Independent project · Fall 2024

Building Blocks of a PC

Adobe Illustrator
Laser cutting
Model making
Assembly design

A wooden model for learning how the parts of a PC fit together.

I used real component dimensions as a starting point for a laser-cut plywood kit. Magnets help guide the orientation of selected parts.

Close view of wooden PC components and mock cables on the showcase table — The wooden components that visitors could pick up and fit together.

01 / Design goal

Learning the parts before building a real PC

I designed this activity for ages eight and up. I wanted people to learn what goes inside a desktop PC, where each part fits, and which way it faces before working with real components.

02 / Fabrication

Using magnets to guide the assembly

I researched component dimensions, made cardboard models, and laser cut the parts from birch plywood. I engraved labels to identify the pieces and placed magnets so selected parts would only fit in the intended orientation. I layered lanyard material to represent the cables.

Cardboard mockup for the PC kit — A cardboard model for checking size and fit.

Flat Illustrator outlines for PC parts — The Illustrator layout I prepared for laser cutting.

Laser cutting a sheet for the PC kit — Laser cutting the plywood components.

Wooden component and mock cables — A wooden component with the lanyard cables attached.

Applying adhesive to a plywood PC component — Gluing the plywood layers together.

03 / Showcase

Trying the model at the showcase

Visitors tried assembling the model at the showcase. Some of the glued magnets came loose during handling, so I would change how they are held in place and test the attachment through repeated assembly.