Toasting Design

We continue the new format being trialled where the design courses are reporting on current progress, points of interest, expected and unexpected behaviours and design. Old format not gone, just on hiatus. Hosted by W. Dharmalingum and S. Schekman on 7 April 2026

We continue the new format being trialled where the design courses are reporting on current progress, points of interest, expected and unexpected behaviours and design. Old format not gone, just on hiatus. Hosted by W. Dharmalingum and S. Schekman on 7 April 2026

We continue the new format being trialled where the design courses are reporting on current progress, points of interest, expected and unexpected behaviours and design. Old format not gone, just on hiatus. Hosted by W. Dharmalingum and S. Schekman on 3 March 2026

In a new format being trialled the design courses are reporting on current progress, points of interest, expected and unexpected behaviours and design. Old format not gone, just on hiatus. Hosted by W. Dharmalingum and S. Schekman on 3 March 2026

Honestly does that title not make you want to listen? I really doubt anything else I would say would help any more than that. We could highlight that for the past 32 episodes I have embedded a low frequency pulse that if passed through a fourier transform and converted to hexidecimal provided the answers to the machine elements and dynamics exams in full. Does that help? Well it might if it were true, admittedly.Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 26 Nov 2025

Billy! As in Billy the kid, get it? Because all students are just kids? No? Anyway...Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on some date in the year (26 Nov 2025 to be precise)

Are we a bit unsettled lately? Has the year finally gotten to us? Are we seriously considering fruit as an example for sports? Probably, seems perfectly normal to me to be honest. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 5 Nov 2025

This episode was based on the following clip:https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/1o0jcv7/the_golden_gate_zipper_moving_the_middle_barrier/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_buttonHosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 5 Nov 2025

I'm beginning to believe that Boer is simply bored and purposefully setting up these incidents. Anyway this time we were somewhat more repaired. Note that despite having both Jeremy and Bert there, we didn't once consider having them involved - that is how useful they are. I'm not complaining necessarily but wow are they not contributing to this whole toast programme we have going on. Seriously, if you have a need for a psychotic british sod from the 1920's and a man that at best burns toast let us know. Not that you can have them, I just want to give them some hope that someone would want them.Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 1 October 2025

Who doesn't want a dinosaur skeleton collection? But at the same time who wants to wait that unnecessary amount of time to have them dug out the ground? So you know there is one in the ground, now get it out. Now.Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 1 October 2025

Jeremy, not the same one you are undoubtedly used to, put Boer and me in a bit of a pickle. Thankfully not in the Kruger but sadly 100km away from where we need to be. So whats the plan? Well in an ideal world we made it back. In reality, we are probably still out there. Question now is, who is writing this? I didn't have reception out there. Am I a clone? Would I be allowed to know I am a clone? Who is cloning staff at Wits? How many times have I been cloned? Hosted by the apparent clones of M.Boer and S.Schekman on 21 August 2025

If the system doesn't always trail behind is it then wrong to call it a trailer. Consider the linked video. It does trail but also leads and swings. A swealer? A tweader? A Letrawinger? I don't think any of that will catch on but we discuss the premise anyway.https://www.reddit.com/r/nextfuckinglevel/comments/1mrvyyn/360degree_offroad_trailer/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_buttonHosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman on 21 August 2025

If a jetski is the equivalent of a motorcycle on water, water skiing is snow skiing on water, wake boarding is sort of snow boarding then what is the equivalent of luge on water? Answers must be submitted on Ulwazi by the prepublished deadline otherwise absolutely nothing will happen and you will simply just not submitted your answer.Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 7 Aug 2025

Inspired by the video clip linked below we give our honest opinion of why it is not a good idea and how you can be careful to not repeat their mistakes.https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/1lszu7d/a_wristband_that_could_prevent_drowning/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_buttonHosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 7 Aug 2025

On the topic of electric systems (see (listen?) previous episode) Boer gives up on flying any takes to water. Where else could he go next?Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 26 June 2026

Inspired by the video linked below, we discuss a design as seen. https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/1knbpus/ev_battery_replacement_drive_through/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_buttonHosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 26 June 2025

The solution to a complex engineering problem, as defined by ECSA is that the solution has one or more of the characteristics:       Involve wide-ranging and/or conflicting technical, non-technical issues (such as ethical, sustainability, legal, political, economic, societal) and consideration of future requirements.Have no obvious solution and require abstract thinking, creativity and originality in analysis to formulate suitable models.Involve infrequently encountered issues or novel problems.Address problems not encompassed by standards and codes of practice for professional engineering.Involve collaboration across engineering disciplines, other fields, and/or diverse groups of stakeholders with widely varying needs.Address high-level problems with many components or sub-problems that may require a systems approach.

