we could all work together. I  preped the site and gave a brief overview of what the install procedure was and we carried it out.

8. Reflect (Next Steps): Method - journal extraction, visioning

My main method of reflection is revisiting my journal entries and extracting my unlearnings.

Next steps - Assess and evaluate its operating capacities in the spring/summer of 2014 and tweak as needed.

GADIE for Project - Following GADIE worked, even though my process was more complex. DRABADIR helped me reflect and is a design investment.

GADIE helped:

1. keeping me on task
2. articulating importance of design process
3. being a visual cue to the process

SADIM for Output Packet - I like the simplicity of SADIM

SADIM helped:

1. slowing me down
2. articulating each step and their components
   
3. being a visual cue to the process