Green Team!
Sketch Models!
View the 4 Presentation Slides (.pdf)
Presentation Video
Concepts
Accessible Cutting Board
A modular cutting board designed to make cooking easier for those with impaired motor function by including magnetic attachments and a pivoting knife.
Reviewer Feedback
D. Braunstein
Product Opportunity
see aggregated comments below
Product Embodiment
see aggregated comments below
Model Learnings
see aggregated comments below
Model Execution
Developing devices for individuals with limited mobility is a noble cause. However, the needs are often so specific that the pursuit of a product to accommodate as many people as possible often leads to so many compromises, that the product doesn't solve much for anyone. To be successful in the space, a highly focused use case and solution must be devised. The solution of a magnetic board with stop blocks is interesting, but if a person cannot manage handling the items, how will they manage blocks of magnets? Think about how things get cleaned. Will the magnets attract knives? I thought your hinge accessory was intriguing. I don't know if the accessory would overly constrain the finesse and degrees of freedom required to cut, or if as a standalone device, would be beneficial as a chopping aid. In summary, the use case needs refining. Be super specific, focus on needs, and maybe explore the accessories.
Deepali Kishnani
Product Opportunity
Yes, the user need is well defined.
Product Embodiment
Yes, key problems are defined well
Model Learnings
The model does answer critical questions well - curious about how versatile the board will be for different types of vegetables.
Model Execution
Well executed!
Keith Clavin (CI)
Product Opportunity
This is idea is intriguing and offers a lot of potential for future iterations. Kitchen devices are always a great opportunity and this one seems to be offering a fresh take on accessibility. I would like to hear a little more about existing options and how they influence your thinking.
Product Embodiment
The logic of the product's features is intuitive, which is great. Showing off some lower level details of the design would be helpful in determining the practicality for different setting and varied types of hand limitations, but it is going in the right direction.
Model Learnings
Two very clear questions and future goals regarding what must is necessary for the product's use and future design are stated explicitly. This is a critical self-awareness at this stage where feasibility becomes evermore important, so great job in your candid assessment of your work.
Model Execution
No feedback provided
Kamala Grasso
Product Opportunity
This seems like a good problem to solve - and one that currently doesn't have a great solution on the market.
Product Embodiment
I think the embodiment is on the right track. I like the modular magnetic design. But as you called out in your learnings, understanding the constraints on board placement and attachment is key. If the user needs a special surface/attachment point, that will limit the market.
Model Learnings
Since one of the key features of your design is the modularity, I like how the first question honed in on that aspect. And the second is definitely key (and I think you got some great learnings on it).
Model Execution
I think your model answered the questions and gave you some good learnings. I liked how you clearly called out those learnings as well as the next steps.
Josh Wiesman
Product Opportunity
Great opportunity, the team did a good job sharing information learned via interviews. It would be powerful to see actual footage of a user struggling with current solutions vs new solution. Additionally, quotes / video from users explaining their issue(s) will help viewers build empathy.
Product Embodiment
The knife addition is great, but keep a watch on dirt / cleanliness. Assembly of your system can be just as tough as current best solutions - keep things easy for the user, build that positive experience.
Model Learnings
What features and functions are actually needed? How the user will clean and maintain the product / parts. What happens when the board takes on scratches?
Model Execution
Great start - keep on top of user data and answering the unknowns / needs of the user.
Portable Toilet
A device to provide those in humanitarian crisis with a way to use the bathroom in the privacy of their own tent or space.
Reviewer Feedback
D. Braunstein
Product Opportunity
see aggregated comments below
Product Embodiment
see aggregated comments below
Model Learnings
see aggregated comments below
Model Execution
I appreciated that the team thought through multiple permutations. You were one of the few teams that presented variations. I felt like the use case was a bit fictitious. A solution looking for a problem - tough to shake. I would have liked to hear more about the need. You cited compelling reasons - safety, fear, etc. but didn't feel the data was there to back up the assertion. I wanted to know more about the whole cycle - use, disposal, refilling bags, cleaning, etc. Would this flow work in a refugee camp? You may have answers to all these things, or will obtain them - I just needed to hear more to believe the concept. Issues - sealing, cleanliness, cleaning, spills, aiming?, etc.
Deepali Kishnani
Product Opportunity
The need is 100% there. The problem of open defecation goes beyond shelters and refugee camps - it affects sanitation and health of communities too.
Product Embodiment
Yes but I am very curious about how the disposal would work - that part wasn't clear to me. I am also curious about how a user might actually use it, the odour management etc.
