Part A: Design Problem: A problem that I will attempt to solve is the probability of survival of a stranded outdoorsman. As an individual who enjoys going on day hiking trips, a common problem I face is deciding what is needed to pack for my hike. Going on a day trip entails that the individual preparing for an activity only plans to be on the trails for one specific day. This would cause them to exclude items such as a tent to maximize the efficiency of their activity. Packing a tent for a day trip adds unnecessary weight to the load the outdoorsman must carry, as well as takes up space that could be used for other materials more useful to the activity. A problem arises when an individual is stranded in the elements without proper tools to assist with their survival in an uncomfortable situation. Without a tent, an individual would be exposed without any protection from the surrounding environment. I started my investigation on the internet to try and find any existing products that solve the problem of stranded day hikers, skiers, bikers, etc. First, I found the suggested survival tools for a day trip. Out of all the tools suggested, a tent was not one of them. I then searched for existing products that combined a tent with a backpack. In this search, I was unable to find any products that combine the two products. This would mean that a tent would be necessary to purchase separate to a day hiking pack. This led me to search both of these products, and compare the size of the backpacks to the size and weight of the tents. When I searched day hiking backpacks, I was able to find a variety of different products. The average price of these packs is $83. The average available space in the backpacks is 1550 cubic inches. When searching for solo camping tents, the average price I found was $98. The average space taken up is 518 cubic inches. This takes up roughly one third of the available space in the average available space in the backpacks, explaining why it is commonly excluded from the pack. Including a tent would also create a combined cost of $181; a hefty price for two important tools to an outdoorsman. After this research, I looked for any specific stories where individuals found themselves stranded in the environment. In this I was able to find multiple stories that showed the danger of making a wrong turn. This combined with the facts about the little space prove that there is a problem with the products available to outdoorsman. The lack of space when a tent is packed allows for new design opportunities that increase the space available in a hiking backpack.
Market: Day Hiking Backpacks: Volume: (Cubic Inches) Price: Patagonia Nine Trails Backpack 915 cu $79.00 Osprey Packs Talon 22 1282 cu $99.95 Burton Day Hiker 25L 1526 cu $69.95 L.L. Bean Cresta Day Backpack 1526 cu $89.95 REI Mens Lookout 40 Pack 2502 cu $75.73 Tent: Volume: (Cubic Inches) Price: Eureka Solitaire Tent 214 cu $69.94 The North Face Stormbreak 1 622 cu $128.95 Alps Mountaineering Lynx 494 cu $79.77 Cabela s Dash Solo Tent 654 cu $119.88 Mountain Summit Gear Solo 1.5 Plus Tent 605 cu $91.73 The tents and the backpacks above come from multiple different outdoor companies. All the tents were single person tents, and all the backpacks were specified to be day hiking backpacks. In this research, I was able to find the average size and price of both the products. The average available space in the backpacks was 1550 cubic inches, and the average cost was $83 dollars. The average size of the tents was 518 cubic inches, and the average cost was $98 dollars. This research led me to figuring out that the tents took up about one third of the space allowed in the backpacks, revealing the problem in day hiking packs currently on the market. After searching for products sold in outdoor stores such as Half Moon Outfitters, Mast General Store, Dicks Sporting Goods, and Outdoor World, I was able to find products similar to the ones I found in my online search for products. Each of the products had a sleek, slim look. They also had colors that were mostly dark, including black, blue, and grey. Users: Users should be in the age range from 16-30. In this age range, individuals are more likely to take part in an outdoor activity. This is due to the physical development of the people in this age range. These people fully physically developed, meaning they are capable of taking part
in all demanding physical activities. They would also be more likely to have a job, meaning they will have the money to purchase a backpack or tent by themselves. Due to the fact that the user will be taking part in strenuous activities, the products need to be light. If the product were made heavy, the user would be in a position to get a back injury. The product cannot have any parts that will agitate the user. This includes plastic parts that would dig into the user. The users would need to be in more developed countries. Specific areas would be Europe and North America. People in these locations are likely to live near parks and trails, encouraging outdoor participation. They would also be likely to have the funds to purchase a product in the range of $50 to $200. Design Brief: The product I develop will allow for a person taking part in an outdoor activity to have more room in their pack while ensuring that they have shelter in the case of an emergency. This new backpack must be light to keep the user from feeling too much physical stress while taking part in their activity. The new product must also give an individual more space to pack items they need for their activity. The price would have to have a maximum price of $150. This is slightly less than an individual would pay for both a tent and a backpack, meaning they would be encouraged to purchase the product at this price. The product must also blend in with backpacks that are currently on the market to appeal to the buyer. To solve the problem of being unprepared in a survival situation, I will design and create a product that can be used for shelter in an emergency situation without adding weight or taking up too much space. By designing a product that allows for a tent to be constructed out of the materials in a backpack, individuals will not have to worry about packing extra items for shelter. This will allow them to have room for other hiking essentials that would need to be left behind if they packed a tent. It would also provide a quick and easy way to set up an emergency