Keeping an Eye on the Big Picture

[ttldomination]

Originally Posted by MICHAELABICK

We have a mechanical director(me) who handles all of the coordination of the robot build. We start with a general picture of what we want the robot to look like based on our game strategy. This year we came up with a design almost exactly like 1986's robot. We then start prototyping while adjusting our original design based on our prototypes. This year by week 2 we realized a climber was out of our resources. Additionally, we thought that we could build an overall better robot by focusing on cycling, though we left an easy spot for our intake to attach(based on our prototypes). I coordinate this with the design team(which I also head). Design issues need to be dealt with in prototyping and then the new dimensions, design, etc needs to be dictated to the design team.

Originally Posted by Madison

Everything robot-related comes through me. It's not the best system, I'm sure, but it's the most effective one we've found. I am often overwhelmed by the amount of tasks that need attention.

So these are some good suggestions. I sort of attempted to fill this role on my team this past season. Now, I wasn't dictating design, but I was taking information from all the sub-teams and attempting to make sure things sync.

However, this approach can get messy. Like Madison, I was often bogged down and overwhelmed. Ultimately, I felt burnt out by the end of week 2. I also feel like this "overseer" role(s) should be shared between mentors and students. Now, that may be a slightly idealistic view of the role, but I believe the best solution ought to be a tactical collective between mentors and students.

- Sunny G.