Model Learnings
I'd like the cost model to be more explicit just because the persona targets a customer segment that may not have enough budget to buy something like this.
Model Execution
It's a good start but again would love to have explanation for the wooden twist and how it's better than existing models - https://www.amazon.com/RESTOP-RS2W-2-Wilderness-KIT/dp/B07D8C1SPJ/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B07D8C1SPJ&psc=1#customerReviews
Keith Clavin (CI)
Product Opportunity
Wonderful idea and nice configuration of the concept within the existing marketplace and development moment. It obviously has great potential uses and aligns with important values.
Product Embodiment
The sketch model looks good. I'd like have a little better sense of the scale of the product and exactly how it might be adapted to either different settings or different users.
Model Learnings
The presentation came across as well researched and professional. I would say the narrowing of the market size and description of the potential measurements were appropriate and imbued a sense of ethos to the project via the fact that the numbers were not inflated and included a rational logic.
Model Execution
No feedback provided
Kamala Grasso
Product Opportunity
You call out two different user groups - but I think the two groups have pretty different needs and access to current solutions.
Product Embodiment
I think the user group matters a lot of this question. You may want to check out the diaper genie as a reference point.
Model Learnings
I don't know if the question you called out is the biggest obstacle to your product but it certainly is an important one.
Model Execution
I liked how you showed 3 different design iterations. And I also liked your clearly identified next steps.
Josh Wiesman
Product Opportunity
I think the problem is real, but the team may have missed on the on the key questions to answer. Learn more about the struggles, issues, positives with current solutions. Find the opportunity gap and deliver on that.
Product Embodiment
I appreciated the 3 versions / iterations. Start to consider human factors (human to product interface).
Model Learnings
I think environmental / stability / human factors questions may have been more important than the sealing of the bag. How important is compacting and sealing vs delivering a single use disposable solution?
Model Execution
Good job starting to answer the question - see other comments for direction.
Collapsible Mannequin
A display-style mannequin designed to collapse to make transportation with the device easier for semi-professional designers to solo designers.
Reviewer Feedback
D. Braunstein
Product Opportunity
Since 6-ideas, I perceived a shift to "display" from "design" use. I'd be curious to know what motivated this change. That aside, I am intrigued. The embodiment as modeled, however, would have benefited from multiple models and permutations. Is a series of tensioned rings the "best" solution. If only for display (where pins aren't an issue), could one have an inflatable? Origami is a wonderfully intriguing aesthetic and one that may be consistent with certain contemporary fashion. The mannequin needs to match what you are displaying, so I think multiple designs ought to be generated - something to consider. How does the base collapse? pole? etc. Consider how the mannequin compliments the item - perhaps it fades away completely. I'm not sure what was gleaned from the model - be good to speak with retailers, designers, buyers (they travel). What shows can you attend? Is this for retail displays, hobbyist use, or the traveling sales person? or other? Refine the use case.
Product Embodiment
see above
Model Learnings
see above
Model Execution
see above
Deepali Kishnani
Product Opportunity
I can see a big market for these especially for flea markets where shop keepers carry mannequins and their stuff from place to place. However, I am also curious about why shopkeepers use mannequins and not hangers usually? Is it just the aesthetics or is there a bigger reason behind it? And does this product answer that question in specific?
Product Embodiment
Yes, it's in the right direction.
Model Learnings
Curious about weight size etc. Can you crunch numbers on how much lighter the new solution is in comparison to the existing one in the market? The users are certainly going to do a trade off between the full body mannequin they use today v/s the prototype we saw. Therefore, it's imperative to highlight the added advantages.
Model Execution
Model was executed well but I am curious about the versatility. How about other products such as jeans, shorts etc.
Keith Clavin (CI)
Product Opportunity
Interesting niche but one with a large user base, I would imagine. A little reference to the types of varied uses mannequins can have in different fashion and production settings would be helpful to get a sense of the importance of the product. Clothes are one of the most produced items in the world, so the modeling of them for many different reasons is essentially ubiquitous.
Product Embodiment
It's a nice looking and working model. The durability and precise dimensions would need to be spelled out a bit more, but I had a good sense of a looks-like/works-like model from this.
Model Learnings
You all offered reasonable questions that were addressed explicitly. This model and its presentation offered fair options for future work and potential.
Model Execution
No feedback provided
Kamala Grasso
Product Opportunity
Given the size of a traditional mannequin, having something more transportable seems like a win.
Product Embodiment
I think a lightweight collapsible structure has merit as the foundation for the design. But I don't yet see if it can really fulfill the functions of a mannequin. It would be good to talk to users to make sure you understand the details of what those are.