shelter, rather than having to construct one from the surrounding environment. The product I create can t be more than $150 dollars. This would exceed the cost of the tents and backpacks currently on the market. The fact that this type of product has never been made before may cause skepticism among the buyers when considering purchasing the product. The price of materials to make the product may also be a limitation. The fabric used must be strong due to the fact that it will be used in an outdoor environment. This could possibly drive up the production cost of the product. Market Specifications: Target Market: The target market would be the outdoor community. This includes markets aimed at hiking, camping, biking, and skiing. Also, the product will be aimed at middle to upper class citizens. Justifications: The product is aimed to appeal to people who are commonly involved in outdoor activities. An individual who is not involved in these activities would have little use for an emergency shelter in their backpack. They would see this as an unnecessary expense, and would not purchase the product. Individuals involved in these activities are also more likely to have higher levels of income. This makes them more likely to
purchase this product than a person of lower income who would not be taking part in these activities. Target Audience: Adults ages 16-30. Market Analysis: Users- middle to upper class citizens ages 16-30 from more developed countries Market: Outdoor community, mountain activities. The product must reduce the cost of what you pay for tent and a backpack. Production costs must be less than retail price. User Need: Must be light, spacious, and durable. Market Need: Competition to this product are day hiking backpacks and solo hiking tents. There is no existing product that combines the two together. Individuals in this age range more actively involved in activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing. This means that they would be more likely to purchase the product to assist in these activities. Individuals in this age range are also more likely to understand the possibility of harm while taking part in these activities. A younger person is less likely to take into account an event that could lead to a dangerous situation, meaning they would be less likely to purchase a product that accounts for those situations. Individuals who are ages 16-30 and are involved in outdoor activities are most likely to buy this product. The cost of the product has to be less than the cost of a tent and a backpack. If it is not, individuals are more likely to just purchase an individual tent and backpack. Production cost must be fairly low to make profit in the market. The product will be used in activities like hiking, skiing, and biking. These activities can be strenuous, meaning the user will not want a heavy backpack to carry. The nature of the activities also mean the product must be durable. If it is worn easily it will hinder the activities it will be used in. The built in tent must not take up space. A potential buyer will not buy the product if it does not provide more space than an average tent and backpack. The day hiking backpacks and the solo tents are both light, but do not provide enough room when combined. The tent on average takes up one third of the available space in the backpack. The lack of a product that successfully combines the two means the market could benefit from a product that does so.
Design Specifications: Aesthetic Requirements: Needs to look like a normal backpack. Has to be offered in unisex colors. Cannot be bulky. Justifications: The product needs to blend in with the day hiking backpacks that are currently on the market. This this image will make it easier for buyers to believe that the product is effective. The colors must be unisex to appeal to all adults in the age range from 20-40 years old. The product cannot look bulky. This would make the product seem heavy and therefore not suitable for an outdoor activity. Cost Constraints: Must be under $120 Environmental Requirements: Should be made out of reusable materials. Size Constraints: Has to be large enough to fit the essentials to a day trip activity. Must allow more than two thirds of the space in the backpack for other materials. Safety Considerations: Must not have any protruding parts. Must have a safe zipping mechanism. Performance Requirements: Must be easy to assemble, light, and spacious. Must be comfortable for the user to wear. Material Requirements: Must be a light, smooth fabric. Must be durable and waterproof. If the cost exceeds this price, it will be more than the price of a tent and backpack on the current market. This will make buyers more likely to just buy a tent and backpack separate rather than purchase my product. The product will be sold to people who enjoy outdoor activities, meaning they will most likely be interested in an environmentally friendly product. By making the product out of reusable materials, this can be achieved. If the product does not provide space to fit all the essentials to a day trip as well as an emergency shelter, then the product is no different from the current products on the market. The combination of a day hiking backpack and hiking tent takes up one third of the available space in the backpack. If the new product does not reduce the space taken up, then it has failed to make an innovation to current products on the market. If a part of the product is sticking out at an awkward angle, it could possibly cause harm to the user if they were to exert force on the protruding part. It could also cause severe discomfort to the user. A safe zipping mechanism will prevent an individual getting any part of their body or clothing caught in the zipper. This would prevent possible harm to the user. If the product is not easy to assemble, the user will be dissatisfied with the product as a whole. An outdoorsman would be taking part in strenuous activity, meaning they would need a product that puts little strain on them. The strenuous activities will also cause a need for comfort. If the product is not comfortable, the target audience would not be happy with the product. A smooth light fabric will allow for the comfort of the consumer. Durable materials will keep the product from sustaining heavy wear in its use. The product must also be somewhat water resistant to protect the items inside, as well as the individual who must use the tent.
