Final Project: A fancy framed watch timer.

The project revolves around building a watch timer that I was inspired to make after exploring CPX. Playing around the block and tweaking certain parts of Javascript was extremely tempting, hence the birth of the project.

Materials:

• 4-slender pieces of wood
• Wood glue
• print for the wrapper of the frame
• CPX

Process:

1. Cutting 4 pieces of wood from one large chunk was my most difficult part. Finding the right piece of wood was difficult and cutting them thinly in 4 pieces was even more hard but I managed to do so.

2. After, cutting the pieces of wood it was time for me to attach them using hot glue. As I didn’t have experience of sticking wood pieces. But here’s a sneak peek of it in process:

3. After some struggling, I was finally able to piece all four sticks of the wood pieces together to create a frame shape.

4. Time to decorate the frame. After I’ve drawn the design, I printed the paper and cut the pieces into 4 pieces to stick to 4 sides of the frame and it should look like this:

5. After sticking the CPX using a tape, the finally piece should look work like this:

Reflecting on the Project: Watch Timer Development

1. Role of Key Skills in the Experience

• Self-Efficacy: Confidence in my ability to complete the project kept me motivated, even when faced with challenges like cutting the wood precisely or aligning the pieces.
• Mindset: I approached the project with a growth mindset, viewing difficulties as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks. For example, I saw my initial struggles with wood-cutting and glue application as a way to improve my crafting skills.
• Self-Regulation: Managing frustration was critical, especially during the intricate steps of cutting and assembling the frame. Taking breaks helped me stay focused.
• Active Listening: While not directly tied to interpersonal communication, I applied “listening” skills to resources, such as online tutorials or CPX documentation, to better understand the tools.
• Belongingness: Drawing inspiration from the maker community and feeling connected to others who explore creative coding and electronics provided encouragement.
• Cognitive Flexibility: I had to adapt my plans multiple times—whether changing the decoration process or finding an alternative adhesive for the wood.
• Effective Feedback: Feedback from peers or mentors (if any) likely helped refine the design or ensure the CPX integration worked seamlessly.
• Emotional Intelligence: I managed my emotions during setbacks, such as when the wood pieces didn’t align perfectly, to stay productive.
• Resilience: Persisting through challenges, like precise cutting and assembly, was crucial to completing the project successfully.

2. Transfer and Connections to Other Contexts

This project illustrates problem-solving strategies and decision-making skills that are transferable across various domains.

• Class Assignments: The troubleshooting process resembles how I approach challenging assignments—breaking them into smaller, manageable steps, using resources creatively, and iterating on solutions.
• Time Management: Deciding when and how to work on different components mirrors how I organize study schedules, balancing immediate tasks with long-term goals.
• Interpersonal Interactions: Learning from community resources or forums during this project echoes how I engage with others to gain insights or feedback in collaborative settings.
• Exploring Opportunities: The curiosity that led me to experiment with CPX mirrors how I research courses, internships, or study-abroad programs—by exploring new tools and seeking inspiration.
• Planning Long-Term Goals: The project required envisioning a final product and iterating towards it, akin to planning an academic or career trajectory with adaptability and foresight.

Final Reflection

This project was not only an exercise in creativity but also a valuable practice in applying transferable life skills. From managing challenges with persistence to drawing connections to other problem-solving scenarios, it demonstrates how technical and personal growth intertwine.