Model Learnings
Definitely a key question to be answered.
Model Execution
The model helped answer part of the question but I couldn't really tell if the design fulfilled the function of a mannequin. Yes, you can hang a jacket on it but I'm not sure that the shape actually mimics that of a mannequin (for instance it doesn't sit on the design the way it would on a mannequin). I would think that being able to show off how a item of clothing fits when worn is pretty key and I don't think the model did that.
Josh Wiesman
Product Opportunity
I think the user case is strong and there is great opportunity. I would have liked to learn more about what would make the user happy - how small/light does the solution need to be? How durable / rigid, how much body structure is needed (to put pins in place)?
Product Embodiment
I thought the model was a bit weak in addressing the questions. I am not sure what was actually learned from the model presented. How would the user pin material on and how durable is the body? How easy is it to collapse or open?
Model Learnings
See comments above - I think the model could have been stronger and more focussed on the questions that needed answering.
Model Execution
See comments above. Many opportunities to improve the model, retest and iterate the design.
Urban Farming Tool System
An adaptable system designed for farming in urban environments to increase efficiency while farming with the help of modular tools.
Reviewer Feedback
D. Braunstein
Product Opportunity
Urban farming is an intriguing opportunity space, though I didn't fully understand the challenges of the existing state of the art with respect to cultivation or harvesting. Where are the pain points, and how does the proposed system mitigate those problems? For me, I needed a more thorough explanation of the problem to believe in the proposed solution. The work that went into the model was commendable, and I appreciate how you started exploring the idea of configurations. I didn't know, however, what was being "solved" and the learnings weren't clear to me. Nonetheless, the space is an interesting one. It would be good to speak with managers and users or urban farms - collect more data. What are the issues? Is it a productivity/efficiency issue? Sure, everyone wants to be more productive and efficient, but at what cost? The tradeoffs need to be clearer, as does the problem statement.
Product Embodiment
No feedback provided
Model Learnings
No feedback provided
Model Execution
No feedback provided
Deepali Kishnani
Product Opportunity
The exact user need wasn't clear to me for this one. Are we trying to make jobs of urban farmers easy by building a tool kit? Or by building adjustable and modular tools. From the demo it seemed that we are doing the former?
Product Embodiment
It wasn't clear to me how adjustable height etc. will help in different scenarios - maybe examples could help. I am also curious what the user's exact problem is - is it the lacking modularity in various types of tools in general?
Model Learnings
I like the idea in general - community gardeners do go through a lot of research on youtube etc. so having a toolkit that walks them through, is affordable, and has all the right materials can help a lot!
Model Execution
It was a good execution - would probably have loved to see actual tools in action to understand the power of the solution!
Keith Clavin (CI)
Product Opportunity
Another great, socially-conscious concept. You all really focused on the altruistic side of design and came up with some wonderful ideas.
Product Embodiment
I'm not sure if I totally grasp all features of the model, but the presentation did a lot to help explain the main components. With a product designed for a group that may be less familiar to many in the audience, it can be helpful to provide a little extra orientation as to the physical setting of the primary use cases.
Model Learnings
The presentation was quite complex in its use of three different people and an involved demo. Overall, the message came across and the possible future iterations were addressed with candor and dexterity.
Model Execution
No feedback provided
Kamala Grasso
Product Opportunity
I think urban farming is increasing in popularity so there is a market there. But I'm not sure that a system like this offers enough value given how small the spaces are.
Product Embodiment
I'd like to understand more about the use cases for the product. Will this add enough value to justify complexity and cost?
Model Learnings
My biggest question would be about the effectiveness of the use for various farming tasks. and how the user would interact with it. I don't yet see that. I think question of whether you can accommodate interchangeable tools and different farm layouts needs to be answered at some point but I don't know if it was the key question.
Model Execution
See comments above. I think your model did answer the question you posed.
Josh Wiesman
Product Opportunity
I think the opportunity for urban farming tools is real, I am not sure the system idea is the best solution. Does this product really work for someone in an urban (little free space) environment? How much more efficient is the system vs current solutions - help quantify this. User feedback, interviews, data could help support this.
Product Embodiment
It was good to see the concept transform from paper to model, but I felt the model was more of a prototype vs answering a particular unknown (for example collapsibility, portability, quick change out, etc).
Model Learnings
Did the model actually help answer questions - I would have liked to see what the team learned more clearly stated.
Model Execution
The model did deliver on demonstrating how the system may work, but I am not sure that was the most critical unknown / question.