ALPHA PROTOTYPE

From the refinement in previous weeks, I have committed to making the "Vertical Flip" Kindle Case. Beside the choice of the case, user test revealed that a form of magnetic lock would be desired, this has also be incorporated into the Alpha Prototype.

Unlike the initial prototype that was build from cardboards, this one was built out of fabric, something closer to the desired material.

Vertical Flip Case acting as a Kindle Stand

Case Showing Lock

Case while opened

I have passed the prototype to my users to try out and taking of their suggestions.

One of such suggestion is to change the material used from fabric to something stronger maybe synthetic leather.

The casing has a cardboard core, while I was sewing the casing I realized the core needs to be smaller by 2mm around, so that would be taken care of in the next prototype

Question 5.1 Concept Testing

Selected Concept

1. Concept D: the vertical flip case was selected

Sketch of Selected Concept

Gap;

In what way might I securely carry my Kindle Paperwhite and writing materials

Primary Needs:

• The Case protects the Kindle
• The Case should not be bulky
• The Case should be easy to use
• The Case invokes admiration
• Ability to use the Kindle without holding it
• The Case holds writing materials as well
• The Case should be portable
• Case is affordable
• Case should not hinder accessibility
• Case should be durable

2. Process of testing concept

To arrive at this concept I carried out physical tests with users using the 4 prototypes created.

5 users were shown the prototypes and all five preferred the selected concept.

Besides the overall concept, I also tested their preference for some key features. They all thought that holding the Kindle in place by way of elastic wasn't very secure even when I explained I could change the design to make it more secure. So I dropped the idea.

The key deciding factor for picking the concept was the ability to have the Kindle stand in both vertical and horizontal orientation. The selected concept produced the best result.

As for the case holding a pen and paper (writing materials) all five agreed it was cool to be able to hold a jotting sheet or card but only two of the five participants were cool with holding a pen in the case, so I would give that further consideration as the class progresses.

All suggested that some form of magnetic clip for the lock would be most desirable.

Question 4.2: PROTOTYPING

Below are photographs of my prototypes.

C Horizontal Flip

Horizontal Flip Closed

Horizontal Flip acting as Kindle stand

D. Vertical Flip

Vertical Flip empty

Vertical Flip Landscape

Vertical Flip side view

Vertical Flip Portrait

I. Elastic Fixator

Elastic Fixator closed

Elastic Fixator empty (showing elastic)

Elastic Fixator opened

G. Magnetic Clip Lock, changed to Elastic Lock (could not get magnetic clips)

All

Question 4.1: Selection Matrix

Selection Matrix

The concepts to be explored with prototypes are shaded and listed below:

• C - Horizontal Flip
• Vertical Flip
• Magnetic Clip Lock
• Elastic Fixator

3.2 VISUAL EXPRESSION III - 2 POINT PERSPECTIVE

Chair Sketched in 2 Point Perspective

Question 3.1: Design Exploration

1. Decomposition

Decomposition was done by Key/Latent Needs.

a.)  Ability to use the kindle without holding it, which would typically mean having it to rest on a table or some other surface.

b.) Ability of the case to protect the kindle screen.

c.)  Ability of the case to hold writing materials. 

Two decompositions were presented for each need

Integration of Solution

A solution was chosen by picking A-1, B-2, and C-2

Concepts

From various decompositions 10 concepts were developed as illustrated in the drawings below:

Question 2.3: A Sketch of a Chair

An Orthographic Projection of an Arm Chair

Section View of the Arm Chair

Question 2.2: User Needs

1. Gap refinement: 
In what way may I  securely carry my Kindle Paperwhite and writing materials



2. A list of 30 User Needs

The Case protect the Kindle

The case should securely hold the kindle

Kindle does not fall off the case

Case protects the Kindle from scratches

The case provides shock resistance when Kindle is dropped

Case protects the Kindle screen

Case does not let water through

The Case should not be bulky

Case should be comfortable to hold

Dimension of the case should be as close as possible to that of the Kindle

Does not add significant thickness to the kindle

Case protects the edges of the Kindle

The Case should be easily to use

Kindle can easily be removed from the case

Kindle can easily be fixed in the case

Case can easily be opened and locked

The Case invokes admiration

Case is attractive

Case is fashionable

Case is unique

Ability to use the Kindle without holding it

Case can stand in landscape and portrait mode on a desk !

The Case holds writing materials as well !

Case can hold a pen

Case can hold a small sheet for jotting

Case is affordable

Case should be portable

Case allows the Kindle to be held in one hand while reading

Easy to use the Kindle in a bus

Fits into a jeans pocket

Case is light

Case is easy to grip

Case can be held securely

Case should not hinder accessibility

Kindle can be charged while in the case

Power button should be accessible

Case does not cover any part of the screen while reading

Case should be durable

Case is tough

Question 2.1: Design Problem Definition

In what way might I ...
1) Provide a case for my Kindle Paperwhite
2) Securely carry my Kindle Paperwhite and writing materials *
3) Protect my study materials
4) Safeguard my library
5) Ensure learning
6) Enhance my knowledge