3 Ideas

The three problems Alex and I picked were the following:

1. The one-handed handle that is hard to attach to the erg.
2. The arms, shoulders, and torso seat that could be adapted for arms and shoulders users.
3. A device for the pontoon that makes it easier to attach the pontoon to the boat.

For all three categories, we set a timer for 5 minutes and brainstormed ideas during that time. We then sorted ideas into categories and made a corresponding Pugh chart.

We first brainstormed ideas for the one-handed handle. We divided our ideas into three categories: "Attach to cord", "attach to handle" and "new handle". We chose "attach to cord" as standard and based off of our ratings, chose the handle attachments as the best option.  The handle attachment seemed the most practical and least costly. It is also easy to remove and is therefore very adaptable.

Some of our sketches when brainstorming

By the second round, which was the AS seat adaptation, coming up with ideas was a lot easier in 5 min. It seems like it's not ideal to brainstorm two completely unrelated concepts in a row because all the ideas we had for the handle were pretty mundane, but once we got to the seat, the ideas were a little more far-fetched. Although that is a sign that the process was working.

We divided each of our ideas into the categories: "boat attachments","seat attachments" or "new seat". We chose "seat attachments" as standard and determined that building a new seat was the best option. Despite expenses, building a new seat would improve upon reversibility, adaptability and comfort. We were also most passionate about this approach.

Pugh Chart for the seat

Our last problem to brainstorm was the pontoon attachment to make it easier to flip into the water. We also generated ideas that fit into three categories: "pontoon attachments", "boat attachments", a whole "new pontoon", and pontoon attachments with "sensors". Designing a new pontoon was ruled out almost immediately when compared to the standard of "pontoon attachments". The "sensors" category had some great positives, but was ultimately ruled out due to cost, do-ability and maintenance.

Brainstorming for the pontoon flipper

It was great brainstorming for all these problems. Alex and I had chosen the same projects to begin with, so we started off on the same page. In the end, I think we were most passionate about the one-handed handle. It is a problem with a lot of flexible solutions and potential. The hardest part will be to rein in all our thoughts to come up with one solid, manageable approach.