Work in progress - teaching complex product design with art

This paper presents ongoing efforts in teaching complex system design of animatronic toys and animatrons by following product design and job shop practices respectively. The design process is divided into two tiers. The first covers from conception to early prototyping, while the second encompasses mechatronics. This paper includes a description of the methodology and curriculum developed and followed for the first tier. The first-tier includes heavy art content no matter what the goal is, a toy or a unique item for entertainment purposes such as movies or commercials. Sketches of the product or animatron, modeling through sculpture materials, molding, and prototyping are utilized by use of art materials and manual techniques as applies to even industrial product design. A first-tier workshop for gifted and talented secondary school students designed and executed during development efforts. The three-day workshop consisted mini-lessons complemented with laboratories. A higher level content was also utilized at post-secondary courses