Star Wars Box Project Intro

Know What I’m Doing Not Doing the Wrong Project

Firstly, that there needs to be a very clear brief, in particular there needed to be a clear definition of what a prop was to prevent time and money wasted on unsuitable projects. This wasted weeks.

Predict Added Strength and Structure Needed

There needed to be better planning to build a strong structure, with brackets on the inside and reinforcement where the hinges were to be assuming there would be more weight added. Not just a MDF glued box.

The original box material was not thick and strong enough.

A better access system for the batteries and fixing electrics should have been inspirated into the design in the first place rather than screwed plates as it requires a screwdriver and wears out holes.

Long Multi-Part Structures Need Solid Cores Not Lego like Bonds

From the biggening the towers should have been built with a central core thread bar as glued parts have little in the way of boding and just breaking.

Don't Pick Simplest Option as Retrofitting is a Major Problem

Soft opening hinges should have been incorporated into the design from the biggening, to prevent damage before any electronic components or kit bashing and internal elements were added to get in the way as very difficult to retrofit.

Slow Controlled Opening Needs to be Applied Not Difficult to Open then Uncontrolled Hard Opening Risking Damage

The magnetic joint is too powerful and difficult to separate smoothly. Toggle clasps should have been used with some form of damping system to slow the opening, be that pneumatic or some form of friction, cushioned hinges or other system.

The prop should appear to open smoothly under control and easily.

The ergonomics to control and the positioning of the control could then have been positioned to work around the larger slow hinge systems.

Interconnected Joints and Structure of Kitbashing

Where possible the kit bashed parts need to be structurally incorporated with the main body. This can be with protrusions, wooded dowels, screws, rivets etc, possibly hidden by more kit bash, foam or filler etc.

Use Permanent Screens Not Borrowed Parts

My phone to be used as a screen was with hindsight not such a good idea, as need the phone to take photos and use as a phone, possibly a cheap phone or similar should have been used instead.

Don't Use Power With Time Limits

 A better form of USB power should have been applied that did not have a timed shut off, plus a means of adding mains power.

Transportation and Safe Storage Should Not be an Afterthought

The prop should be made to a size that would make difficult to transport and store safely

The prop needs to be able to fit in an attic or similar storage when not being used and safely and easily transported which includes issues such as easy disassembly and reassembly such as the communication towers.