Part B: Conceptual Drawings:
Modelling: The design is not a part of the backpack itself. It is an attachable piece that includes unrolled fabric and a stiff material that wraps around the pack. It clips in the middle of the stiff material to be easily attached and detached. The stiff material will most likely be metal. It will not interfere with the functions of the pack Once detached and unfolded, the design can be easily assembled into a triangular shape. This will insure that the structure us strong. It will be open on both ends, making it easy for the user to enter. This could be harmful considering the user will still be exposed to the elements.
The design will fit in the water bottle pocket of the backpack. Most day hiking packs include water bottle pockets. This will make this useful for the user. It will have three ropes around the material to hold it in the shape of a water bottle. These will double as ties The product will take advantage of the environment to assemble a shelter it will be an emergency cover able to create a shelter. When unrolled, the design will unfold in half. This will give the user more material and space to create a shelter. These are the ropes unattached to the design
The design is able to be attached to the straps od any backpack. It fits between the users back and the back of the backpack. The straps at the top and bottom of the design will be adjustable, and able to tighten around the straps of any pack. The straps will unclip for ease of use. The two ends of the design (top and bottom) will be made out of a stiff material that can stand and support the structure. The structure will be assembled in a triangular shape. The middle fold will be the top of the structure, and will be supported by the stiff material on the two ends of the structure. This will allow easy set up and ease of use for the user. The stiff material will be added to increase soundness of structure.
The front side of this pack will have a detachable front pocket, as well as detachable straps. Both will have extra fabric on the inside that unfold once detached. Incorporating the extra fabric into the straps and front pocket will allow for more space for the user. Both will be detachable by plastic clips. The back support of the pack will also be the poles, and can be taken out when needed. The front pocket will unzip from the top. Excess fabric will pilled out turning the pocket inside out. Excess fabric will have two clips attached to in. When turned inside out, the four exterior clips are hidden on the inside of the pocket. Unfolded straps will be the main body of the shelter and the pocket will be at the foot of the product.
The product will be sold as an entire backpack. IT will have a back structure that can detach from the main compartments of the backpack. It will unzip from the main compartment, leaving only the back support. The middle of the back support will unzip as well and reveal fabric on the inside that will unfold into the main shelter. Two halves of the support will be pulled apart and will be sturdy enough to create the support of the shelter.
Final Design Concepts: Design 1: Compared to the original design, the finalized design will have straight straps rather than slightly curved straps. This is due to the fact that the straps must be straight if they are expected to unfold into a straight structure. If curved, the straps would not be able to fit into the final shelter as they are intended to fit.
Design 2: This final design has the straps evenly spaced apart on both the top and bottom of the structure. This differs from the original design where the top two straps were closer together that the bottom two. After observing a set number of backpacks, this uneven spacing was not beneficial to the use of the product. Because the straps are adjustable, the even spacing would work for the design s purposes. This even spacing is also more aesthetically pleasing.
Design 3: Instead of the three strap design, I have adjusted the product to have a fourth strap. This is due to the fact that the product unrolls into a rectangular shape, the design should have a rope/strap for each corner of the design. This will make the shelter easier to adjust according to the environment it is being set up in.
Design Specifications: Aesthetic Requirements: Needs to look like a normal backpack. Has to be offered in unisex colors. Cannot be bulky. Cost Constraints: Must be under $200 Environmental Requirements: Should be made out of materials able to be reused following the end of the products life Size Constraints: Has to allow room for the essentials of a day trip activity. Must allow more than two thirds of the space in the backpack for other materials. Safety Considerations: Must not have any protruding parts. Must have a safe zipping mechanism. Performance Requirements: Must be easy to assemble, light, and spacious. Must be comfortable for the user to wear. Material Requirements: Must be a light, smooth fabric. Must be durable and water resistant. Design 1: Partially met. Certain aspects like the zippers on the straps may take away from its aesthetic appeal. Met. Materials needed to create the pack are not too expensive to maintain the $200 goal. Met. Plastics needed in the pack could be reusable or recyclable material. Fabric needed in the design can also be recycled or reused Partially met. Main compartment would be completely available for use but the front pocket might be unable to be used. Met. Zipping mechanisms will have a flap of fabric that will keep the zipper from catching skin Partially met. The shelter is made out of three separate pieces which may cause confusion for the user Met. Available materials for the structure will be similar to that of current hiking packs on the market. Design 2: Met. Because the product attaches to the back of the pack, it does not interfere with the aesthetics of the pack. Met. The fact that it is an attachment to a pack means it can be produced for less than the demanded price of a pack. Met. The material used to make the packs will be able to be recycled and reused. Met. The fact that the structure goes on the outside of the pack rather than the inside allows all original space in the pack to be utilized. Met. Zipping mechanisms will have a flap of fabric that will keep the zipper from catching skin Met. Simple design and one-piece assembly make the product simple to use. Met. Available materials for the structure will be similar to that of current hiking packs on the market. Design 3: Met. The product looks similar to a water bottle allowing the design to fit in the side pocket of a backpack, a look people are already used to Met. The fact that it is an attachment to a pack means it can be produced for less than the demanded Met. The material used to make the packs will be able to be recycled and reused Partially Met. While the product allows for space inside the pack, it takes up space in the exterior pockets of the pack. Partially Met. Ropes around the product may agitate the user. Met. Simple design and one-piece assembly make the product simple to use Met. Available materials for the structure will be similar to that of current hiking packs on the market.
