PROJECT OUTLINES

 

 

PRODUCT PROJECT

 

Maka Goggles - Extreme Water Sports Goggles

 

Designed for the Extreme Water Sports Market, where the need for a new design was established. Many participants suffered from eye infections and diseases as a result of over exposure to Ultraviolet Light, which is enhanced by 25% when reflecting off the surface of the water. Sunglasses aren't appropriate for the environment as the user is commonly subjected to high impact with the water, most do not provide adequate protection to the peripheral vision, or float when accidentally removed.

 

This project gathered together a number of the target market to form a focus group to discuss possible solutions and aid the conceptual development. Although protecting the eye from damage was the underlying problem to combat, it emerged that acceptance and style were vital to the success of the project. Many of the focus group and questionnaire participants expressed the need for a camera allowing recording capability. This is a market where sharing your passion is the pulse keeping the sports alive and progressing, therefore a camera was incorporated.

 

A design emerged that protected the user from all angles due to its polarized lenses, a wrap around style, and facially formed shape. The camera featured voice activation which eliminated the problems that current sports camera entails when in a fast paced environment. The goggles incorporated an easy adjustable head strap made from recycled neoprene.

 

This is a brief description of the hard work over the past year which has resulted in the design of the Maka Goggles. Thank you

 

 

SYSTEMS PROJECT

 

AKL - Artificial Knee Ligament

 

After undergoing a knee reconstruction in December 2013, and gaining first hand experience of the current procedures of surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation, the need for a new design of ligament implant presented itself. This is a conceptual design project based for 10 years time, targeting the professional athlete with a high income, and the necessity to prolong their career. The technology used is at the forefront of medical advancements and is costly to develop. Once successful, the target would be to make the product available to the general public via the NHS or Privately.

 

The collaboration between myself and PDR proved to be an insightful and beneficial partnership. I was able to question their expertise of previous medical projects and gather a greater understanding of medical designs. It allowed me to brainstorm and develop my ideas, as well as gain experience with a highly regarded design company.

 

I was able to gather expert advice and information from my Surgeon and Physiotherapists at Llandough hospital. Their knowledge and experience were a huge advantage when understanding the benefits that the Surgeons, Physios, and Patients could gain. The design process incorporated as many features that aided the artificial ligament to act as required.

 

This project has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and allowed me to understand the endless possibilities that the design path could en-tale. Thank you to Dominic Eggbeer at PDR, Dr Forster (Surgeon) and Mary Eggins (Physiotherapist) at Llandough Hospital for all their help.