Problem Solving
Aesthetics
As the targeted consumer group are teenagers, the product should comply with trends and have vibrant colours and stand out. However, is gender neutral
As the product is intended to keep a valuable item safe and protect it from unauthorised use, therefore meaning the product should stand out in order to deter unauthorised users as the product would stand out
The product should look aesthetically pleasing in order to appear pleasing to users
Costs
In order to lower costs, create cardboard models, in order to determine and identify the optimum design and dimensions. Then manufacture the piece using the intended material. Cardboard models would be drastically cheaper than making multiple models using metals and plastics
In order to maximise profit, the materials used should be fairly cheap and she similar characteristics as the materials that are suitable for this brief
In order to lower costs, create cardboard models, in order to determine and identify the optimum design and dimensions. Then manufacture the piece using the intended material. Cardboard models would be drastically cheaper than making multiple models using metals and plastics
Another method to reduce costs would be through carrying out manufacturing processes that are cheaper than its alternatives yet serves the same end result. eg. soldering our brazing/welding
Customer
As the product is intended to lock and pitch valuable items to immovable objects, which can be classified as bikes.
Due to this the main and intended consumer group are teenagers
Product needs to be ergonomic and easy to utilise to appeal to targeted consumer/client group
The product is gender neutral, therefore meaning it could appeal to a larger client group
Electronics
As per requested by the brief, an electronic system will be inserted to aid the locking mechanism
Could alert surrounding area , if unlocked without secure method of release.
The electronics would have need to be simulated in order to test whether it will function to its intended function
Electrical components such as push to make/break switches can be used , and a PCB board containing a micro controller would be required - therefore would need large housing to fit it inside
Safety
The product must not have any sharp edges , which could possibly harm the user unintentionally, and make the product less suitable for the targeted consumer group/client.
All electronics need to be coated of be within the housing of the product, to prevent it from being exposed to the environment, where it could interfere with water or other builds and electrocute the user or destroy the electronically system
Size
The product needs to be relatively mobile, as it will be intended to be used outdoors and carried around, therefore not being too large
The interior would need to be able to fit any electrical components or PCB board , in order to prevent it from being exposed to the surrounding environment.
Function
Product must be able to lock and be able to protect valuable items by attaching it to an immovable object
The product is intended to contain a gear mechanism, which could transmit motion and provide a locking mechanism
The product also is intended to alarm the surrounding area , if it had been unlocked or compromised without secure method of release.
Materials
As the product is intended to be used outdoors, the materials used should be corrosion resistant to prevent the need for a surface finish
The materials should also be lightweight in order to make the product as lightweight as possible