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Re: Design Awards
Charlie
From a judge's and mechanical engineer's perspective, I can give you a few pointers. Make certain you or a fellow student are the ones that talk to the judges about your design - not a mentor or teacher. If more than one person knows about the design or you share the conversation without interrupting the better. Why is it different?- why does it work? Where is the innovation? Reread the criteria for the award. Make certain you can cover all areas of the description.
Documenting your concept, revisions and final version is always good too. This is true for any of the awards. For example, it is hard for a judge to give credit when a team says they have a business plan - but their is no business plan in the pit to review.
Watch for judges; they have a logo on their shirt and usually walk around in pairs - we have alot of teams to talk to in a very short amount of time. Dont have judges wait, introduce yourselves, be polite, shake hands.
The design and quality awards do review how well the robot is performing in competition. So if your robot is doing well be certain to present this fact to the judges with data that is memorable.
You should understand that judges are everywhere - not just in the pits asking questions. A good design engineer always shows gracious professionalism - with the team, in the pits, on the field, even in line getting a soda.
Good luck to you. Marie
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