The ID-752 Product Prototyping course this year has been a game-changer, offering us  invaluable insights into real-world challenges and providing opportunities to apply our knowledge from other courses like Agile principles and Design thinking as well. Each project spanned a sprint of four weeks, during which we delved deep into critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation.

 

Clinic in a Can:
In our debut project with Clinic in a Can, we dove headfirst into the challenge of creating a Sub-zero water system that can help these mobile clinics withstand any kind of harsh weather situation. Kicking things off with an eye-opening visit to Clinic in a Can with our professor Mr Doug Stucky, we soaked up insights during expert interviews, laying the groundwork for what was to come.

Our brainstorming sessions were electric, with sketches flying and ideas bouncing off the walls. Guided by our top notch facilitators Maggie Koops and Jared, we navigated the twists and turns of ideation, refining our concepts with each iteration. It was a real melting pot of creativity, with everyone bringing their unique spin to the table.

As our ideas began to come together, we found ourselves amazed by the variety of solutions we had come up with. From flexible water containers to clever gravity-based piping systems, the possibilities seemed endless. We even explored the potential of utilizing cutting-edge insulation materials to enhance the system's efficiency in sub-zero conditions.

When it came time to present our innovations, the experts at Clinic in a Can were blown away by our ingenuity. We showcased not only our finalized concepts but also detailed simulations, 3D printed models and prototypes, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of our proposed solutions.
As we wrapped up the project, there was this undeniable feeling of confidence and achievement that swept over us. We'd faced our fair share of challenges and uncertainties, but we came out the other side feeling stronger than ever. From those hesitant first steps to confidently pushing forward, our journey showed just how powerful teamwork and thinking outside the box can be.

Blake Clotia:
Our second project, in collaboration with furniture organization Blake Clotia, posed an intriguing challenge: The HMW (How might we) statement for this project was HMW design furniture that can fit multiple spaces and environments to reduce the number of shapes and
sizes necessary to serve all customers?

Unlike our previous endeavor, this project offered a blank canvas, devoid of constraints, allowing for the exploration of user-centric, heirloom-quality furniture with futuristic designs. Naaman Ritchie, our expert and Jess Madison from Blake Clotia, enlightened us on their mission to create furniture that's both user-centric and forward-thinking in design. In addition, the experts suggested minimizing assembly requirements for users, ensuring ease of shipping and assembly.

Under the expert guidance of our instructor, Mr. Doug Stucky, we embarked on navigating the complexities of the problem statement. Using our Assumptions and Questions grid from Design Thinking, we gained a solid foothold in approaching this multifaceted project with confidence.
As the weeks progressed, through countless iterations, sketches, and invaluable user feedback, a number of solutions began to emerge. From revamped bedside tables to groundbreaking multifunctional furniture systems, and even innovations tailored to specific user personas, each student brought their expertise and inspiration to the table.

During the final presentation, the experts from Blake Clotia were astounded by the breadth and uniqueness of our ideas, offering valuable feedback to our models. This project proved to be a transformative learning experience, challenging us to step out of our comfort zones and create something of value, despite our initial lack of expertise in the field.

 

WAVE ICT:
Our third project was a complete departure from the previous two, focusing on revolutionizing the concert experience at the WAVE ICT venue using AI. Initially, we were all taken aback by the enormity of the challenge – the potential to completely transform someone's live concert experience with just one groundbreaking idea was both thrilling and daunting.

Since we were living in the midst of an AI revolution, where traditional work patterns are being rediscovered and reshaped, the excitement about this project among our classmates was solid. As a team, we immersed ourselves in researching the latest advancements in AI and how they could be applied to enhance our city's WAVE ICT’s concert scene.

Having Dylan from Koch Industries with us in every class was a real game-changer. His insights into Koch Industries' innovative use of AI in tech industries sparked our creativity and fueled our ambition to push our boundaries. Over the course of three weeks, we delved deep into this exciting sector, refining, story-boarding and iterating on our ideas after each class.

By the end of the sprint, the breadth and depth of ideas we had generated were truly remarkable. From interactive music kiosks to community-building platforms with live crowd interaction, and even reimagining event photography to create a more immersive experience – the possibilities seemed endless. Jessie Hartke from WAVE ICT was really impressed with our diverse and innovative ideas.

Describing the impact of this course is no easy feat; it's something that must be experienced firsthand. Each project feels like unlocking a new level in a game – which is more challenging and unique by itself. And with the support of our professor, Doug Stucky’s guidance and expertise, we've learned not just what to think, but also how to think – which is what makes this course a favorite for everyone involved.