Prototype 8 & protomorphing

Prototype 8

With this prototype we try to connect the prototype to the handlebar by using a slide system. The hand is attached by a cotton strap. The strap is bigger than the previous one to divide the pressure and also to protect the hand from the cold winds.  

Protomorphing:

We put double sided tape on this prototype so we can change the sort of cushion we use to absorb the shocks.

1

2

3

4

Testing:

The strap is hard to put on, but easier than the previous prototype.

It would be easier to use one big slide instead of two. It is easy to click in, but difficult to click out. The clicking noise helps. This gives auditory feedback. A slide to the side would be better than a slide to the front.

+	–
Easier than prototype 7	Strap hard to put on
Easy to click in	Difficult to click out
Clicking noise	Should use 1 slide instead of 2

  

Extra questions:

Do you want support for wrist?: no Do you want to be able to change the size of the strap?: yes

Prototype 7

Prototype 7

This prototype is to test the attachement to the hand as well as the attachement to the handlebar. 

Testing:

The strap is hard to open, but gives good support. It does not hurt as long as there is some sort of cushion. The gel feels good, but has to be everywhere. The slide system turns too much.

+	–
Cushion	Strap hard to open
Gel	Slide system turns too much

Mid-term evaluation of the prototypes so far

We were thinking about using a magnet. This has to be a very strong magnet. We weighed the front of his bike because this is the part he pulls while jumping. The front weighs about 10 kilo's.

We looked at how he places his hand on the handlebar. For us it is important to see where he excercises pressure. As you can see after only a few seconds on the bike, the print of the handlebar is already imprinted in his hand.

Conclusions:

We needed to know a few more things before we could continue prototyping. 

We for example asked if he would like the product to blend in (either with the bike or his arm) or for it to be personal. We thought about using the colors of his favorite football team, which is Anderlecht. He does not really care about the aesthetic. He prioritizes the functionallity. But when possible, he prefers the product to blend in with the bike. 

Sander added a demand to the list of demands. He would like the product to be closed so that it is windproof. When the temperature is lower than 20 degrees, he does not like to bike because the cold wind hurts his hand. He never used gloves and does not want to start using them now.

Sander's hand is really sensitive and therefore he would like to have some sort of cushion or gel.

Sander told us he used to mountainbike before the accident. He likes to ride at the Kluisbos, Muziekbos and in the Ardennen.

For next time it is important that we make prototypes that are more firm so that they can actually be tested. For Sander it is important to feel and experience.