Blog #5

So when thinking about an engineered object that is used in many unique ways, I began to think about what everyone recommended to bring to college.  Surely college students find really unique uses for objects.  One item that stuck out on that list was duct tape.  I didn't really think that people used it too much, but I've been told when you have a problem duct tape can usually fix it.  Its original use is to adhere objects together particularly when exposure to the elements is a concern, according to Wikipedia.  It has lots of unique uses today.  For example there is a scholarship for individuals who make their prom dress and tux out of duct tape.

Duct tape is just a soft flexible tape made to be waterproof.  Here it is used by layering different colors of tape to make a dress or tux durable enough to be worn.  You basically stick tape to mold to the form of your body or clothing form that you want.  Seeing this application makes me think of how uncomfortably stiff that would be.  I think if you wanted to improve duct tape for this function, you would have to make the duct tape a bit more breathable, flexible, and soft.  When wearing a prom dress or tux you would want your outfit to be able to breath so that you don't get too hot.  For this reason it would be essential for the duct tape to allow air to flow.  I would also think having a softer feel would make the duct tape tux and dress much more comfortable as well.  I would maybe add a soft texture to the surface of the duct tape, but you could only apply this to the outer layer.  The duct tape would have to be supple and have lots of fun colors and patterns to be better engineered for this use.

Duct tape is also used to make wallets.

This is another unique use for duct tape very different from its original purpose.  I've seen quite a few people with these and know it does take a while to make.  You have to layer tons of duct tape to make it sturdy.  Knowing this, I would improve the duct tape to be thicker and tougher in order to endure the wear and tear of a wallet. Wallets have to withstand being opened and closed a lot as well as sat on and flattened.  This means that the duct tape has to be much sturdier for this application. I would also make the design and color to appear as though the wallet were made of leather or a very unique material or pattern.

As you can see these aren't the usual uses for duct tape, but it certainly can be engineered to improve the quality of these products.

Blog #4

Two little letters.  Ask any individual between the age of 13-30 what fb is and chances are they could tell you.  According to Wikipedia there are 500 million active users as of July 2010.  That's 1 out of every 14 people in the world! 

My claim is that students with Facebook spend less time studying.  I am in a bit of denial that I spend that much time on Facebook, but the reality is that I check it every time I am near my computer.  I thought of this as a problem topic for my blog since I did check it before writing, and I might check my Facebook again before I leave for class.  I see this as a problem because I am slightly embarrassed about the amount of time I spend on Facebook, and I do use it as an excuse to postpone studying for a little.  I like to say that the time I spend is my relaxing way to relieve stress after classes and homework, but in reality I am just procrastinating.

I did learn a little bit more about the founding of Facebook in the searching I did and that was interesting.  So if you're trying to procrastinate and have finished checking your Facebook, I'd recommend looking it up.