KADJ
Sep 2022 - Dec 2022
This was my class project completed as part of a group for Cornerstone of Engineering I. Our assignment was simple, to create an interesting, fun to play board game using the engineering knowledge we had acquired so far. My group settled on a stacking based game that could be learned and enjoyed in minutes with custom Arduino guided instructions. The name "KADJ" comes from the four group members of the project, Kiley, Abe, Dennis, and Jess. KADJ received the highest review score across all 3 of my professor's classes doing the same project, and set a new all-time record for the most points earned in my professor's 5 years of teaching at Northeastern University.
Project Walkthrough
Look through the images and descriptions below to see how this project came to life!
01
CAD Design
For this project, I was in charge of CAD Design and Construction. The entirety of the design for this project was done in 2D AutoCAD drafting software. Shown to the left is an example laser cut file for the "Game Master" box that would later be cut out to contain the Arduino components of the game.
02
Precision Design Challenge
Often times, our theoretical designs don't come out exactly as we expect in real life. And the design of KADJ was no different. In order to make pieces fit together precisely, I needed to know the laser offset, known as "kerf". I determined this value experimentally by cutting several test joints with different amounts of interference overlap. Some fit really tight, others fit too loose, but an offset of 0.002" per side created a perfect snug fit which was later used on all subsequently designed pieces.
03
Electronic Design
One of the selling points of KADJ was the Arduino based instruction system, known as the "Game Master" I designed the Arduino circuit in TinkerCAD as shown on the left. This allowed me to plan necessary components and simulate the circuit before constructing the real thing. The Game Master had LEDs to indicate which player's turn it was, as well as an LCD to tell players which piece to play and to keep score automatically.
04
Cutting out Pieces
All physical components of this game were fabricated from laser cut 1/4" plywood. The image on the right shows 3 prototypes for the rocking base, testing different stands and widths. The smaller stacking pieces, called "Monsters" were initially drawn on an iPad by another group member. I then traced the images in AutoCAD, scaled them appropriately, and laser cut them to create the pieces shown.
05
Assembly
As the 2D pieces were cut out, they were assembled into interlocking 3D components of the game. Thanks to my careful CAD designs, the pieces fit together just like we were assembling a model or puzzle that we got from a store.
06
Final Product
Once assembly and playtest was complete, the final product was packaged together in a custom made box shown to the right. The box featured organizing compartments and laser engraved labels on the bottom showing where pieces should be placed. The game was a massive success, receiving 5-star reviews nearly across the board during peer reviewed play testing.
Project Gallery
Explore the photos below for a more complete look at this project!
