Proposal


 * Hypothesis** - For assignment two our group has decided to complete a redesign of a socket wrench, called the //Easy-wrench//. This redesign will look at various aspects of traditional wrenches, including design and usability, in order to make the //Easy-wrench// product better and more accessible for all individuals. Research will determine how and why the needs of various groups of consumers are not being met . The audience of the //Easy-wrench// is broad, though the design of the //Easy-wrench// will especially benefit people with arthritis, limited motion, height restrictions, and people working in tight areas. Key design features will include a rotating angle where socket pieces are placed, a telescoping handle, and a contoured, ergonomic handle. By including these features in the design and visualization of the //Easy-wrench//, a wide range of users will be able see how the //Easy-wrench// can assist them.


 * Theoretical Concepts -** The design of the //Easy-wrench// will take into consideration the principles of mapping, feedback, aesthetics, and usability (learnability and flexibility). These principles will serve as a guide in the analysis and redesign process of the tool. Creating the 3D model will allow for any potential issues with the design to be resolved by defining the spatial characteristics of the //Easy-wrench//, thus, allowing for adjustments in the design. Various aspects of design, such as texture, size, and shape are best demonstrated by using 3D modeling. The 3D model will communicate the principles of mapping and feedback in the function of the tool, which will serve as a perception of usability in the design. The usability of the //Easy-wrench// should increase the ease of learnability since the design will capture and reuse user's existing knowledge of the original tool. The flexibility of the redesign prototype will allow for greater generalization for the uses of the tool in various demonstrated contexts. The development of the design in 3D should narrow and refine aspects of the tool, bridging the execution and evaluation stage of the design. By animating the //Easy-wrench// 3D model moving in comparison to a background image, and by using appropriate lighting and color contrast, designers will be able to evaluate how the //Easy-wrench// interacts with different environments.


 * Group Roles** - The skills possessed by each member of the group, Laura, Adam, and Jay, complement each other and will allow for efficient management of the project. Each group member will be assigned a specific role, akin to their specialty, and will receive support for that aspect of the product redesign from the other group members. By sharing roles in this way each group member practices their specialties and develops other skills relevant to course objectives. The project roles are defined as follows:

//Laura// - Product design and 3D modeling //Adam// - Writing, editing, and product presentation //Jay// - Market research, theoretical foundations, and product logistics

In accordance with these roles, Laura will design and model the //Easy-wrench// in Adobe Photoshop CS4, preparing the final product animation for presentation. Adam will write and edit supporting materials for the animation, and will create and lead the presentation to the class. Jay will conduct research on current designs and will direct Laura on how course concepts can be better integrated into the product design, along with logistics related to the product (dimensions, material, etc...).


 * Product Deliverables** - The final deliverables for the //Easy-wrench// design will consist of an animation and a PowerPoint presentation with supporting images. The animation will be created in Adobe Photoshop CS4 and will be saved as a movie file. The animation will include the 3D modeled //Easy-wrench// moving about a bolt in a hard to reach place, such as under the hood of a car, which will be demonstrated by a background image. The relationship between the background image and the movement of the wrench will allow designers and possible buyers to get an idea of the spatial characteristics of the //Easy-wrench//. The PowerPoint presentation will include our research objectives, our findings, the product animation, and alternative product images. The alternative product images will present the easy-wrench in a variety of contexts, since it can be used for various functions in various places.

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