price of a pack. Chosen Design: The design I decided to go with was design 2. I have decided to move on with this design due to its feasibility. Compared to the other two, this design has the most potential to actually provide shelter to an individual who is in need of an emergency shelter. According to the chart, it fully meets all but one of the design specifications, where the other two were lacking in some categories. It will cost well under the $200 range, making it more available to a lager variety of users. Its slim design will not affect the looks of the backpack it is used with, and will be available in colors that appeal to all individuals. It has the potential to be made out of recycled materials making it more appealing to those who would purchase the product. Its simplicity of design allows for easy use and assembly, which will appeal to all users of the product.
Part C: Materials: Fabrics: Material: Lightweight Durable Water Resistant Cost: Less than or equal to $30 for desired amount of material Nylon Rip stop fabric Cotton Polyester Met. This fabric Is light and would not add a substantial amount of weight to the user. Met. The fabric is light enough for the user s comfort. Met. The fabric has similar properties as cotton, and will not cause discomfort. Met. It is not easily ripped or worn and will not likely fail the user when needed. Partially Met. Has a shorter life span than other shelter materials. Partially Met. It is less impact resistant than other materials. Partially Met. While not waterproof, the fabric does not easily absorb water, making it useful for its purpose Not Met. Cotton has a higher tendency to absorb water, leading to discomfort for the user. Not met. Similar to cotton, polyester has a high tendency to absorb water. Partially Met: the cost would be roughly $31. Met. The cost will be well under the $30 mark. Met. Polyester will cost roughly $21 for the necessary amount. Clear Plastic Sheeting Not Met. The added weight of the plastic sheeting will cause strain on the user. Met. This material is extremely resistant to impact and abrasion. Met. This material is completely water proof. Met. The cost would be around $20 for the desired amount. Markilux Boat Canvas Not Met. The material would cause strain on the user. Met. The material is extremely resistant to impact and abrasion. Met. It is a boating canvas and is designed to resist water completely. Partially Met. The cost of the material is roughly $33. The material I will use is the nylon fabric. This is due to its light weight, durability, water resistance, and cost. Considering a variety of materials, it is the material best suited for the specifications necessary for my product.
Components: Tent Poles Lightweight Durable Flexible Cost: less than or equal to $30 for desired components Fiberglass Poles Met. The poles will not add any unnecessary strain on the user. Not met. The poles do not withstand high pressure, and could possibly harm the user. Partially Met. The poles are not as flexible as other materials but can withstand strain. Met. The pole is roughly $20 for the necessary number of poles. Aluminum Poles Met. The poles will not ass any unnecessary strain on the user. Not Met. The poles are malleable, and will not withstand impact as well as other poles. Not Met. The poles are malleable, and will not retain from once bent. Met. The pole is roughly $16 for the necessary number of poles. Carbon Fiber Poles Met. The poles are a composite material that does not cause strain on the user. Met. The composite material is able to withstand impact without harming the user or product. Met. The poles are able to withstand heavy strain due to the fact that it is a composite material Not Met. The necessary number of poles would cost nearly $60. Rigid Steel Poles Not Met. The poles are heavy and would cause strain on the user. Met. Steel is very durable and has high tensile strength, keeping it from breaking. Not Met. The poles are not able to flex like other materials due to its high tensile strength. Not met. The product will cost $50 for the desired amount. Aluminum Alloy Poles Met. The poles are an alloy material that does not strain the user. Met. The alloy material is able to withstand impact without harming the user. Met. The poles are able to withstand heavy strain due to the fact that it is an alloy material. Met. The cost of poles is around $22. The pole I will use for my prototype is the Aluminum Alloy pole. This is due to its light weight, durability, flexibility, and cost. It is the only pole I looked at that met all four of these criterion. Button: I will use two 3 in. fabric attachment with a button to keep the product together when folded.
