Design Squad seasons 1 and 2 : an engineering perspective

Abstract

This thesis describes the engineering tasks associated with production of Design Squad, a reality-based television program on WGBH. In Design Squad a client gives two teams of high school students an engineering design task for them to complete over two days of building. In order to facilitate production of this program an extensive amount of engineering preparation work is required. Tasks for each episode include concept brainstorming, prototyping of challenge solutions, material procurement, and on-set mentoring. These development and preparation activities require creative brainstorming, teamwork, and communication across a multi-disciplinary team. The MIT based engineering support team has created methods and guidelines to ensure efficient knowledge generation during prototyping that utilize sample builds, proofs of concept, and sketching. Techniques have also been developed for mentoring and guiding the cast members on set. Additionally, a wiki-based communication, tracking, and documentation tool was created to aid in the development process.