The description of complex engineering problems as defined by ECSA is that the problem requires in-depth fundamental and specialised engineering knowledge; and have one or more of the characteristics:A systematic, theory-based formulation of engineering fundamentals required in the engineering discipline.Engineering specialist knowledge that provides theoretical frameworks and bodies of knowledge for the accepted practice areas in the engineering discipline; much of which is at the forefront of the discipline.Knowledge, including efficient resource use, environmental impacts, whole-life cost, re-use of resources, net zero carbon, and similar concepts, that supports engineering design and operations in a practice area.Knowledge of engineering practice (technology) in the practice areas in the engineering discipline.Engagement with selected knowledge in the current research literature of the discipline, awareness of the power of critical thinking and creative approaches to evaluate emerging issues.

That title has a few connotations, doesn't it? I should have maybe changed it but maybe it will trick you into listening to this and you'd actually get something useful despite not getting what you hoped to find. At least so I can hope. At least I can hope. I hope I can hope.Hosted hopefully by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 8 May 2025

You are 6 weeks into a 10 week project and realise you have forgotten a key factor or parameter. It seems like it makes your design no longer a solution to the problem... What do you do. Well give up obviously, why put Schekman through all that marking? Alternatively you stop worrying and deal with it.Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 8 May 2024

Very lightly, a bare whisper of a discussion on your own design processes. There is a lot to be said here so if you want to hear more let us know.Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 10 April 2025

Based on this clip (provided it is still active), we discuss what was done and what else could be done. https://www.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/comments/1jtup0z/ice_fishers_run_in_panic_trying_to_outrun_the/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_buttonHosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 10 April 2025

Boer had an idea for a trip. Next thing I know, the car is gone, my hands are covered in sealent gel and theres ductape everywhere. We didn't even get a sponsorship deal from the Checkers DIY aisle either. Hosted by M.Boer and S. Schekman on 6 March 2025.

Woe unto those that have the delivery projects for 3rd year. It's not that bad but some are a wee bit lost. So we have a talk about it. Does it help? Contact your nearest SPCA and adopt a dog if it does. Adopt a cat if it doesn't. Adopt a gerbil if you aren't in 3rd year. Or, you know, do whatever.Hosted by M. Boer and S. Schekman on 6 March 2025

While set off from a tragic accident this episode looks into a potential future where air based travel dominates the transport around Wits. Would it work? Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 6 Feb 2025

A consideration for ideas and asking is it really worth doing it. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 6 Feb 2025 The link that started off this particular episode is below. https://www.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/comments/1igbfzr/walking_on_the_worlds_longest_slackline_11961_ft/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Have you ever wondered how to clean a runway? If you answered yes then please change your answer to no. If no then me neither. But it brought up some interesting ideas. I enjoyed this one. Hosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman on 10 Dec 2024

To clarify no cats have been harmed in the consideration of this topic. All options should be considered but that doesn't mean you need to go to the prototype stage with every option - especially in this case. I really do actually like cats. Hosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman on 10 Dec 2024

Let's discuss the pogo stick. See it as an abstract critical evaluation - maybe not always on topic or sensible but then again other than lectures when are we on topic or sensible? Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 31 October 2024

In a hypothetical universe we decided to use the 3rd year mech designs and well it did not end well. Now how are we going to explore the rainforest for the annual trip that we do to find new ideas for design projects? Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 31 October 2024

Another spitballing type episode. Boer gives a situation and let's see what we can do about a solution. I think I am seeing some potential for a 3rd year project in all this... Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 3rd October 2024

All based on an idea I had one morning that I could not figure out a good answer for. Not sure I think what we arrived at was a good answer either but an interesting way of considering the influence of our own perspectives on how we view solutions. Hosted by M. Boer and S. Schekman on the 3rd October 2024