Buckle Straps: I will use four 6 in. straps with buckles to attach the product to the users backpack. Manufacturing techniques: Cutting: I will use the technique of cutting when I need to find desired lengths of fabric and poles. For the tent fabric, I will use fabric cutting scissors. This will insure that I do not rip or tear the fabric. Any rip or tear would make the prototype unable to perform its necessary tasks. For the poles, I will use a table saw. This will insure precision in my cutting, and will ensure that there are no jagged or rough ends. This is important because the poles cannot cause abrasion to the fabric. This would cause the product to not function as it is intended to. After cutting the poles, I will abrade them to further insure that they do not cause wear on the fabric. To abrade the poles, I will use sandpaper. This will be a low-cost solution, and will be substantial for the work that is necessary. Stitching: This will be necessary when forming the shell of the shelter. I will need to stitch various lengths of nylon fabric together to form the main body of the product. This will require a sewing machine that is able to stitch up to 8 feet of fabric. This will specifically be necessary for creating slots for the tent poles. These slots will allow for the poles to attach to the fabric shell of the tent. Another method that could be used it adhering the fabric together. This would only work with fabric specific glue, and could be costlier than stitching. It also has a higher tendency to become separated from the fabric, inhibiting the prototype from functioning as it is intended to. The fabric could also be fastened together with the use of buttons. This would not be useful for attaching the poles because the poles are meant to be permanently attached. This could however be a useful method for keeping the product folded when it is attached to the user s backpack. Joining: After cutting certain lengths of polls, they will need to be joined to make the final product. To join two of the poles together, I will use glue. This adhesion will allow for easy and low cost construction of the product. The glue used will have to be of industrial strength to ensure that it does not fail when preforming the necessary tasks of the prototype. Another method that could be used is fusing. This would most likely be achieved through welding. This method would be too costly for the production of the prototype, and is unnecessary.
Design Proposal: Materials: One 8x4.5 ft. sheet of nylon fabric Ten 1ft.x5 in. sheets of nylon fabric One 8 ft. long aluminum alloy pole Two 4.5 ft. long aluminum alloy poles Four 6 in. adjustable buckle straps Two 3 in. nylon strip with button These materials will allow me to make one emergency shelter that is able to fold and attach to the back of the user s backpack. When folded, the product will be 2ft.x1.5ft. It will have four 6 in. straps at each corner to attach to the user s backpack. It will also have two 3 in. nylon strips with buttons to keep the product folded when attached to the user s pack. When the shelter is desired, the user can unfold the product into an 8ft.x1.5ft shell. This shell will have three poles attached to it. The longest pole will be 8 ft. long and will be in the middle of the shell spanning its length. The shorter two poles will be 4.5 ft. long and will be attached to the sides of the shell spanning the width.
Plan for Manufacturing: Cutting nylon fabric: I will need to use fabric cutting scissors to cut one large 8ft.x4.5ft. piece of fabric, and 10 smaller 1ft.x5in. pieces of fabric. I will cut the fabric on a flat surface, and will mark out the places I will need to cut. This should take one hour to complete. Cutting tent poles: I will need to use a table saw to cut one large 8 ft. long pole, and two shorter 4.5 ft. poles. I will mark out the lengths I want to cut with marker. I will use a table saw with a finger guard, as well as safety glasses to stay safe when operating the saw. This should take me one hour to complete. Abrading the tent poles: I will use sand paper to smooth out the cut parts of the tent poles. I will use safety goggles to keep metal files out of my eyes. This should take me thirty minutes to complete. Attaching small nylon strips, button, and buckles to the large nylon sheet: I will use a sewing machine to attach the other strips of fabric to the large sheet of nylon. I will use a large table to keep the fabric flat while using the machine. I will wear the necessary protection for my fingers while operating the machine. This should take me one hour and thirty minutes to complete.
Attaching poles to the nylon sheet: After attaching the small fabric components, I will insert the poles into the loops created by the fabric. I will then sew the fabric right against the poles to keep them in place. I will use the necessary protection for my fingers to while operating the sewing machine. This should take me one hour to complete.
Part D: Success Vs. Marketing Specifications Specification Explanation Strengths Weaknesses Target Market The target market would be the outdoor community. This includes markets aimed at hiking, camping, biking, and skiing. Also, the product will be aimed at middle to upper class citizens. Out of the 10 individuals who tested the product, 8 said they would use the product again in an outdoor environment. Target Audience Adults ages 16-30. Tested well with older individuals in the age range and most from the younger range. 2 individuals were not in favor of using the product during future activities due to the comfort of the prototype. Both users who said they would not use the product again were at the younger end of the age range. Market Analysis User Need Users- middle to upper class citizens ages 16-30 from more developed countries Market: Outdoor community, mountain activities. The product must reduce the cost of what you pay for tent and a backpack. Production costs must be less than retail price. Must be light, spacious, and durable. The cost of the product was less than the cost of a tent normally sold in the market. Individuals testing the product praised it for its light weight. Individuals testing the product from the outdoor community had issues with the process required to set the tent up. When completely set up, the tent does not allow individuals much room space to move, meaning it partially failed to provide excess space for an individual using the product.
