CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENTFor SubmissionCreativity and Innovation (BM006-3.5-2)(BM006-3.5-2)

Executive Summary

Umbrella is not only used during rain its also used on a daily basis in countries which has hot weather. While using the umbrella in hot weather it still does not give you comfort around the surrounding heat condition. In this assignment I have come up with an umbrella with an embedded fan in it where it will give a constant breeze to the user. This breeze will let the users walk around with umbrella with much more comfort regardless the heat around them.By using a solar powered fan which store energy in AAA batteries I thought why not use that extra energy for some other use. So I came up with the idea of a implementing a USB port within the handle which can be used for charging.When you have a USB port it open doors to other options as well. There are lot of devices which are powered by USB these days like the USB Cooler or USB Warmer which is already in the market.This lead to increase in price of the base product. Which is why I came up with the idea to make the umbrella modular. So it can fit everyones needs. So it became an umbrella which can customized to the users needs.The main target of this product will be warm weather countries and as well technological interested people.

Table of ContentsExecutive Summary2Part 15Problem Statement5Competitor Analysis5Objective Statement6Part 26Mind Map6Force Fitting Trigger8Advantages9Disadvantages9Attribute Listing9Advantages10Disadvantages10Part 311Product concept description11Product Description12Availability of Purchase12Features12Functions13Frequency of Use13Price14Technologies14Part 415Market Analysis15Part 516Force Field Analysis16Outcome16Recommendations for Improvement17Conclusion18References19Part 621Appendices21

Part 1 Problem Statement

People use umbrellas to get shelter from rain and as well as the hot sun. In a hot day even though you are carrying an umbrella and if there is no nice breeze it will still makes you sweat and feel the heat waves coming from the roads and the surroundings.

Competitor Analysis

The 2 companies Yanko Designs and Shiu Yuk Yuen are competitor for my product since both uses uniqueness and technologies in their umbrella. The umbrella are available to buy from online.Company Name : YANKO DESIGNSSHIU YUK YUEN

ProductAir Umbrella

(Park, 2010)Eco Brolly (Yuen, 2008)

UniquenessBattery PoweredPortableUser Air to Protect from RainUse Recycle paper or plasticPortable

TechnologyHigh Speed air pumpingBattery poweredLight weightEnvironment Friendly

LimitationNeed to be chargedLightweight aluminum

Objective Statement

The purpose of the umbrella is to provide user with a technological umbrella where the user can have a nice breeze while walking in the sun as well as use it to satisfy other need.Part 2

Mind Map

Mind map is thinking technique which helps you to analyze, synthesize, comprehend and generate new ideas in a structured form (litemind.com, 2013)

Outcomes

Outcome 1: Aluminium+RM180+40inch+battery+hot countries + oval + charger + blueOutcome 2: Pink + Polyester Fabric+ RM180+ 35Inc+Battery+Young+Squar+Mp3Outcome 3: Black + Polyester Fabric+ RM200 + 43Inch + Solar + Hot Countries + Round + FanOutcome 4: White + Aluminum + RM200 + 40 Inch + Solar + Geeks + Square + cooler

Evaluation

The best outcome from the above design techniques is outcome 3. It will create a Black colored umbrella with round shape and water proof polyester fabric which will cost about RM180. As a power source using solar panel to power the fan and can be targeted for Hot Countries where the sun is shining bright. These feature are a reliable and a realistic implemented umbrella

Advantages and Disadvantages

AdvantagesDisadvantages

Easy to organize your thoughtsFor logical thinking people difficult to understand

Easy to recall more informationNot suitable for recording more messy forms of creative idea due to its structure

Easy to Examine your ideas.those who didnt took part in the creation of a mind map find it difficult to understand

Help you make a better decision easily

Force Fitting Trigger

Force fitting trigger is a technique which users people minds to spark off ideas. By using unrelated object to the problem. To do this technique a user is required to get pictures or drawing of well-known object and take down notes on which each picture or object represents. (Proctor, 2009)

Camel

Flex Keyboard

Rubix Cube

SunTechnologyComplex

HeatUSBColorful

TravelFlexibleModule

SandPortableToy

WaterUniqueSpeed

OutcomesOutcome 1: Water + Unique + ToyOutcome 2: Travel + Technology + ModuleOutcome 3: Heat + Portable + ColorfulOutcome 4: Travel + USB + Complex

Evaluation

The best outcome from the above design techniques is outcome 2. An umbrella which is able to use while travelling which is combined with technology and modules which helps you on the way in more ways than 1.

