Week 2: Key Functional Prototype
Group: Hillary, Steph, Lizzy
We spent some more time sorting out some more concerns with our suction cup and strap prototype. The problem is figuring out where our device was going to latch on to in the interior of the boat, because the boat is solid at the ends.
The only way to really figure out if our prototype is applicable is to test it on a real boat. Our next best option behind CRI was Butler Boathouse, so we walked over there and tried to get our hands on a single. The Boathouse was closed so I jumped the fence and tried it on a boat that was outside.
Our skepticism proved to be true; the boat was solid at the very ends where Joanna would be carrying the boat. So we tried to see if the device would work on the side of the boat that would be on the shoulder. This felt pretty solid to keep the boat balanced but we thought that if the suction was on the side of the boat not on my shoulder with the straps going around the boat, it would be even more secure.
By putting the straps around the boat and the suction on the other side, it felt more secure and I was less worried having my hands free. However, it was more difficult to put on and took longer to adjust the strap around my torso. All in all, we were satisfied with the fact that even though our original idea for the prototype fell through, we were able to adapt and figure out a way to make it work and improve it without completely throwing it out.
Our next step would be to find a better suction, find / make better material for the strap for comfort / ease, and make a trip to CRI to test it while carrying an actual boat.
I like how you were persistent in trying to test your prototype on an actual boat! It definitely shows your passion for your project, which is super admirable. It was awesome to read about your changing ideas and seeing you all adapt to challenges. I wonder if adding padding or something to make the strap more comfortable would affect how the strap stays in place with the pressure of the boat (i.e. would it make the strap more slippery/cause it to move)?