Tuesday 2nd August
GROUP EXERCISE
Today we were assigned a task as a group to brainstorm a number of ideas for an eco-friendly type of personal transport along with possible names for it. This was to follow suit for the concept of REDUCE.
At first it was a struggle to come up with even one idea however we all soon pitched in with different perceptions of the task.
I suggested a solar powered vehicle that incorporated the solar panels into the traditional style of the American baseball cap. A larger surface area could be integrated in to a full-wide brim hat like those our Australian Cricket team wears for a more efficient unit. The baseball cap however makes it easier to appeal to the American market.
Brainstorming Eco-Friendly forms of personal transport
Roller Shoes
Solar Powered hat
Small
Kinetic
Kangaroo Boots
Segway
Possible names for the Designs
Green Way
Eco Way
Green Print
Sun Skates
Solar Roller
YouTube Clip: “Kangaroo Boots Internet”
"JC & I Jumping around in Sydney"
Commentary:
This video is hilarious! The application of the Kangaroo boots really does show that at first it is an arduous task to become upright on these strange new contraptions. The more they try however, the more they succeed and end up cruising around a Sydney park. When they try to get a bit adventurous you can see how the body adjusts to new technology, which is remarkable. I wouldn’t say this clip is a how-to operation. This is pure entertainment value and more of a fun-filled home video!
PRACTICAL – Design Options
30 mins – Individually draft a range of 3 excellent design options for your group’s eco-
friendly form of personal transport
• Brand your 3 design options with a catchy name
• Use any tools you wish
• Put the results and a paragraph of description in your blog
• Describe how each of these options differ in
o Function
o Materials
o Style
Design Option 1
Solar hats
Function - To collect energy from the sun and send wirelessly to eco-friendly vehicles
Material- Cloth with integrated solar panels on exterior
Style A – Traditional American Baseball Cap with futurist solar panels
Style B - Traditional Wide Brim Hat with futurist solar panels
Image above: Style A (cap)
Image Above: Style B (Wide Brim hat)
Design Option 2
Eco Way
Function – Eco friendly personal (upright) transport that receives solar energy from a wireless hat. Rear brake is applied by foot pressing down on rear wheel guard
Material – Aluminium
Style – Traditional with futurist solar wireless technology
Design Option 3
Solar Roller
Function - Eco friendly personal (sit-down) transport that receives solar energy from a wireless hat. The front brake is applied by foot pressing down on universal front wheel guard spanning centrally and over both wheels.
Material – Aluminium or Steel frame with cushioned seat
Style – Traditional seat converted to span across two modified scooters with custom frame and operation
Reflection:
I used hats for the solar panels because the head of the person will receive the most direct sunlight that can be transferred to the vehicles. The full brim hat will be more effective in its catchment of solar rays and sun protection however American interest will flourish using the baseball cap.
The Eco Way (Stand-up) vehicle will be more for the energetic and able-bodied on the move persons whereas the Solar Roller (Sit-down) vehicle will be aimed at the disabled and the elderly. I would think that the Eco Way would be more light-weight therefore will be a faster option than that of the Solar Roller. Structurally, the Solar Roller will have to be more reinforced to hold the extra weight of the chair and possible obese persons.
11 out of 10 for this blog!
ReplyDeleteContent, labelling, ideas, humour, inspiration. Great work.