Hello, 1115A here. We have a competition tomorrow and i was wondering a few things.
First, do judges generally prefer to see CAD models as a print out or on a laptop? If they prefer a laptop, do you think they’d have their own?
Second, we have made a reveal video, would they be interested in seeing that?
Of course i know that nobody can give me a definitive answer. Most likely no one knows my specific judges and what they prefer. But, from your experience, what do you think?
I would print off CAD drawings, but also have a laptop and ask them if they want to see it on the computer. However, don’t be surprised if they say no as they usually have a tight schedule. I doubt that they would have a laptop that they carry with them.
I don’t see why not to show the video, however, as they might be short on time, politely ask them if they want to see your brief reveal video. Also, if you have a computer there, run it in a loop so judges and others can see it even if no one is in the pits.
I would say print outs are better. Especially if you have multiple copies for each judge to get a great view and keep as a souvenir. Besides, it also avoids the probability of a computer failing on you by freezing or dying (think about how many teams forget to put new batteries on their robots, let alone charge a computer they’ll probably use once).
I would say no. The judges inside the interview room are not responsible for judging a robot’s performance. The judges that would care about that would be watching the field from the stands or in the pits. As mentioned before, it would be good to keep a video in the pits. Under the probability they are the ones who care and they can’t see match play, they would weigh the rankings higher than a video, and you would lose useful minutes to something you could have described
Having something physical to give the judges is a really good idea. Especially at larger competitions, the judges have something to remember and pass around to others when choosing award recipients. And if you keep more general, it can be used to hand out to other teams before alliance selection as well to market your bot!
If I were a judge (which actually might be quite likely in the spring; I’m not sure yet), the difference between on-screen CAD and on-paper CAD is minimal. However, what does matter to me is how much information you can communicate to me in the short time I have with you. If using the laptop slows down your presentation because you’re focused on getting the display right, or rotating something, or waiting for something to load, then cut the laptop and use carefully selected printouts.
Additionally, always have something to give the judge. If you can give me a printout of your CAD model with little callouts specifying “neat features,” that would be awesome.
A note about computers: the judges won’t have a computer. Never assume that they will have one to view your files. (Also, in general, if you’re ever giving a presentation to someone and want them to see a certain type of file, it’s probably best to assume their computer only has a PDF reader installed. Don’t assume the “average” person will have a copy of SolidWorks or Inventor installed.)
Nope. As a judge, I’d like to know why I should recommend you for an award. Most “reveal” videos are not geared towards this purpose, but rather designed for the target audience of potential alliance members. However, videos can be used to help explain some feature of your robot; for example, if you pick up game objects in a unique way (and, for some reason, cannot or do not want to demonstrate it in-person), it may be best to show a video of your robot picking up an object.
Summary: Basically, this all boils down to the purpose of judging: if I’m a judge, I want to know why I should recommend you. In preparing for judging sessions, you are seeking the most effective method of presentation to convince a judge that you are worthy of an award. So, for every point or item in your presentation to the judges, ask “what new information does this give the judge to encourage them to give me an award, and, is there a faster way to convey this?” Videos can help or hinder this, as can computer displays of CAD. Each case’s result is different, but the metric is the same.
//Andrew
Ok thanks!
I asked the judge if he’d rather see see the CAD on inventor or on the printed out pages. He said he’d be fine just seeing the printouts we had. We did mention our video, however he only wanted to see it because he was interested, not to further judge us. Lastly, we loved the idea of the looping video, however, there was no wifi access in the building due to VexNet interference so we had to do away with that. Next time I’ll download the video THEN make it loop instead of relying on the internet.