Hidden Compartment Constraints and Goals

I want my project to blend into its surroundings, appearing as just an art piece rather than a functional object. The physical look of the hobbit door design should be detailed yet minimalist, ensuring it remains visually appealing while not drawing unnecessary attention. Beyond its appearance, the feel and experience of interacting with the compartment should be non-intuitive. I want the mechanism to require prior knowledge to access, The idea being that you should mostly have to have pre-existing knowledge on how it is going to work. Functionality is another priority. The hidden compartment must be well-concealed and should only open when the correct action is performed. The locking mechanism needs to be reliable while avoiding unnecessary complexity. I will consider the project a success if I can present the finished piece as a simple wall decoration, show it to multiple people, and have them fail to recognize the hidden compartment. Additionally, durability and installation will be important. The structure must be sturdy enough to remain a long-term fixture in my house and fit neatly between the wall studs without looking out of place.

Several constraints pose challenges. Time is the biggest limitation. With only a few weeks left and less progress over spring break than I had hoped, final fabrication depends heavily on the next two weeks. Unexpected challenges could further impact the timeline. Another major constraint is drywall techniques. cutting drywall cleanly and ensuring a precise installation is a skill I need to refine. If my cuts are misaligned, I will have to blend the section to maintain the aesthetic. Materials and supplies may also present obstacles. While I already have wood and screws, I still need to acquire acrylic and possibly 3D print some components. Any issues with printing or material availability could introduce delays. Additionally, the locking mechanism remains the most unpredictable part of the project. If my first attempt doesn’t function as expected, I need a backup plan, such as using magnets or alternative latches. Lastly, workspace and access to tools present challenges. Some tasks, like laser cutting and precise wood shaping, have to be done at school, but I am hitting senioritis and prefer working at home. The toughest constraint will likely be time. If my first locking mechanism doesn’t work smoothly, I might have to rethink or simplify it quickly. I need to stay flexible and avoid overcomplicating the design.