This is the fourth step in the Strategic Design process, which focuses on calculating the value of scoring opportunities. Before you continue, please be sure to review prior steps (see the list in the Strategic Design process article).
Now is the time to determine the value—or return on investment—for each of the scoring actions identified in step 3. Begin by creating a table to “do the math” and determine an estimated (or in some cases exact) score for each action a robot completes.
- Description: A clear and concise name for the scoring action. Example: “score game piece in high goal” or “earn control bonus.”
- Assessed During: Specify when this action is scored. Example: at the end of the autonomous period, throughout the match, at the end of the match, etc.
- Quantity Available: Indicate the number of times this specific action can be completed and/or scored during a match.
- Points per Action: List the number of points awarded each time the action is successfully completed.
- Calculated Max Score: Multiply the number of points per action by the maximum number of times the action can be completed. This gives the total possible contribution of the action to the team’s score.
- Contribution Percent of Total Max Score: Divide the calculated max score of the individual action by the sum of all possible max scores from every scoring action.
- Estimated Seconds per Action: Estimate the time required to perform the action. These calculations can be gauged by researching previous games with similar mechanics, or talking with members of the community about how long an action might take. For example, a 6-motor drive might take 3 seconds to drive across an unobstructed field, and an intake with one motor could take about 1 second to obtain a game piece, then 2 seconds to score it.
- Points per Second: Determine scoring efficiency by dividing the calculated max score by the estimated seconds per action.
Learn More About Strategic Design
Continue to the next article in this series, Using the Strategic Design Method to Prioritize Scoring Opportunities, to move on to the next step.
Credits
This version of Strategic Design is inspired by the work of Karthik Kanagasabapathy, the originator of Strategic Design in competition robotics, and the ideas are used with his permission. Karthik is a former Chair of the VEX Robotics Game Design Committee and a respected mentor in the robotics community. Additional information was provided by the mentors of team 2337, the EngiNERDs, from Grand Blanc High School in Grand Blanc, Michigan.