Designing a Tangible Conceptual Learning Tool for Mechanical Understanding
J.F.J. Heijmans (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
A.J.C. van der Helm – Mentor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
S.F.J. Flipsen – Mentor (TU Delft - Industrial Design Engineering)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Industrial Design Engineering students regularly encounter difficulties applying mechanical principles during the design and prototyping process. Although theoretical knowledge is provided throughout the curriculum, many students struggle to translate intended movement into technically feasible mechanisms. This project investigates how a tangible learning tool can support students in developing a more intuitive understanding of mechanical principles through physical interaction and experimentation.
A Research-through-Design approach was adopted, combining literature research, observations made during three years as a teaching assistant, educator interviews, iterative prototyping, and user evaluations. Five exploratory prototypes were developed to investigate different educational approaches, interaction methods, and construction systems. The resulting design, the Mechanical Garden, is a magnetic modular learning platform that enables students to rapidly build, modify, and experiment with mechanisms such as gears, four-bar linkages, and rack-and-pinion systems while immediately observing the effects of their design decisions. Educational exercises and supporting materials were developed to encourage active experimentation and conceptual learning.
The Mechanical Garden was evaluated with seven participants using pre-tests, post-tests, questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Average test scores increased from 54% to 91%, while participants reported that the system made mechanical concepts easier to understand, encouraged experimentation, and helped connect theoretical knowledge to practical applications.
The findings demonstrate that combining tangible interaction with guided learning activities can effectively support the understanding of abstract mechanical principles. Rather than replacing existing teaching methods, the Mechanical Garden is intended to complement engineering education by providing an accessible, engaging, and hands-on learning experience.