Hi class,

There was a question about the "block diagram" for this week's assignment. It is common when proposing a project to provide, or be asked to provide, a block diagram. There is no strict meaning or format, but generally it consists of a series of labelled boxes with lines or arrows connecting them. For a hardware project, the block diagram can show the major components of the system and how they are connected. For a software project, a good block diagram makes clear how the software will be architected and how it is modularized. I find this to be a very useful part of the design process, because when you have difficulty making the diagram, if usually means that you didn't think enough about how it would actually work. And when you do have a good diagram, it makes it easy to farm out the production of a project, debug it and explain it to the client. It is also very useful when working with various trades, such as electricians and fabricators. (click title for more...)

I've attached an early diagram that we made to explain the hardware components of the elevator system that we made for the Metropolitan. I don't expect anything this complex from you this week. Simply make a quick sketch that shows the largest components of the system that you propose. If you have any further questions, or want to get my feedback on something, please blog it or drop me an email.

-dave