iVenture
This week we continued with our preparation for the Make-A-Thon. Initially we had a presentation form Valeria, she talked to us about the iVenture Accelerator, an educational accelerator for top student startups at the university of illinois.This presentation was quite interesting to me because I’ve recently become interested in pursuing my own startup. Being involved in a program that trains and provides resources for those who want to expand on their own ideas is a good opportunity.
MileStone meetings feedback
After the presentation, we had one one one team meetings with MileStone Labs. My team, Rotam is designing a product that will protect, one of the experts/mentors Ryan, power chair joystick from getting wet in the rain. MileStone Labs gave us good feedback on how we should differentiate our product from others in the market. They also prompted us to focus on finding materials that would expand our product from not only providing protection for the joystick but also protecting, for example, the hand controlling the joystick.
Material List
For the rest of the class time, we generated a list of materials that we would need to utilize for the Make-A-Thon. We also came up with quick sketches of what we plan to create during the Make-A-Thon. We are leaning towards a sleeve design for the joystick. Therefore, one challenge that we are facing is getting the measurements for the joystick on Ryan’s chair. Traditionally we could just meet up to measure his chair with tape measures but we are hoping that we can instead scan his chair with the iPad and generate a CAD design of the joystick. Another challenge we are facing is finding a material that will be water resistant but also flexible. We came up with the idea to design a product that has protective layers similar to a water-resistant phone case. Therefore, we want to make sure every nook of the joystick is protected rather it be via plastic or a material such a neoprene. I am excited yet anxious for the Make-A-Thon. However it turns out I think it will be a good experience for everyone.
Hey! I think the sleeve design will be really cool and that scanning it with the ipad is the best way to get the most accurate measurements. I also like the idea of providing protection for the hand controlling the joy stick as well. This could maybe be a glove that comes with the joystick sleeve to a part of the sleeve where the hand goes in to remain protected.
Hey Brianna, thank you for sharing! I think your design idea is really helpful and practical. At this stage, it’s not about whether you can make great progress, but it’s all about whether it can help someone in the future. Therefore, I think you guys are doing great at the decision making part. It’s also really amazing to see that your team is making progress and getting closer and closer to your goals. I hope you can make more progress at the Make-A-Thon! Good luck!
Hey Brianna. Really great job with your post this week. It looks like you made some great strides in your project before we get to Make-a-Thon. I really liked how your group got together to whiteboard your ideas for the chair cover. I think that you guys are definitely on the right track towards making a working prototype as well at Make-a-Thon next weekend. Great work and good luck next week!