Market Need Competition to this product are day hiking backpacks and solo hiking tents. There is no existing product that combines the two together. Allows for compartments in a backpack to be used for necessities of day hikes, meaning it achieves its goal of allowing a tent and backpack to be used in unison. Does not combine a backpack and tent into one product, meaning a backpack and the product must be bought separately. Each picture below shows three of the ten users testing out the product. Each individual was required to attach the product to their backpack and wear it, as well as set up the tent.
Success Vs. Design Specifications Specification Explanation Strengths Weaknesses Aesthetic Requirements Needs to look like a normal backpack. Must be offered in unisex colors. Cannot be bulky. Those testing the product praised the blue coloration of the fabric. The product is almost completely hidden when worn. Cost Constraints Must be under $120 The materials needed to create one tent cost $60 dollars, meaning they could be sold well under the required cost constraint. Environmental Requirements Size Constraints Should be made from reusable materials. Has to be large enough to fit the essentials to a day trip activity. Must allow more than two thirds of the space in the backpack for other materials. The materials used for the tent could be reused. It consists of a nylon fabric, aluminum and copper metals, and various plastics that can be recycled and reused. This design frees up all space in a backpack, as it attaches to the back of a backpack rather than taking up any room in the main compartments in the backpack. Slim, not easily noticed when attached to the backpack. Although almost completely hidden, the product tends to show at the top of ones back. Higher end, more durable fabrics may cost more than the fabric used in the prototype. None. None.
Safety Considerations Performance Requirements Material Requirements Must not have any protruding parts. Must have a safe zipping mechanism. Must be easy to assemble, light, and spacious. Must be comfortable for the user to wear. Must be a light, smooth fabric. Must be durable and waterproof. The product does not have a zipping mechanism, but rather a button mechanism, meaning hair and skin will not easily get stuck in the carrying pouch for the tent. The product was praised by users for its light weight, as well as its ability to free up all room in the backpack. Fabric is extremely light weight. It is a rip stop material meaning it is durable. The poles of the tent do not always lie perfectly flat in the carrying pouch, causing discomfort to the user. The product is not easy to assemble, making it score poorly in this area among users. Only partially waterproof, might leak if exposed to heavy rain. Manufacturing Requirements Must be able to be produced at large scale. Materials needed to form the tent are easy to acquire, and are easy to assemble. None. Performance: The product allows users to use all the space in their backpacks, and does function as a usable shelter. However, the shelter is partially exposed to the elements and causes some discomfort for users. Reliability: The product is reliable in its ability to be set up as long as the user has time to set the product up. In an extreme situation, such as a sudden heavy storm, the time needed to set up the product will upset the user. Ease of Use: The product was praised by users for its ease of use when attaching it to their backpacks, but was criticized for its ease of use when constructing the tent. This can be improved with slight alterations to the pole mechanism. Health and Safety Check: The product tends to agitate the user. This is due to the poles shifting in the carrying case, pushing the end of the pole into the sides of the user. This was made clear by those evaluating the product, and can be fixed with added padding to the carrying case. The Prototype does not include a way to seal an individual off from the elements, which must be improved for complete safety of the user.
Aesthetics: Those evaluating the product enjoyed the coloration of the fabric, but wanted it in other coloration options. Blue tended to be a heavily praised color. The only complaint aesthetically was the tendency for the top of the product to show when worn. Materials: The materials used are light weight, and for the most part sleek enough to give comfort to the user when worn. The fabric is for the most part waterproof, but may fail under severe conditions such as a rain storm. Ergonomics: The product is easy to attach to a backpack, but is not easy to set up into a tent. The square shape of the product allows it to conform to the backpack being worn by the user. The size of the product is small enough to fit behind the back of the user, meaning it meets its standards for size. Quality: The materials used are very durable. The fabric is a rip stop fabric, meaning a tear in the material will only be able to effect one small section of the product. The polls are aluminum alloy, meaning they are strong and flexible. Construction: The materials needed are very easy to obtain and are easy to work with. This will allow the product to be mass produced with ease. Cost/Economics: For one prototype, it cost $60 dollars to produced. This means that when bought in bulk, the cost of the materials would allow for retail sale of about $60. Wider Impact: The materials used can be reused, meaning they will not have a large environmental impact on the surrounding are. The machinery needed to create the product runs mainly on electricity, and in an area that utilizes nuclear energy, this will come with very little harm to the surrounding environment. User Characteristics: The product is good for individuals over the height of 5 feet. Considering my target audience is individuals aged 16-30, this restraint is appropriate. Improvements:
Added Padding: One of the most common complaints about the product was its tendency for the poles to press into the users back. To solve this problem, I will add an extra layer of padding that will keep the poles from causing discomfort to the user. This padding will not add much weight, meaning the product will remain light. Keeping the product light is a priority, as this was one of the main praises of the product in testing. Three Buttons: On the original prototype, only one button was included to seal off the carrying pouch. This led to some of the tent parts becoming exposed. To fix this I will add two more buttons that will allow for a better seal. I want to use buttons instead of a zipper to avoid the chance of easily catching skin and hair in the closing mechanism. Split pole loop: When testing the set-up of the tent, the product was difficult to make into the triangular shape due to the loop containing the pole. By separating this into two smaller loops, the pole can easily form the triangular shape. Pole attachment piece: The piece used to attach the poles in the original prototype was not attached to the fabric, making the pieces easy to lose. This complicated set up of the product. To fix this, I will sew these pieces to the fabric with a small connecting piece of fabric. This will ensure they are not lost. Zipper opening: The prototype did not have a way to close the openings of the tent, and did not have fabric on the floor of the tent. To fix this, I will add fabric to the bottom of the tent as well as fabric on the openings that can be shut with a zipper. This will seal the user from the elements. Sharp pole ends with caps: When the tent was set up, it tended to slip on surfaces, making it hard to maintain shape. To fix this, I will add sharp ends to the poles that will act as stakes, as well as caps to ensure the sharp ends do not hurt the user when the product is in use.
