Iotoji

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What is it?:

Iotoji is an alternative communication device for areas where traditional networks are unavailable. It is a project being led by Laura Perovich in the Object Based Media Group at the MIT Media Lab.

How did you contribute?

My role was to help design and prototype a box to compactly hold together the necessary PCBs, wires, and user facing-components.

I began by sketching, dimensioning, and 3D printing initial solutions. As the design was narrowed down to a box with several separate layers to be attached in final assembly, I transitioned from 3D printing to laser cutting; there was no need for a 3D printed solution if the same could be achieved in a faster and cheaper manner.

My final design involved several layers laser cut out of wood, with the layers to be held together at each of the four corners.

Biggest Takeaways?

2D component design and laser cutting
Rapid prototyping method trade-offs (3D printing vs. laser cutting vs. other prototyping methods)