Author: bechstein.12

Defining the Problem

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In order to solve a problem, you first need to define what the problem is. The team did this by processing the feedback received from the survey as well as the interviews with various people. First, the observed problem or statement was selected from the respective feedback. This feedback was analyzed to find the root problem of that feedback. With the root problem stated, the problem is then restated to reflect this root, along with determining the metrics that can be used to measure the success of possible solutions.

The following link can be used to view the problem definitions as well as the reflections that were completed following this process:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lhG2Fli0DpOzOmrT3H-Cf56aZFNxNua_XXAkzkDZbtE/edit?usp=sharing

Interview with Dave

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Following the surveying that was sent to Westminster Thurber, the team went to complete some interviews with various people who volunteered to be interviewed. The first person that was interviewed was Dave. He primarily had concerned with getting out of the vehicle as he liked being able to push up off of arm rests or the center console. He mentioned how when using a seat, chair, or couch, he looks for seats that have armrests on both sides of it whenever possible as it makes getting up much easier.

Extendable Seat Platform

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This prototype was an example of an extendable seat platform to allow the user to have more room to sit down. This product would be stored by attaching it on the side of the seat in a vertical orientation. When in use, the user would fold the product down to a horizontal position, which would extend the two bars or supports to their full length. Then user would pull out the platform, which is made smaller plank pieces that can be used to sit on. When the user is done using the product, they can pull the platform back in, then flip the product back into the vertical orientation to collapse the supports.

Questions:

  1. How much space would be needed in order to have a similar product attached to a seat?
  2. How could the design be condensed into a smaller state?
  3. How much of a platform would be need in order to be beneficial?
  4. Is there an alternative way to create the same function of storing and putting out a platform?
  5. Would handles or a seatback be necessary for such a product to make the product safer/more ergonomic for use?