2.1. Case Study: Collapsible Travel Cup

Field observations at a university cafeteria revealed students juggling hot drinks while carrying textbooks. Interviews highlighted spills and the inconvenience of discarded cups.

In this first stage, the goal is to understand the experiences of users. The situation was observed in a university cafeteria where students were seen having trouble managing hot drinks alongside their textbooks. This behavior indicates that carrying both items could lead to spills, which was confirmed through interviews where students expressed dissatisfaction about the mess created by disposable cups. This helps in identifying genuine user needs, which is crucial for creating a relevant solution.

Imagine trying to hold a hot cup of coffee while also balancing a stack of books. You might spill your drink if you shift your balance even slightly. This situation illustrates the importance of understanding user experiences before designing a solution.

HMW question: “How might we design a travel cup that collapses to pocket size when empty, stays leak-proof, and provides a safe grip for hot liquids?”

The Define stage transforms the insights gathered during the Empathize stage into a clear problem statement. In this case, the problem was framed into an HMW (How Might We) question to guide the design process. The focus here was to create a travel cup that is portable, prevents leaks, and is easy to hold while keeping liquids hot. This clear articulation of the problem ensures that all further steps in the design process are aligned towards solving the specified challenges.

Think about how a puzzle works – each piece needs to fit together to complete the picture. The HMW question is like finding that special piece that clarifies the bigger picture of what the design should achieve.

Teams proposed telescoping sections, silicone accordion bodies, and integrated handles. Sketches included twist-lock mechanisms and heat-insulating sleeves.

During the Ideate stage, creativity flows as participants brainstorm ideas without filtering them. Various concepts were generated, such as a travel cup that could telescope or features that allow it to fold like an accordion made of silicone. This brainstorming stage encourages imaginative solutions and visual representations through sketches, which helps visualize how practical and innovative features could be integrated into the final product.

It's like brainstorming for a school project where everyone tosses out ideas – some might be wild or unrealistic, but that's how you find the gems that lead to a great final product.

Low-fidelity models used silicone sheets and wireframes to test folding action. Leak tests conducted with water and color dye.

In the Prototype stage, the ideas from the previous phase are turned into physical models to evaluate their feasibility. The team created simple prototypes using inexpensive materials like silicone and wire to test how well the collapsibility worked. They also conducted leak tests to ensure that the design would function effectively in real-world conditions. This stage is about learning through making, enabling the designers to discover any potential issues early in the development process.

Think of a chef trying out a new recipe. They might make a smaller batch to see how the flavors blend before making it in larger quantities. Prototyping similarly allows designers to test and tweak their concepts without a huge commitment.

Students carried prototypes for a day; feedback noted that the twist-lock rattled and grip areas needed texture.

The Test stage is crucial as it allows the designers to gather user feedback from real interactions with the prototypes. By using the prototypes throughout the day, they were able to identify issues such as a rattling mechanism and the need for better grip textures. This stage is all about observation and evaluation, gathering insight and adjusting designs based on user experiences and feedback.

Imagine borrowing a friend's bike to see if it fits you well. You'd pay attention to how it feels—are the brakes responsive? Is the seat comfortable? Similarly, testing prototypes helps to refine the design based on actual user experiences.

Final model used non-slip silicone ridges and a bayonet lock—now sold by multiple outdoor brands.

The final stage highlights the transformation of the ideas and feedback into a finished product. The issues identified in testing were addressed, resulting in a product with features like non-slip silicone ridges for a better grip and a bayonet lock for secure closure. This clear outcome illustrates how listening to user feedback and iterating designs can lead to a successful product that solves real problems.

Consider a video game developer who launches an initial version and then releases updates based on player feedback. Each update improves the game, just as each iteration in the design process helped refine the final travel cup.

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