Part E: Choice of Materials and Components for Commercial Production: Component Current Material Used Commercial Material Justification Tent Fabric Nylon Rip Stop Fabric Nylon Rip Stop Fabric -Lightweight: Users will need to have a lightweight material to ensure that the whole product does not stress the user. -Water Resistant: This keeps the users safe from the elements when inside the tent. -Easy to Work With: This fabric will be easier to stack and cut, assisting my method of batch production. Poles Aluminum Alloy Aluminum Alloy -Easy to Work With: The aluminum alloy poles will be easy to cut with the proper materials. -Cheap: the material will be cheap to buy in bulk to make the necessary pole lengths for the design. Button Strips -Polyester strip of fabric -Metal Button -Nylon Fabric Strips -PVC thermoplastic buttons Cheap: nylon strip can be made from the scraps of the tent nylon. This will reduce the cost of using other materials. The plastic injection molding of the button pieces will take advantage of a
Strap Fabric and Clips -Nylon Straps -PVC plastic -Nylon Straps -PVC thermoplastic limited number of molds to make the needed number of buttons. -Easy to work with: the reusable injection molds will allow for easy production of buttons. The nylon will be easy to cut due to the process already established with the tent nylon. Cheap: nylon straps can be bought in bulk rolls of fabric to reduce the cost of purchase. The plastic injection molding of the clips will take advantage of a limited number of molds to make the needed number of clips. -Easy to work with: the reusable injection molds will allow for easy production of clips. The nylon will be easy to cut due to the process already established with the tent nylon. 3-Axis Pole Connector Copper Metal PVC thermoplastic Cheap: The plastic injection molding of the connectors will take advantage of a limited number of molds to make the needed number of connectors. Easy to Work With: the reusable injection molds will allow for
easy production of connectors. Choice of Manufacturing Techniques for Commercial Production: Batch Production Mass Production Commercially Justification It is common for products in the outdoor market to make new models of products. This would perfectly fit batch production. Using this method will allow for a large amount of the product to be made for a certain model, as well as make it easy to start up production of a newer model. The product is mainly made from nylon fabric, which is more suited for batch production than any other method of production. This is because the working of fabric must be done in several stations. Batch production is suited for this as it takes advantage of human workers as well as uses stations in production. My product is aimed for the outdoor community, which will demand the product yearround. The demand will lighten in certain months but not enough to justify a lack in production. The product will be sold in outdoor specific stores, which will demand a large quantity of the product at a single time. This will allow me to create a large amount of my product for the market. It will allow for specific areas to be developed for the various parts that go into making the tent, making the production of the tent flow with ease. The use of fabric could cause problems as it is not as easily suited for mass production. Plastic injection molding of buttons and clips will be perfectly suited for this form of production.
