Week 6 took a very exciting turn as we finally delved deeply into creating 3D models in Autodesk Fusion360. Our pre-class activity consisted on making a box-like crate, and we continued getting familiarized with Fusion through further making with Autodesk professionals.
By becoming acquainted with the software, we gained a significantly better understanding on how to approach design challenges with our end user mind. Simple things such as altering the material had an impact which must be accounted for. Lucky for us, color tends to not make as big of a difference – which be a vital factor when we approach our final prototype.
At the end of class, we delved deeper into exploring our project’s themes, insights and guiding questions. We came to the conclusion that we will really need to hone in on how wheelchairs would want to customize their chair. The ability to customize exists, but we need to find out which accessories will bring them the most joy.
Nonetheless, once the design challenge is worked through, we realized that creating awareness about the products will be a huge challenge. A useful or desired accessory is useless if the target users do not know about its existence. Our challenge, became very 2 sided, as merely creating it will not bring the results we desire to see. We will need to effectively market and inform the users about the accessory if we aspire to make a meaningful impact.
Michal,
I think this week was definitely refreshing and exciting. Learning Fusion 360 was a pretty exciting experience. I have CAD experience, but it’s in another software called Solidworks. Its alot more complex. I think as a introductory software to new users Fusion is a great alternative seeing how simple and easy to catch on it is. I also think the conclusions you and your group made from the how to exercise were very beneficial. I think once you guys deeper into your market research you’ll have a more solidified viable product.
hey! I think it is super interesting how your team is already thinking about marketing. I think essentially if your product creates joy and customization to any user, they will be their best advocate when they use it as others will be able to see it on their wheelchair. I think the more interviews you do to see what people want, the marketing will become more clear.