Carousel of Passions
Design Engineering Passion Project
True North challenged me to create something that represents
“from wherever you are, to wherever you’re going.”
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I built a functional, story-driven carousel inspired by Disney’s Carousel of Progress, combining 3D printing, laser cutting, circuitry, and hand-drawn illustrations. The piece blends engineering, design, and storytelling, with symbolic details and a glittery base reflecting the passions, values, and energy that drive me toward a career in themed entertainment.
The Process
Initial Concept
I wanted to create something connected to themed entertainment and the intersection of engineering and design. Inspired by Disney’s Carousel of Progress, I started by sketching a carousel that could represent my journey through motion and storytelling. This concept centered on experience design, concept development, and aligning the piece with my goal of becoming a themed entertainment engineer.
Skills & Tools: Rapid Ideation, Sketching
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Prototyping & Creating
I started with paper and tape prototypes to explore shape and scale, then moved into CAD modeling to finalize parts. Using 3D printing, laser cutting, and circuitry, I built the full structure. I learned to laser cut wood for decorative frames, created iridescent mid-century-inspired stars, and relearned soldering to build a motorized rotation system. This phase emphasized rapid iteration, hands-on fabrication, and combining mechanical function with visual design.
Skills & Tools: Low-Fidelity Prototyping, SolidWorks Modeling, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Circuitry
The Pieces That Drive Me
The carousel features five illustrations that represent what motivates me...
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A brain with flowers for mental health advocacy.
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Tap shoes for the leadership I’ve developed through dance.
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A Ferris wheel for my lifelong dream of working in themed entertainment engineering.
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A paintbrush through a gear for my blend of creativity and technical skill.
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These drawings serve as personal drivers that define my path.
Finishing Touches & Presenting
I completed the carousel with a night-sky palette and a glittery top and base that represent the sparkle I bring to every project and team. The sparkle is more than decoration. It symbolizes my belief that design and engineering should feel joyful, intentional, and human. It reflects the energy I bring into collaboration, the optimism I carry into problem solving, and the individuality I express through both technical and creative work.
Seeing the structure, motion system, and illustrations come together reinforced my passion for creating work that is both mechanically sound and emotionally meaningful. I presented the final piece to peers and faculty at a design showcase, sharing how I combine technical making, visual design, and story-driven creativity as I begin my master’s program.