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