The Arthriti-cycle

After submitting the RFP for Market707, we were given the choice between about 9 selected RFPs for a design that we, as a group wanted to go forward and solve. My team selected the RFP which requested a design for an arthritis friendly bicycle handlebar system. Coming up with the design that we finally chose (a rotating handlebar to keep wrists straight and various aspects of comfort), we used many of the design processes that I had been using so far and introduced new aspects, specifically: prototyping. Above can be seen a photo of our high-fidelity prototype as it nears completion and below, our first low-fidelity prototype. I learned that there exists a range of different qualities of prototypes that can be created when solving a design solution. As shown in our low-fidelity prototype, we were only focused on demonstrating one or two key aspects of the our design - the turning capability as well as its general size. That is something that must be decided during the design process - what components are the most important and should be focused on delivering to an audience through prototype. When planning and constructing the high-fidelity prototype we were focused on creating something that was actually usable (we succeeded in that aspect) and so had to consider what types of materials we would use. I also learned that prototyping is a very extensive and long process, and in most cases you will go through a few attempts or ideas of how you are planning to build it, before realizing there is something wrong with that idea and having to come up with a completely new idea. It's a great reward however, when you're able to see a design that you created come to life though.