Leadfinger was built to participate in ArtCenter College of Design's annual Formula-Elastic competition. It competed (and won) against RC cars from 6 different universities from the US and China.
The Challenge
Every year, ArtCenter College of Design hosts the world's largest rubber band RC car race: Formula-Elastic.
Since 2006, the event has expanded to include teams from a number of Southern California universities. Honda, Mattel, and Axial Racing have joined in as well, producing their own "pro" vehicles. If that wasn't enough, universities from all around China have begun hosting their own Formula-Elastic trials, sending the top three teams across the Pacific to compete at ArtCenter.
A top team from China shows off its car.
Mattel's Team Hot Wheels showcased 3 "pro" level vehicles.
To win, teams must conceptualize and build a car powered only by a 16-foot rubber band. Each car must compete in 3 races that test power, control, and range.
Formula-Elastic cars vary drastically in materials used, drivetrain configurations, and style.
In a competitive field of over 20 teams, Leadfinger won:
The Ashtray Alley Drag Race
The Axial Racing Award
The Honda R&D Synergy Award
The Eckles Design Award
Best in Show
How did we do it?
With a basic concept in mind, our team set out to build and test (and inevitably break) a number of prototype vehicles. Our three major iterations taught us valuable lessons about what was working and what needed discarding.
MARK I - Producing a simple car with cheap, breakable materials allowed us to test out our initial assumptions about what would make a winning car.
MARK II - We took what we learned and added more robust materials and a clutch that could release power gradually.
MARK III - In the final prototype, material use was further refined to create appropriate rigidity, strength, and balance throughout the vehicle. 3D printed parts were engineered for quick replacement in the event of a crash.
Final Design
Building a brand
Inspired by classic James Bond films, our team devised a memorable branding strategy for race day.
"Bond Villain" trading cards featuring our competitors.
Our race day booth.
Community Outreach
A fundamental part of Leadfinger's mission was to share the power of design and creativity with underserved local youth. In Partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena, we ran a hands-on workshop to teach kids the fundamentals of design methodology.
Activities included sketching, clay modeling, and 3D printing. All participants received certificates of completion and invitations to the Formula-Elastic race.
International Outreach
Following our Best in Show finish, ArtCenter's Graduate Industrial Design department sent us to China to advise and inspire Chinese participants at 4 universities around the country.
Lecturing at Beijing University of Technology.
A Chinese student shows off her prototype.