INSTRUCTOR PROBLEMS
Problem 3.58
For a ball-point pen,
(a) Identify and suggest a design concept to improve one unappealing feature.
(b) Develop five concepts for a similar competitive product with evolutionary improvements.
(c) Develop three revolutionary redesigns.
Problem 3.59
Use brainstorming to develop concepts for putting on shoes.
Problem 3.60
Determine suitable intellectual property protections or other strategies for the following items:
(a) A manufacturing process for a new shape of pasta
(b) A recipe for a carbonated drink
(c) A coffee cup with a new retail logo
(d) Software that uses a new algorithm for weather prediction
Problem 3.61
Describe the difference between design objectives and constraints.
Problem 3.62
Bouncy, Inc. designs exercise equipment and is planning to develop a new device to be used while watching
television or using a computer. The general concept chosen is a modular weight system that can be attached to wrists
and ankles. The weight can be adjusted to suit the user. The specifications include a mass range from 1 to 10 kg in 1-kg
increments. The users wrist diameter will range from 20 to 60 cm. The users ankle diameter will range from 40 to 80
cm.
(a) Develop a set of concepts to implement the system. There must be at least five concepts that would work. Omit concepts
that are not practical.
(b) Rank the concepts and recommend a first choice and a backup concept.
(c) Develop a conceptual design. Create a rough budget and materials list. Each major component should be listed.
Problem 3.63
Farmers in Nicaragua grow coffee beans in large enough quantities to sell. Unfortunately they do not produce
enough to attract international buyers. A local buyer purchases the beans below market value from many farmers and
collects them into a larger batch that can be sold to international buyers. The farmers would be able to make more
money if they were able to sell directly to international buyers, retailers, or customers. Develop concepts that would
achieve this objective. They may be a combination of business and technology approaches.
Problem 3.64
Design a coffee maker that uses green beans, ready for roasting. Green coffee beans must be processed in a
number of steps before they become a cup of coffee. The core steps of the process are (a) pick the berry, (b) remove the
beans, (c) clean and polish, (d) sort into grades, (e) age, (f) roast, (g) grind, (h) add hot water, and (i) remove the grinds
from the coffee. Some consumers choose to grind the beans themselves. It is rare for a consumer to roast their coffee
beans. Develop concepts for a coffee maker that will accept whole green beans and then roast, grind, and brew the
coffee in a single machine.
Problem 3.65
List five things people may say to sabotage brainstorming.