1. Starting Point

TEJ3M / TEJ4M :: GETTING STARTED

Identity and direction

Begin with the same private identity mind map used across the Commons. Consider interests, strengths, goals, problems worth solving, and how you want your technical work to be known.

First product: name tag

Start with a simple product that gives you something real to design, make, test, photograph, and improve before computer access becomes a barrier. Create a name tag that clearly shows your name, can stand at your workspace, and can later incorporate your personal logo.

Use the NICE Design Process to identify needs, rank useful extras, investigate possible solutions, create a first version, and evaluate it against the requirements before improving it.

Computer systems overview

Map a computer as a system: processor, memory, storage, operating system, network, software, users, and data.

NICE in computing

Use the NICE Design Process to define what a useful classroom workstation must do before installing or configuring it.