Russell Hager

Design VI

1/27/13

Assignment 2

Project of Interest:

For my specific project of interest, my idea is to create a waterproof armband that swimmers can wear while they are practicing. I have been a swimmer for most of my life and I can speak from experience when I say that, if given the opportunity, I would like to know more than just how fast I swam in the water. With this armband, swimmers could have access to more data and statistics about their overall performance and how it affects their bodies. With its waterproof design, there would be no need to worry about the water ruining the electrical components of the armband. Its added features of a removable/replaceable battery, integrated mini-SD card slot, and free software to work with the mini-SD card would make it extremely easy to use.

Stakeholders’ Requirements:

User: The user can be any person that has a passion for swimming or any person who regularly swims as their sport of choice. It can even be for swim coaches and trainers who would like to know more about how well their bodies can handle rigorous exercises.

Does one size fit all?
How long does the battery last?
Is the software program free and easy to use?
How much does the armband cost?
Does it come in a variety of colors?

Client: The client could be anyone that is willing to invest in/buy the idea from the designer to mass produce these armbands.

Is it easy to make?
Are the materials cheap?
How long does it take to assemble?
How much of a profit can be made off the product?
Is there any competition over this idea?
How soon can production start?

Designer: The designer(s) would be the person(s) coming up the concept of the product and designing it as a whole.

Who will use our product?
How long should the power supply last?
How many different colors of this product should we make available?
What are the main dimensions of the product?
What is the acceptable price range of the materials needed to construct it?
How much should it be sold for?
Who will write the program code?

At first glance, this idea seems practical in terms of cost and time to complete. The armband would comprise of just a waterproof exterior and electrical components inside. There is always the possibility that more brainstorming is needed. There would definitely be thorough testing and experimenting of the armband, such as making sure it stays completely waterproof. The software that comes with the armband would also have to be tested to make sure that it is flawless.

With regard to the skills that I may lack to complete this project, it basically sums up to the overall construction of the armband. I am not sure of where exactly where to start. I also would need more knowledge in coding an entire program together for the armband. For this project, an electrical engineer and a decent programmer would be needed for this project.

SWOT Analysis

Strength: This product could be very successful because it could have a wide target audience (i.e., people who swim for fun, competitive swimmers, trainers, etc.). Knowing how their body reacts to certain exercises can help them better plan how to train in the future.
Weakness: One weakness is the most obvious: it may not be possible to create it. Another is finding a waterproof material that is cheap enough to build the armband out of.
Opportunities: If the product were to be slightly modified, instead of sending data to a mini-SD card, the armband could wirelessly send data to a computer or server of some sort. That way, the information is instantaneous and readily accessible. The battery would power a small module in the armband that would send data in the form of a signal.
Threats: One obvious threat is that the product might not work at all or not be completed on time. The budget for the product might exceed the expected budget. There might be other companies/organizations that already have patented technology that is similar, if not exactly like, the armband.