Brainstorming Process
Our brainstorming process came to life on a Padlet wall, where we were able to post our ideas. This is the link to the page we used.
Selection Process
We used this classification scheme to help organize our ideas. By putting together different concepts of each function, we are able to model some possible designs.
Concept Drawings
These sketches indicate the basic plans for each potential model of the longboard.
The first has an interchangeable battery, two motors, drive belts, and a remote with a roller for speed control. The second drawing has a larger battery pack, a hub motor (motor is inside the wheel), and is controlled by a smart phone application. The third drawing has a battery in a backpack for extended range, a geared motor, and the remote has five preset speed options. |
Using a Decision Matrix
We used the table to the right to help us determine which option is the most plausible. We came up with five criteria: ease of manufacturing, cost, range, speed, and ease of carry, and assigned each criteria a weight, determining its relative importance. We then rated each design on a scale from one to ten, with five being the average quality of available designs, one being the absolute low and ten being the best. These ratings were multiplied by the weights and then added together for each model, giving us a total that suggests best overall value.
We did not evaluate on certain criteria that could be important in the end but that we are unsure of how to rate at this point, such as durability. Design one received the highest score, with the interchangeable battery, dual motors, drive belts, and a controller with a roller for speed. This will be the design we pursue as we begin the prototyping process, though of course we will be open to changing certain components to achieve the best possible outcome. For example, we may look into other options for the battery pack, as model three received higher scores on range. |