ENGR 1413 · Pathways to Engineering Thinking · Fall 2023

ARMADILLO. ENRICHMENT BOX

An enrichment device designed for an armadillo at the Oklahoma City Zoo — applying the full engineering design process from user research to prototype.

See the build ↓ ← All work
Bandsaw/Miter Saw
Hand Tools
Sketch Modeling
Wood WorkingPrototypingUser ResearchSketching3D Modeling3D PrintingIterationWood WorkingPrototypingUser ResearchSketching3D Modeling3D PrintingIteration
01Project brief

The brief.

Course
ENGR 1413
Period
Fall 2023
My Role
Team Member & Prototype Lead
Tools Used
Bandsaw/Miter SawHand ToolsSketch ModelingUser ResearchPowerPointPrusaSlicer & 3D Printing
02Goals

What we set out to do.

01

Design an enrichment device for an armadillo at the Oklahoma City Zoo that encourages natural foraging and exploratory behavior.

02

Apply the full engineering design process: research, ideate, prototype, test, and iterate based on feedback from engineers and zoo keepers.

03

Present the final solution to a faculty panel and zoo staff and defend design decisions with evidence.

03My contribution

What I did.

Contribution

Prototype Lead

  • Led the prototyping phase — built and tested two distinct physical iterations of the enrichment device.
  • Incorporated zoo staff feedback between iterations to improve armadillo engagement and ease of food loading.
  • Documented all iteration decisions and their rationale for inclusion in the final presentation.
Contribution

Team Contributor

  • Participated in all research, ideation, and decision-making phases as a full team member.
  • Co-presented the final design to faculty and zoo staff, answering design questions and defending material choices.
  • Contributed to the final written report covering research, process, and results.