One of my colleagues, Dr. Erin Bradner, works on our Project Dreamcatcher software. Dreamcatcher is one of our generative design research projects where Autodesk is working to make computers more of a partner in the design process rather than just a tool for documenting a design. Recently on March 25, at the invitation of teacher, Ms. Jacqueline Rastrullo, Erin visited a 7th-grade class at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California.
Erin covered the role of failure in the design process and how iterating a design to arrive at the best possible solution is a path to success. She used the Soccket soccer ball as an example which also happens to be an exhibit in our Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco where Erin and I have our offices. Here is what she told them.
- Renewable energy is available everywhere.
- Hydro-electric power is the kinetic energy of rivers or waves, harnessed and redirected to turn a turbine to generate power.
- Wind power is the kinetic energy of wind, harnessed and redirected to turn a wind turbine to generate power.
- The Soccket ball, invented by Jessica Matthews and Julia Silverman, is the kinetic energy of play.
- Just 30 minutes of play generates 3 hours of light.
- This is a great solution for places that lack electricity, but students need light to be able to do their homework.
Erin received a thank you note from EVERY student in the class.
Here is a sampling of some excerpts:
"Thank you for taking your time to come in to talk to us about the Soccket ball. I really liked learning about how the ball was invented. I learned a lot from your presentation."
"Thank you for coming in and showing us the Soccket ball. It was cool to see it in person and how it makes light after you throw and kick it around."
"Thank you for coming in and telling us about the Soccket ball. It was all really informative and helpful. It is good to know that there are people out there that care. Please come again."
"Thank you... It's cool how you can get energy from playing."
"Thank you for teaching us about the Soccket ball and how it works for communities in Africa that need light without electricity."
"I learned a lot about different kinds of energy. Although I will most likely not get the Soccket ball because tennis is my sport, I think it is great, and many people would love to get one. I was wondering if Unchartered Play could use Autodesk software to make it with a tennis ball?"
"Thank you... I learned a lot about how it is put together and the inventors came up with the idea."
"Thank you... My neighbor created a machine that converts food into energy. She brings it to 3rd world countries, sets it up, and almost the whole town gets power."
"Thank you for being here on your day off. I appreciate it. I learned that some kids need more than us — like places in Africa."
"Thank you... You are a very good speaker, and I hope that you come back again."
Thanks to Erin for demonstrating Autodesk's commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. As you can tell, it was a great experience for all involved. Erin also purchased a ball and donated it to the school. Do you want to inspire kids to invent? Purchase a ball, read the Soccket ball story, and get in front of a group of students in your community. They will thank you!
Thank yous are alive in the lab.