Final Choice: Batch Production This method of production is needed when considering that my product will be a seasonal product. If I were to mass produce a seasonal product, money would be lost as newer models would replace the demand for the older product. Batch production takes advantage of human labor and multiple stations to create the product, a method needed for working with fabric. Mass production would require expensive machinery that would make more than the needed amount of material, which would lose money overall. Batch production will also produce the needed amount of a product for commercial sale in large outdoor stores, meaning it will satisfy the demand of the stores selling the product. Adjusting Market Specifications: Specification Explanation Adjustment Target Market The target market would be the No change outdoor community. This includes markets aimed at hiking, camping, biking, and skiing. Also, the product will be aimed at middle to upper class citizens. Target Audience Adults ages 16-30. No Change Market Analysis User Need Users- middle to upper class citizens ages 16-30 from more developed countries. Market: Outdoor community, mountain activities. The product must reduce the cost of what you pay for tent and a backpack. Production costs must be less than retail price. Must be light, spacious, and durable. No Change No Change
Market Need Competition to this product are day hiking backpacks and solo hiking tents. There is no existing product that combines the two together. Space in backpack must not be taken up by the product as current tents on the market take up space. Adjusting Design Specifications: Success Vs. Design Specifications Specification Explanation Adjustment Aesthetic Requirements Needs to look like a normal backpack. Must be offered in unisex colors. Cannot be bulky. Must not take away the aesthetic appeal of the backpack it is attached to. Cost Constraints Must be under $120 Must be under $80 Environmental Requirements Should be made from reusable materials. No Change Size Constraints Must be large enough to fit the essentials to a day trip activity. Must allow more than two thirds of the space in the backpack for other materials. Must allow for complete use of compartments in backpack.
Safety Considerations Performance Requirements Material Requirements Manufacturing Requirements Must not have any protruding parts. Must have a safe zipping mechanism. Must be easy to assemble, light, and spacious. Must be comfortable for the user to wear. Must be a light, smooth fabric. Must be durable and waterproof. Must be able to be produced at large scale. No Change No Change No Change No Change
Design for Injection Molding:
Design for Cutting Fabric:
Part F: Target Sales Price: When coming up with a target sales price, I took into consideration other products on the market, and the cost of materials. When researching the price of tents on the market, I found that there was an average price of $76. This gave me a price to understand where I should aim to charge for my product. I decided that I would want to sell 3000 units in my first year of sales, giving me a number to calculate the cost of materials for production. When calculating the cost of production, I followed the same mathematical process. First, I figured out the unit cost of each material. I then multiplied this by the amount I would like to produce, which is 3000 units. I then added the individual costs together to find the total cost of production, and divided this number by 3000 to figure out the cost of each tent. The cost of materials to create my product are in the chart below: Material: Unit Cost: Units Needed: Total: Nylon Rip stop Fabric $3.90 per yard 8,010 yards $31,239 Aluminum Alloy Poles $2.01 6,000 $12,450 Injection molding prices for the type of plastic, PVC, and the size of the clips and buttons cost $2,069 for 3000 units. When combining these costs together, I found that the total cost of production would be $45,758. This means that each tent would cost $15.25 to produce. This allowed me to decide on selling my product at the price $59.99. I decided on this number by subtracting the $15.25 unit cost from the $59.99 sales price ($44.74), and multiplying this number by the units I expected to sell (3000). This would mean I would earn $134,220 in my first year of sales. This means that my final earnings for the first year would be $88,462. This number is reached by considering the cost of production of materials ($45,758) which must be subtracted by the sales total.
Promotional Strategies: I was led to two promotional strategies when considering how I would gain interest for my product. These strategies were: Interned Advertising Personal Selling Justifications: Internet Advertising: Internet advertising would allow me to connect to the target market for my product. A large amount of social media users are in the range of 16 30 years of age. For this reason, I would choose to use an Instagram add to help sell my product. This is due to the age range of users who use Instagram. It is more commonly used by individuals aged 18 to 35, which fits the desired target audience of my product. I would not use social media outlets such as snapchat and Facebook, as both do not fit my target audience as well as Instagram. Snapchat would target users on the younger end of the age range, while Facebook will target users on the older end of the range. The Instagram advertisement is shown below: Personal Selling: The outdoor community tends to pride itself on face to face, and personal interactions when using their products. For this reason, I would use the method of personal selling along with Internet Advertising to sell my product. By establishing a more personal connection with buyers in the first year of production, I will gain consumer loyalty, as well as a positive reputation among consumers. This is also appropriate for my lower production total for the first year of production. Due to the lower number of units I will make, personal selling will be easier than it would in later years of production. This will let me move to other promotional strategies in later years, but keep the friendly reputation needed to sell my product. When creating my Instagram ad, I wanted to incorporate visuals that can get consumers excited about my product. For this reason, I chose a picture of Yosemite National Park, a popular location in the United States for Outdoor activities. I then put the logo of my company in the top corner. The logo consists of two mountains in a sunset, which can also represent the shape of the tent when assembled. One version is an example of what those scrolling through Instagram will see at first glance. The other shows the full ad for those who are interested in gaining more information about the product.
Rethink the way you hike with the Active Pack. The Active Pack is a tent that attaches to the straps of your backpack, freeing up much needed space in your pack Show More Rethink the way you hike with the Active Pack. The Active Pack is a tent that attaches to the straps of your backpack, freeing up much needed space in your pack. Comfort is our main concern, meaning we have designed the Active Pack to be completely unnoticeable when participating in all outdoor activities. For more product details, check us out at our website: (Website domain). #activepack #rethinkhiking Link in Bio.