(Editor’s Note:)
Subject: [MorphingHandcycle] Meeting notes and Challenge description
Date: December 2, 2005 5:29:18 PM EST
Team,
We had a great meeting yesterday at Bill's office. Bill, Rory, Jamie
and Graham attended. We accomplished the main goal of creating a
draft definition of the problem (in the form of a challenge
description). We also began the brainstorming which gives us a jump
on the feasibility analysis (Phase II).
The initial draft of the challenge statement is posted in the files
section of the group. Bill has additional information from the
meeting in the form of an audio recording and pictures of sketches and
people etc. Bill, please let us know if you can post those on the
yahoo group.
The next steps of the process will be to take some time (approximately
2 weeks) for everyone in the group to check the challenge statement:
make sure that it makes sense and see if we have left anything out.
Jamie will go over it with Matt and Mike and PPD will do more
brainstorming on vehicles that could accomplish all the important
tasks identified so far. Bill and Rory, please continue your
brainstorming also.
I would suggest that we check in (possibly conference call) in a week
or so to review the challenge statement and brainstorming progress. As
you brainstorm, please record results in a format that can be posted
on the group.
As brainstorming progresses, we will keep track of the ideas generated
and then at some point have a session to initially choose which ones
get taken to the next level (computer models, small scale rough
physical models, research into mechanisms etc).
Comments / suggestions welcome
Thanks,
Jamie
Here is the Design Challenge Document:
======================
Problem Specification: Definition of the challenge
We feel that the following set of tasks cannot currently be adequately addressed by any single assistive device. The lives of many people with disabilities can be greatly improved if a device can be created that can allow the user to perform all of these tasks with relative ease and is otherwise pleasing to the user. The winning solution will be able to complete these tasks in the least time, though other factors such as comfort, ease of use, overall versatility and “I want that!” will also be taken into strong consideration. The tasks below are presented as part of a typical day.
Essential elements of the vehicle not explicitly described in the challenge tasks:
Must have the “magic / I want that” factor in hand cycle mode; People should want to use it because it’s a good handcycle that happens to be able to also bring them into tight indoor spaces such as restaurants and bathrooms.
Suggested vehicle weight: 30-40 lbs; less is better if other requirements can be met.
Must be able to carry crutches in all modes.