Prototype Ideas and Reflection

This stage of the design process challenged our team to think more critically about our ideas and think of viable ways to improve our initial ideations. Initially, our team struggled to come up unique, effective ways to improve our ideas. However, the 77 cards helped to spur our creativity. Features that we had not previously considered became the forefront of our attention. Features like rotation, detachments, alternative shapes, etc. For instance, we had never considered detachable parts for our drying tree and door frame drying rack, but we realized if we designed the attachments to be easily removable, as well as sturdy, the user could customize his/her drying device and the separately purchased attachments could provide ongoing revenue for us. Thinking in terms of alternative shapes, the magnetic hangers offer the ability to build a platform portfolio with hangers of various shapes and sizes for shirts, pants, and children’s clothing; the hangers would have shared magnetic components. Ultimately, the 77 cards aided in the innovation of our initial products.

We feel confident in our ideas. We understand there are still some user constraints to work through, but overall, we believe our ideas will make the laundry task less strenuous for one-handed users. We need to ensure the attachments of the drying tree and door hinge rack can be easily attached and removed, while also being sturdy enough to hold garments of various weights. Additionally, we need to ensure the snap bracelet-like laundry bag does not snap on its own as the laundry back fills. These technological and use constraints are things we will keep in mind as we prototype. Nevertheless, we believe our designs will benefit not only one-handed users but fully-able persons as well. We are optimistic of the market share out products could obtain.

Going forward in our design process, we challenge ourselves to keep our persona, Clark Phillips at the forefront of our attention. Throughout the ideation process, we found ourselves digressing from our ultimate purpose. We became transfixed with unique features to add to our products, but some of our initial ideas would make it harder for those with one-hand to do laundry. Therefore, our goal throughout the final ideation process and prototyping process is to keep our design process user-centered and to avoid frivolous, unnecessary additions to our products. We strive to make our designs so simple for one-handed users that they become intuitive.