Design Concepts' Intern Challenge.
Each year, Design Concepts hosts internships in research, industrial design and engineering. The competitive program offers college students an opportunity to participate in all aspects of the firm's product development process.
This year Design Concept's staff welcomed summer interns Lizzie Laundy, Brown University; Charlie Foss, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design; and Aaron Kurth, University of Wisconsin - Stout.
Throughout the program, the interns' skills were tested as they found solutions to real-world design challenges. At the end of the program the tables were turned as interns challenged staff to a contest of skill, wit and a little bit of water. Interns set the rules for a no-holds-barred competition to design the ultimate water balloon launcher.
The rules were rigorous: Water balloons needed to fly at least 100 yards, hit numerous targets for accuracy, and be nimble enough to participate in a battle royale. Four teams of staff members competed for the honors with contraptions designed around compressed air, gas propellant and a couple of 7 foot sling shots - not your average water balloon contest.
Water balloons were flung as far as 165 yards, as measured by nothing less than GPS.
