Week 1-Lecture 4 : User Centred Helmet Design by Prof. B. K. Chakravarthy Part 2

Summary

The script details the innovative design process of a collapsible helmet, emphasizing user-centric features like ease of storage, wearability, and ventilation. It discusses the evolution from initial concepts to the final product, addressing challenges in materials, structural integrity, and user perception. The narrative includes expert feedback, prototyping, and the importance of an ecosystem for successful innovation, ultimately leading to a helmet that meets both functional and aesthetic criteria.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The design process focused on the 'Ease of Storage' and 'Ease of Use' clusters, integrating multiple ideas to create innovative helmet concepts.
• 🏆 A 'receding idea' was chosen as the champion for its slim design, which could be compressed for storage by pressing and pushing the cells inside.
• 🎖️ The 'Ease of Use' concept was selected for its simplicity, allowing the helmet to be worn like a cap and easily fastened.
• 🔍 Initial expert feedback criticized the broken appearance of the helmet, suggesting a redesign to appear stronger and hide the breakage when not in use.
• 🔧 Dr. Dinesh Mohan's input led to a rework of the design to a two-part receding mechanism, improving the structural integrity and user perception.
• 🤔 A student-professor conversation highlighted the counterintuitive nature of a snug-fitting helmet being more protective due to better shock absorption.
• 🛠️ The first working rig was created using existing helmet parts to demonstrate the collapsible functionality, though not aesthetically pleasing.
• 🎨 Aesthetic considerations were addressed with the development of a mockup that showed the final form and style of the helmet, crucial for maintaining design intent.
• 👷‍♂️ The Shenoy Innovation Studio took the project further with experienced designers and engineers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the user persona for the helmet.
• 🌬️ Ventilation was a key feature, with the design including an adjustable clamping system and vents for effective air circulation.
• 🛡️ The final design incorporated various components like a visor, gasket, and buckles, with considerations for manufacturing techniques and material selection.

Q & A

What is the main concept behind the 'Ease of Storage' idea for the helmet?

The 'Ease of Storage' concept involves a helmet design that can be compressed to become very slim for easy storage. It was developed by combining the 'receding idea' and the idea of pressing and pushing cells inside to narrow the helmet's profile.

How did the 'Ease of Use' concept evolve in the design process?

The 'Ease of Use' concept evolved from the initial ideas by focusing on a design that is easy to wear, like a cap, which can be pushed down. The design was further refined to address issues such as large gaps in the net and to improve the overall fit and functionality of the helmet.

What was the initial expert feedback on the helmet design with a break in it?

The initial expert feedback was negative, with experts describing the helmet as 'horrible' and expressing concerns that a broken design would not be perceived as strong or protective.

How did the design team address the issue of the helmet appearing broken?

The design team reworked the design to make it a two-part receding helmet, hiding the gap and making the break less visible, thus addressing the perception issue raised by the experts.

What is the significance of the 'working rig' in the development process?

The 'working rig' is an early prototype made from existing helmet parts to demonstrate the functionality of the collapsing helmet. It is not aesthetically pleasing but serves to show how the helmet works in its collapsed state.

What is the importance of the 'photo realistic rendering' in the final presentation?

The 'photo realistic rendering' is crucial as it shows the actual shape, form, and style of the helmet. It helps in conveying the design intent clearly and ensures that the final product matches the initial design vision.

Why is the persona of an office-going person significant in the design process?

The persona of an office-going person is significant because it represents the largest population of two-wheeler users who face the most problems related to helmet usage. Understanding this persona helps in tailoring the helmet design to meet their specific needs.

What are the key features of the helmet that were considered during the detailing phase?

Key features considered during the detailing phase include an elastic strap with no buckling, vents for ventilation, an adjustable clamping system for a snug fit, and rubber detailing to prevent water ingress while allowing the helmet to collapse.

What challenges did the design team face with the thermocol material in the helmet?

The design team faced challenges with the thermocol material, such as ensuring it had sufficient strength without straight cuts that could weaken the helmet. They also had to manage the complexity of the overlapping sections to maintain structural integrity.

How did the design team approach the issue of strapping the helmet together?

The design team explored multiple options for strapping the helmet, considering how the top shell and bottom shell would connect, and how the straps would be attached for a secure fit. This process involved extensive brainstorming and prototyping.

What materials were considered for the final design of the helmet?

The final design considered materials such as expanded polystyrene (thermocol) for the shells, polycarbonate or ABS for the plastic parts, and EPDM or polyurethane for the gasket. The visor was considered to be made of a transparent material that could be easily integrated with the helmet.