Advantages and Disadvantages

AdvantagesDisadvantages

Use different unrelated pictures to trigger new ideasNot all triggered ideas are usable

Different types of attributes can be combinedAttributes of each picture is limited

Hard to get attributes related

Attribute Listing

Attribute listing is technique which focus ones mind on the main attributes or the problem of an object and brainstorm on these main attributes or problems to creates its different outcomes (Godar & Ferris, 2004)FeaturesPower SourceConnectivityShapeWeight

FanAAA BatteryUSBSquare500g

CoolerSolar PanelBluetoothOval800g

USB ChargeLithium BatteryWi-FiRound900g

Outcomes

Outcome 1: Fan + Solar Panel + Round + 800g = An Umbrella with a fan which is solar powered round shape with a weight of 800gOutcome 2: Cooler + AAA Battery + Square + 500g = An Umbrella with cooling feature which is powered by AAA battery square shaped with a weight of 500gOutcome 3: USB Charger + Lithium Battery + USB = An Umbrella with USB Charger which is powered by Lithium Battery connectivity with USB

Evaluation

The best outcome for the above is outcome 1. Which is an umbrella which has the feature of a fan to cool you when the weather is hot and powered by sun using solar panel so no extra charging is required with a round shape or round which umbrellas normally have and a weight of 800g. All these feature fit for a daily use umbrella.

Advantages and Disadvantages

AdvantagesDisadvantages

Easy to improvement over complicated productsAmount of time required

Good technique to be combined with other methods like brainstorming.Limited creative thinking

Useful with physical objectsWen doing in teams people get easily bored due to time consuming

Highly balanced style

Part 3Product concept description

Product Description

This unique umbrellas is designed to give a nice breeze while walking in the sun. The shade itself does not give you a breeze while walking in the sun with an umbrella. So I have designed an umbrella with solar powered so that no recharge is required. And also if there is a power source why not use it for other functions as well. The power source also eliminates some of the limitation of the competitive umbrellas which uses rechargeable batteries to be charged frequently. By using solar panel it also considered as an environmental friendly product. The weight of the umbrella will be balanced and if the fan is on the user will feel that the umbrella is a bit light while caring it. Some of the key function and feature are listed below.

Availability of Purchase

This umbrella will be available to the Middle East countries and the countries with hot climate around the world. The first launch of this product can be in India and Sri Lanka were a lots of people carry umbrellas to be covered from sun due to the heat. If the product is a good success can be expanded to other countries with hot climate like Maldives, Malaysia and countries which are near the equator. Additional modules will be added depending on the Market needs. And also this umbrella will target most of the technical gadget lovers. Different modules can be available for different regions depending on the cultural requirements.

FeaturesDefault features with the basic purchase is as below Foldable flexible fan which can be foldable Solar powered USB port to charge Phone AAA rechargeable battery to store solar power Safety net from the fanExtended modules are sold separate due to the price increase of the base product. These include the following features Cup holder Cup cooler/heater Mp3 support Types of handles Self-stand or hand module for the top Backup versionAdditional modules can be created with the customers feedback and requirements.

Functions

The basic function of the umbrella will be the foldable flexible fan which gives the nice breeze like a USB table fan which is commonly used with the computer. The safety net will provide safety from the rotating fan for accidently touching the blades whiles its spinning. Dont need to recharge since its can use the power solar power to be recharged. But if needed be that all batteries are drained out user have the option to charge with a charger or replace the battery with new batteries. Phones iPod or other USB devices can be recharged with the implemented USB port which is in the handles. This will be using the solar energy.

Frequency of Use

This umbrella can be used during hot weather and rain as well. So the umbrella will be used very common during afternoons and rainy days.

Price

Price is calculated by dividing the umbrella common parts like solar fabric, canopy, fan, frame and the batteries.Cost of the canopy and the frame will be estimated at RM40, AAA Rechargeable battery set around RM20, Flexible solar panel cost is around RM60, Flexible fan cost is around RM20 and the cost of production per umbrella will be around another RM30.So the total cost of basic umbrella will be estimated around RM150-190.Addition modules will be sold and charged separately.Cooler/Warmer estimated at RM80Self-stand modules estimated at RM20MP3 Module estimated at RM10-60 depending on how much storage needed.Backpack handle estimated at RM30Different shapes of handle estimated at RM10-50 depending on the style.

Technologies

The main technologies used in the umbrella will be the solar powered fan and also the rechargeable batteries which are charged from the solar as well. The other technology used will be the USB port one of the most commonly used port in Technological fields. By using this port and function future expansion can be implemented in the umbrella. The modular function allows the technical users to be more creative and allows them to innovate the umbrella even further for their own requirements.

