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Hi guys, for my engineering apprenticeship HNC I have to do a project, basically I have to design a new product or system or improve upon an existing one, research it all, possibly make it or at least model it. I'm struggling to come up with ideas so does anyone have any gaming related ideas, or any issues/problems you have that I could try and solve? It can be electrical, mechanical, anything engineering related really. I'm not sure anything gaming will be a high enough level but I welcome any ideas at this stage!

Random idea, not sure if what you're looking for: but a redesign of the computer keyboard.

 Field_Mouse wrote:
Random idea, not sure if what you're looking for: but a redesign of the computer keyboard.

What problems do you have with it specifically? And seriously any idea is worth a shot.

A more general craft space could be fun.
Be it a travel case, cupboard, coffee/dining table, bed or whatever.
Things to include lighting, extraction, compressor, storage, tools storage, paint rack, water/waste, e-media docking, cutting space, book storage etc

 Alex Kolodotschko wrote:
A more general craft space could be fun.
Be it a travel case, cupboard, coffee/dining table, bed or whatever.
Things to include lighting, extraction, compressor, storage, tools storage, paint rack, water/waste, e-media docking, cutting space, book storage etc

I'll chime in for something like this.

A sliding folding workdesk/paint station/craft station cum portable workshop area. A portable paint station seems like low hanging fruit - just add a handle! but something like those tool chests on wheels with foldaway desk and points for connecting lights, and other electric gubbins could be worthwhile. I could literally murder for something like this as I move between my shed and kitchen for various projects.

In fact, I may have to see what my mad genius of a father in law can rig up....

Definitely something I can look at. So a portable craft station kind of thing?

 ImAGeek wrote:
Definitely something I can look at. So a portable craft station kind of thing?

For me, yeah.

Paint section, space for water, brushes a holder for Kitchen roll!!!!(airbrush stand with gaps holes for airhoses etc (to keep them safe).
Tools storgae for bits/ components/ materials.
Space for a vice.
Workspace/Worktop with space for work in progress.
Space for a lamp with storage for it too.

Some space for solvents and cleaners is nice.

The above is basic for what I would think of. Having something that can fit that sort of kit and space and have it portable would be worth a first born.

Add a laptop stand.

FWIW My space is used for minis and for work that I do sculpting and painting on other projects. So something that artists/artisans/crafters could use would be worth a look at.

if you decided to go that route of course.

 ImAGeek wrote:

 Field_Mouse wrote:
Random idea, not sure if what you're looking for: but a redesign of the computer keyboard.

What problems do you have with it specifically? And seriously any idea is worth a shot.

It's clunky, and it's old. The QWERTY keyboard design was invented back in the 1860's. So...over 150 years, that hasn't been improved upon.

It could be better ergonomics, better key positioning, and a more intuitive design that allows all the keys to be easily pressed without hand movement.

I think if you want it to be an engineering challenge, then having the portable workstation be based around airbrush extraction plus integrated lighting plus all the other stuff would increase the merit of the project.

You'd have to think about airflow, safety and electrics as well as just storage.

 Field_Mouse wrote:

 ImAGeek wrote:

 Field_Mouse wrote:
Random idea, not sure if what you're looking for: but a redesign of the computer keyboard.

What problems do you have with it specifically? And seriously any idea is worth a shot.

It's clunky, and it's old. The QWERTY keyboard design was invented back in the 1860's. So...over 150 years, that hasn't been improved upon.

It could be better ergonomics, better key positioning, and a more intuitive design that allows all the keys to be easily pressed without hand movement.

Erm, they tried many times and they failed!

All the different keyboard designs by region harken back to the typewriter, as folks that earn their typing diploma's still often use physical typewriters, that 'improvement' isn't going to find much traction.

As for the mobile workstation, there are many designs out there already (often from other hobby fields).

Personally, look into miniature production and ways to reduce costs for making them. The folks in Poland (including Poland) have been having good results with certain types of resin and automating resin casting for higher production quotas, more consistent results and lower pricing per miniature. If you could do something like that for plastic injection molding for polystyrene miniatures, many of us would be quite thankful! ;-) I just don't know whether that it's just a mechanical issue or also a chemical one.

On a far simpler level I've been experimenting with durable good looking scenery that can be disassembled to take up less space and still don't cost a fortune or a timesink. Stuff with magnets, connectors, etc.