Russell the Bug was a team-based mechanical design project centered on creating a motor-driven toy that used gears, shafts, and four-bar linkages to convert rotational motion into leg movement. We were interested in exploring how everyday objects—like children’s toys—rely on complex engineering decisions, from motion planning to material choice. Designing something playful helped us think creatively while still applying rigorous mechanical analysis.

Through this project, I gained hands-on experience with CAD modeling, assembly sequencing, and iterative redesign. We encountered multiple challenges, including miscalculations in link lengths, motor torque limitations, and interference between moving parts, all of which required design adjustments. I learned how changing one parameter—such as motor strength or gear ratio—can cascade through an entire system. This project emphasized the importance of tolerance analysis, realistic torque calculations, and adaptability during fabrication.

I designed and built a wooden gear and cam system diorama to illustrate the environmental impact of deforestation for infrastructure development. This project was one of my first introductions to laser cutting, as well as functional gear and cam mechanisms. Translating an abstract social issue into a physical, mechanical system helped me understand how motion design can be used for storytelling and visual education, not just machinery.