Project
March-May 2023
The final Makerspace project began as a custom chess-piece concept with a unifying visual theme. Early ideas included architecture and fast-food, but the idea to create bobbleheads immediately stood out. From there, the concept evolved into faculty-inspired chess pieces, using recognizable heads from different departments to build a playful, cohesive set.
Iteration was central to the process. Initial tests explored head scanning and digital modeling, including iPhone IR-based technology that allowed for detailed capture. One major challenge was accurately scanning glasses, where transparent lenses disrupted capture quality. Multiple body and head assemblies were prototyped, including pen-spring mechanisms that delivered the bobblehead motion while preserving structural stability. Utilizing the school’s 3D printers and Autodesk Meshmixer, I produced several iterations to refine the design and ensure a polished final product: a chess-themed bobblehead set.
The project expanded beyond the classroom into a real community commission. After producing a digital render of faculty-themed chess bobbleheads, the school administration requested a confidential going-away gift for our founding President and Principal Mr. Alling, who had been instrumental in the school's development and was there for 17 years. This phase involved additional scanning sessions and refinement to capture each person accurately while preserving the project’s signature style.
The project’s scope grew to include five bobbleheads representing key staff members, with the center being his, each with personalized details. The final pieces were designed to be both a heartfelt tribute and a fun, memorable gift that reflected the school’s spirit and the principal’s impact on the community.
I led oversight and gave inputs on the fabrication process, watching as the pieces were printed, assembled, and finished to ensure they met the vision and my quality standards for this commission. Final production included collaborative detailing. Working with the director of special services, custom jerseys were sewn onto the pieces and personalized with each staff member’s start year and school branding. The finished arrangement featured five character bobbleheads and delivered a bold, memorable presentation.
The principal’s gift generated immediate enthusiasm and led to additional interest from teachers and staff for future bobblehead commissions. Beyond the technical results, having self-learned new mesh skills and capture techniques, the project created stronger relationships across the school community and opened new creative collaboration opportunities.