Due to the weather condition, we did a online session with the Milestone Labs and Professor Vishal. We used this program called Zoom and it was a enlightening experience for each group and it changed my mind in approaching our project.
I really loved how Milestone guided us through making our project step by step. Today, we went through ideation which I feel like it’s one of the most key steps when it comes to designing. As an industrial designer, we were told that the best design is when we have achieved to fulfill the needs of our target audience. Products that looks aesthetic and has no purpose is a terrible design because no one will use them. So, I really love how Milestone pushed us to collaborate between our groups through activities to clarify our target audience and project scope. Our group mostly focused on the need of the user and the feasibility that comes out from it.
With the help of Milestone Labs, we came to a conclusion to make a knee cap for people who are using prosthetic legs. We discussed that most prosthetic legs that have knee caps or protect them are four times more expensive than the ones without it. And with the help of our mentor, Jenna, we will further explore to minimize the cost and weight of the cap, so other people will be able to use it as well. This way, our product will be sustainable in the business as well.
Thanks to the online seminar, I feel like our group is much more confident going into week 4. Our mentor Jenna will help us figure out the dimensions of her prosthetic leg and try out our prototypes to find the best model. We will make 3d models of the buckle that goes around the knee, but we will try to make the cap using other cushion materials.
Hey Jae,
I really agree with you that the human-centered factors are what makes up a good design. Like we learned in Dr. McDonagh’s class, empathy is such an important thing to have in design as the best designs come from simple solutions to help better people’s lives.
I think the knee cap sounds like a really cool idea! I’ll be excited to see how your group continues to explore this area further.