Who would have thought that November has such a heritage for cool ideas and designs being published. Not in undergrad mind you - not even I am that optimistic but at least in history. Also we start intending to talk about this and actually finish talking about it as well! Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 19 September 2024

By the time this comes out the 3rd year mech's will have submitted their projects. In the lead up to that I have some pretty major concerns of what I will get. So this is sort of a prediction or look into some of those concerns. Will report back eventually as to what I got. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 19 September 2024

This is honestly my favourite intro in a while. You might be able to tell as I took the time to actually edit some other things in there. If I looked at or took comments I might know whether you liked it as well but to be honest these intros are because we enjoy them - that is the only reason they are there. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 12 September 2024

We took a break from the podcast. We are back. But I figured we would stay on topic for while longer. Nope. Right off the rails from the get go... it's good to be back. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 12 September 2024

Back onto a spitballing ideas type episode, we are looking at how to cool off in an extreme situation. Self imposed situation (somewhat base on possible events) and off we go. What would you have done differently?

We are back. After a relatively long hiatus we are resuming normal podcast schedules (a episode every second week). In light of some of the things we are seeing with the students approaching design, we talk about some of the approaches or ways of thinking about getting data or proving something works. This is a broader overview rather than something specific. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 23 Aug 2024

This one comes down to the planning of the design, how to start, what to do first (or next). Its one of the bigger hiccups seen in the projects really. This is not necessarily the only way to do this but if what you are doing isn't working for you, give it a try. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 6th June 2024

Yes we have done something along this before. Along the lines of modification, conversion or new. But either no one listens to the old ones of these (which would be great, I don't need to think of new ideas) or we explained it poorly. So with enough poor explanations (I dont think they are actually poor, but judging by the marks I am assigning something is poor - its you) we should eventually get you to understand. Or not. Link to learnings: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/comments/1czoznc/towbot_confiscates_car_for_parking_in_handicapped/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 6th June 2024

Ok so that title may seem misleading. I forgot that is what we were going to talk about. Boer got us back there eventually. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 23rd May 2024

Following a suggestion on the topic we are giving consideration to how our design courses could implement gamification. This is to a very high level, a first pass to it all but an interesting idea. Note it may take us a while to get there - we get distracted. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 23 May 2024

Why do I also want to spell yacht as yatcht? It feels like there should be that extra "t" there. Am I just pronouncing it incorrectly all this time and putting in a "t" or is the ch silent. When is the last time a ch was silent (because obviously words are released chronologically in time and we can traced the first and last time a word was said). Also we talk about land yachts and world record snow mobiles ("moh-beels" or "moh biles"?) Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 25th April 2024.

What is the best way to crack an egg? Did you answer with a multi million rand machine that automates the entire process? Well that is conincidentally what we did too... only because I found a video showing it. You did it for entirely different reasons and I am left to assume that it was for the wrong reason. Unless you also saw the same video. In which case, stop plagiarising other peoples ideas. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 25th April 2024

Design problems end up being quite the major point in these topics. Mostly because it is something that a lot of students of design end up struggling the most. We tackle these as often as we do to show that they don't need to be so complicated or so difficult. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 22 March 2024

Like one giant metaphor that is also a direct lesson in and of itself we discuss how we would improve productivity if told to do so. Hosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman on 22 March 2024

By bad I mean non-sensical, illogical, uncompromisingly beligerant in following the wrong path. These are the users that don't use your design in the way you intended. How much do we need to cater for such persons in a design? Can we just ignore them? Should we? Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 22nd Feb 2024

This episode was initially intended to follow a different topic but, as usually happens, a more interesting topic and set of ideas came forward as we were talking. So it's something to do with sport, something to do with design and as always coming up with different ways of tackling it Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 22nd Feb 2024

When does one scale something in design? The term is misleading and often brings to mind the types of activities or tasks that are not applicable in design. Scaling, nevertheless, happens often and in some ways is essential. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 17 Jan 2024

We have covered a number of times the differences in problem types but these are all from a basis of mechanical or aeronautical engineering problems. These are situations where Boer and I have quite some experience. In a manner of how persons without that experience might want to try figure out the problem type, we tackle non engineering related problems. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 17 Jan 2024