GEEN1127 Design and Materials Individual Coursework Brief 2025/26 | UOG

GEEN1127 Individual Design Exercise Coursework

Date Set: 28 October 2025

Date Due: 19 January 2026, 11:59 pm

Weightage (Final Course Grade): 50%

1. Overview

This is an individual conceptual design assignment that assesses your ability to apply the engineering design process and use materials and manufacturing knowledge to propose a realistic and creative solution to a real-world problem.

You are required to develop an engineering design concept that demonstrates:

• A clear application of the Design Process (Discover → Define → Develop → Deliver).
• Integration of Design and Materials knowledge from lectures, labs, and tutorials.
• Use of sketching, engineering drawings, and CAD modelling to express design intent.
• Logical material selection and justification based on strength, weight, and environmental factors.
• Clear and professional technical communication throughout the portfolio.
• The key to success in this coursework lies in showing how you think as an engineer — how your ideas evolve, how you justify design choices, and how you communicate your design clearly and professionally.

2. Submission Guidelines

• Submit your Concept Design Portfolio as a single PDF file.
• Use A4 portrait format (recommended for readability and layout).
• Upload the file via the Moodle submission link under GEEN1127 coursework.
• Deadline: 19 January 2026, 23:59 hrs.
• The portfolio should not exceed 10 pages or 2,500 words (you may use fewer words if your visuals and annotations are strong).

Your submission should tell the complete story of your design process — from problem identification to the final proposed design. It should show your ability to combine engineering reasoning, creativity, sustainability, and clear communication.

3. Problem Statement

Modern engineers must design products that are functional, sustainable, and easy to manufacture. Many everyday products are either poorly optimised, difficult to recycle, or made using unsustainable materials.

This coursework challenges you to create a practical, innovative, and sustainable design solution that demonstrates both engineering problem-solving and materials application skills.

You must choose one of the following two project titles and develop a detailed design portfolio showing the full design process, supported with relevant sketches, drawings, CAD models, and materials justifications.

4. Title 1: Portable Adjustable Laptop Stand For Students

Introduction

Students and professionals increasingly rely on laptops for long hours of study and work. Poor posture often leads to discomfort or long-term strain on the neck and shoulders. Many current laptop stands are either non-adjustable, heavy, or unsustainable.

Your task is to design a portable and adjustable laptop stand that is ergonomic, lightweight, and sustainable, suitable for everyday use by students in classrooms, labs, or home study areas.

Key Features

• Adjustable height and angle to promote better posture.
• Foldable or collapsible structure for easy transport and storage.
• Material selection based on strength-to-weight ratio and sustainability (e.g., aluminium alloy, bamboo composite, or reinforced polymers).
• Compact and stable design that fits easily in a backpack.
• Compatibility with standard laptop sizes (13–17 inches).

Design Considerations

• Apply mechanical principles to ensure structural strength, balance, and stability.
• Use Ashby charts or CES reasoning to justify your chosen materials.
• Incorporate Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles to simplify production.
• Evaluate hinges, pivots, and locking mechanisms with reasoning for safety and functionality.
• Consider reusability, recyclability, and long-term product lifespan.

Expected Outcomes

Your portfolio should include:

• Research and benchmarking of existing laptop stands.
• Sketches and CAD models showing design development and iterations.
• Material selection and justification supported by mechanical reasoning.
• A final 3D model and annotated technical drawings.
• A short discussion on ergonomic improvements, sustainability, and manufacturability.

5. Title 2: Modular Desk Organizer For Compact Workspaces

Introduction

With limited study and office spaces, students and professionals often struggle to stay organized. Existing desk organizers are typically fixed in design, made from low-quality plastics, and unsuitable for small or shared environments.

Your task is to design a modular and sustainable desk organizer that adapts to users’ changing needs. It should be functional, easy to manufacture, and aesthetically suitable for modern study or workspaces.

Key Features

• Modular compartments that can be rearranged or expanded.
• Dedicated areas for stationery, gadgets, phones, and cables.
• Recyclable or biodegradable materials, such as bamboo, aluminium, or recycled polymers.
• Interlocking or magnetic joints for easy assembly/disassembly.
• Compact, durable, and modern in appearance.

Design Considerations

• Apply DFMA principles to ensure components are practical and easy to produce.
• Include ergonomic factors (comfortable reach, size, and access).
• Use CAD modelling to explore different module configurations.
• Provide material selection justification, considering cost, stiffness, and environmental performance.
• Explore laser cutting or 3D printing as possible manufacturing methods.

Expected Outcomes

Your portfolio should include:

• Analysis of user needs and existing products.
• Sketches and CAD renderings to show concept evolution.
• A materials selection chart with explanations for each component.
• Exploded views and assembly drawings illustrating how modules connect.
• A discussion on feasibility, sustainability, and manufacturing approach.

6. Design Process Requirements

You must demonstrate a clear, step-by-step application of the Design and Materials Process in your work:

• Discover – Identify the user’s needs, research existing solutions, and highlight gaps.
• Define – Create a clear design brief, objectives, and measurable design requirements.
• Develop – Generate, test, and refine ideas using sketches, CAD, and material comparisons.
• Deliver – Present your final design with detailed drawings, exploded views, and materials reasoning.
• Each stage must show technical understanding, visual clarity, and evidence of iteration and improvement.

Marking Criteria (Indicative)

For Detailed Marking, please check the Rubrics

7. Conclusion

This coursework gives you the opportunity to apply design thinking and materials knowledge to a real-world engineering challenge.

Your portfolio should reflect your ability to think critically, justify decisions, and communicate professionally.

Remember, a successful design is not only visually appealing, it must also be functional, manufacturable, safe, and sustainable.

Use this project to show your ability to design like an engineer, balancing creativity with practicality and technical understanding.