Part 4

Market AnalysisGenderMale and FemaleProduct is designed for male and female since technology is not only loved by a specific gender

Age GroupBetween 18-40 years oldThis product will be popular among young people since it has MP3 and cooler fan technologically can be expended over time with new modules

Purchasing Power (RM)RM4000 and above The recommended range is because of the technologies included its relatively expense compared to normal umbrella

OccupationThis product is for adults and people with technology interest

CountryGeographically is mostly recommended with countries with hot climates. Mostly all the countries which is near the equators like (Maldives, India, Africa, Arab Countries and Malaysia)

Part 5

Force Field Analysis

Force Field Analysis is a technique that shows entire view of restricting factors and derives factors for idea.

Before recommendationRestricting Factors

weight (-5)

Cannot leave at any place (-3)

Price (-2)

warranty (-2)

Not Feasible for Thunder storms (-2)

Derived Factors

Uses a solar fabric (+3)

Automatically recharge with solar (+4)

Additional Modules available (+5)

Easy to use (+2)

Can charge phones (+2)

Fan Umbrella

Outcome

Restricting Factor: - 5 - 3 - 2 - 2 - 2 = -14Derived Factor: 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 14Total Score of the Diagram = 0After doing FFA the products gets a total score of 0.

Recommendations for Improvement

After conducting interview with lectures a few recommendation were made.1- Is to reduce weight of the umbrella while carrying.2- Include warranty on the product since it has electronics.Addressing the above limitation to reduce the weigh while carrying the umbrella, I have included a RPM (Rotation per minute) adjustable button for the fan. This can control the speed which the fan can rotate. This will not be much reduction on weight but still the user will feel a bit lightweight while carrying the umbrella with a higher RPM. Initially umbrella has no warranty so as per recommendation I have decided to sell the umbrella with 2 years of warranty.

After recommendationRestricting Factors

weight (-3)

Cannot leave at any place (-3)

Price (-2)

warranty (+2)

Not Feasible for Thunder storms (-2)

Derived Factors

Uses a solar fabric (+3)

Automatically recharge with solar (+4)

Additional Modules available (+5)

Easy to use (+2)

Can charge phones (+2)

Fan Umbrella

Outcome

Restricting Factor: - 3 - 3 - 2 + 2 - 2 = -8Derived Factor: 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 14Total Score of the Diagram = + 6After making the recommended changes the value of weigh and warranty has changed. Now the total FFA score for the product is a + 6.

Conclusion

The Umbrella is unique in feature and design. An umbrella with a fan will be acceptable with the societies with hot weather very easily. The competitors will have a hard time competing with a product that can evolve with new technologies and new design which may come into the market.

Referencescourseware change2 IT, 2010. Disadvantages of Mind Mapping. [Online] Available at: http://multitrain.fh-joanneum.at/courses/mod3/modul_3.3_T09.html[Accessed 20 July 2013].Godar, S. H. & Ferris, S. P., 2004. Virtual and Collaborative Teams: Process, Technologies and Practice. - ed. United States of America: Idea Group Publishing.HubPages Inc, 2013. 4 Advantages of Mind Mapping. [Online] Available at: http://troym.hubpages.com/hub/4-Advantages-of-Mind-Mapping[Accessed 01 August 2013].litemind.com, 2013. What is Mind Mapping?. [Online] Available at: http://litemind.com/what-is-mind-mapping/[Accessed 1 August 2013].Morgan, M., 1993. Creating Workforce Innovation: Turning Individual Creativity Into Organizational Innovation. illustrated ed. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, Limited.Park, J. S., 2010. Try Air To Stay Dry. [Online] Available at: http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/01/12/try-air-to-stay-dry/[Accessed 20 July 2013].Proctor, T., 2009. Creative Problem Solving for Managers: Developing skills for decision making and innovation. 3rd Edition ed. Canada: Routledge.Rawlinson, G. & Straker, D., 2011. How to Invent (Almost) Anything. - ed. s.l.:David Straker and Graham Rawlinson.Treffinger, D. J., 2008. Educational Leadership. [Online] Available at: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/summer08/vol65/num09/Preparing-Creative-and-Critical-Thinkers.aspx#toolbox[Accessed 20 July 2013].Yuen, S. Y., 2008. SHIUDESIGN. [Online] Available at: http://shiuyukyuen.com/eco%20brolly.html[Accessed 20 July 2013].

Part 6

Appendices

tp03177 - Ibrahim Irufan4