It's our vision of the future that guides our decisions towards itself. Our present is just the result.
Coursera design course — Week 2 Assignments
2.1 Design problem definition
Original: I want to create a solar powered bag that recharges my electronic devices. Derived problem statement: In what way might I increase a device's battery life when I travel?
The question "Why would I want to do that?" was asked starting with the derived problem statement to arrive at list items 4 to 1 to generalize the problem statement. The answer with the number four was selected to focus on specifics using the question "How might I do that?". Answers five through nine increase complexity and show two possible paths to solve the problem, clearly diverging already at five.
Note. I was very tempted to go for number three instead, but given the timeframe of eight weeks, its too broad and general a topic to design a single solution for on my own.
The „Why would I want to do that?“-List from most general to most specific
To decrease stress and increase the joy of life.
To increase productivity and allow for more creative ideas underway.
To help people have more free time at home and allow them to explore new ideas underway.
To decrease “battery-anxiety” when there is no power available to recharge.
"How might I do that?" focus question
By decreasing power consumption and increasing power supply. With a set of best practices and a mobile charging unit that replenishes itself.
By researching and testing possibilities to use devices more efficiently and with a mobile solar panel and a battery from which to recharge the devices.
By identifying the most power hungry tasks and applications and by building the solar panel and battery into something we carry with us all the time.
Through surveys based on preliminary research and experience and by replacing some of the surfaces of a carrying artifact for electronics with a flexible solar panel.
(a) By collecting available information online and
(b) by identifying the most convenient artifact to carry devices in.
(a) By distilling this information into statements and questions for surveys and by
(b) identifying the most effective and also protected surfaces of that carrying artifact.
(a) By creating those surveys using a free online platform and posting links to those surveys in the class forums and sending them out to friends and family.
(b) By trying different shapes of carrying artifact (bag, rucksack, purse/muse) and using them in everyday environments and paying close attention where they bump into people and objects and which surfaces get wet when it rains or dirty when it’s on the floor or in a compartment like in airplanes.
2.2 User Needs
An artifact constructed from detachable modules that allows to recharge electronic devices in a stylish appearance, replenishes it’s power source on its own, is secure and can be located remotely.
The artifact is easy to carry
The artifact is easy to put into a bag etc.
The artifact is lightweight
! The artifact can be carried on/attached to a bicycle
The artifact can be carried on the underground, tram, train bus etc.
The artifact is stylish
The artifact can be used to carry electronic devices to conventions
The artifact can be used by fashion journalists on the job
The artifact can replace my handbag
! The artifact doubles as a notebook stand
The artifact is durable
! The artifact provides strong protection for things transported inside in case it falls off a bicycle etc.
The artifact has a modular design to allow me to exchange parts of it or modify it
The artifact is available as an all-in-one solution I can use without assembly
The artifact should be tiny
The artifact should be big enough for a tablet, phone, wallet and other small things
The artifact should be large enough for a Notebook plus the above
The artifact allows me to recharge my devices
The artifact has the power to recharge large devices like notebooks
! The artifact can kick-start my car when the battery has died
The artifact is easy to maintain
! The artifact regenerates it's power source
The artifact does not get dirty easily
The artifact is simple to repair
The artifact has low impact on the environment
The artifact is made from environmentally friendly materials
The artifact can be recycled easily
The artifact has a long lifespan
The artifact can be used to charge devices that haven’t been invented yet
The artifact is easy to find if lost
! The artifact has built in GPS and can be found on a map online
The artifact has something "like a homing-beacon" to find it
The artifact can attract attention when instructed via remote-control "like my iPhone"
The artifact keeps my devices secure
The artifact’s contents can only be accessed by specific users
The artifact detects when its ben stolen
The artifact logs when and where it was opened for how long
37 user needs identified, five latent needs identified.