Idea Generation Part 2
“How might we” statements
People generally view wood in folding tables as looking better, but being heavier and more expensive
How can we design a table that is easy to both transport and store?
People generally view plastic in folding tables as light and easy to clean, but cheap in quality.
How do we make a table cheap, yet durable?
People generally do not know much about the use of aluminum in folding tables, but generally view it as light and sturdy, but not great for all conditions.
How do we make table mechanisms user-friendly?
Brainstorming session setup
The session took place in a small study room in a library community center. The larger rooms in the community center were already reserved. Although the study room was rather small, it worked just fine. There was a long table up against the wall that the ideas were attached to.
The materials used were large post-it notes, permanent markers, stickers, papers with “what if” statements and warm-up games written on them, and candy to thank participants for their help.
The session took place from 2:40 to 4:30, but only part of the allotted time was used for brainstorming
Session timeline:
2:40–3:30: Time for participants to arrive.
3:30–3:40: Time to play warm up games and introduce the structure of the session.
3:40–4:15: This was the actual brainstorming session. The first part of the session focused on the “what if” statements. After this, the participants were able to go in their own directions of idea generation.
4:15–4:20: Participants silently categorized ideas. There was some remarking on the different methods of organization following the actual rearranging of ideas.
4:20–4:30: Participants voted on which ideas they thought were best, using identical stickers in order to preserve anonymity in voting, and participants were allowed to give more than one vote to an idea.
Group members:
The people I invited to the brainstorming session were Rick, Brooke, Angel, and Yuna. Everyone but Yuna was able to attend. Unfortunately, Yuna informed us via text at the beginning of the session that she had to watch the house until her parents got back. We started without her, assuming that she would be late, but she was unable to show up to the session.
All of the participants come from different backgrounds. None of them are college students, or relatives. Their perspectives are different from my own, my families’ as well as that of my classmates. Although they are of similar ages, they all have very different lives.
Warm-up activities
For my warm-up activities, I chose to play three original improvisation games with the rest of the group. I came up with these games based on core themes from the improvisation games which we played in class, but they are, to the best of my knowledge, original.
Useful objects
The first member of the group says the name of an object, the next member of the group says one possible use for that object. The next member of the group then says the name of a different object that can be used for the previously stated use, this cycle then repeats. Note that statements do not have to make sense.
(ex. A spoon -used for stirring soup-hairbrush -used for driving a car)
Improvisational “I spy”
The first member of the group starts by saying “I spy something … (attribute)”
The next person responds by saying the name of an object. (This object does not have to fit the descriptor), the first person responds “Yes! and …” Then says something about where they saw the object.
(Ex. I spy something green -a whale -yes! It’s on your shirt!)
“Addhat”
The first members chooses an object (ex. a hat) and pretends to give it to the next member. The person who received the object thanks the person who gave it to them and says that they are going to add something to it and mimes out the action of doing this, then they pretend to pass the object to the next person, and this repeats.
(ex. Here is a hat -I am going to paint it pink -I am going to put it in a box-I am going to give it wings -I am going to pour water on the hat)
Session key elements
Following the silent organization period, we discussed peoples thoughts about how they grouped the ideas. Categories included; useful and compact designs, aesthetically pleasing designs, multi- purpose ideas, ideas with a secondary function, ideas with a unique appearance.
The top three most highly voted upon ideas following the voting period are as follows:
Edible Table -3 Votes
Folding table that can roll up to save space -3 Votes
Folding table maid-7 Votes
10 best ideas
Buffet warming table
Many folding table users have mentioned folding tables being used as buffet tables at parties. Adding a warming element into specific sections of the table would help food stay warm longer. This idea is fairly novel, as it combines a folding table and buffet tray warmer. It is reasonably valuable, as it would be useful for social events. This idea would be feasible if the proper material was used for the top, as plastic, metal and wood could all become safety hazards if used.
Folding Laundry table
Folding laundry is a process that requires temporary open space, perfect for a folding table. This idea is more novel in its execution than the central idea. It is fairly valuable, especially for people with limited mobility, or those who do laundry more frequently. This idea is also quite feasible.
Projection surface table
This system allows images to be displayed upon and interacted with on the table’s surface. The idea is somewhat novel, but bears similarities to the Smartboard. This ideas is valuable, as it acts like a multi-user computer screen, and is good for sharing many ideas at once. It is feasibility is somewhat questionable, because of the need for a projector, as well as sensors or connection to a computer, in order to interact with the tabletop display.
Modular table system
This system would allow users to assemble a table of almost any height or size out of four different types of components. This idea is very novel, as it is nothing like a traditional folding table. The idea is fairly valuable, as many consumers would like more customization options for folding table size. This idea is fairly feasible, as long as the connection between pieces can be made both sturdy and easy to take apart, even in larger tables.
Accordion fold tabletop
The top of this table would fold in a manner similar to that of an accordion or Jacob's ladder. This could make it easier to store. This idea is fairly novel, as most folding tables simply fold flat. The idea s moderately valuable, as it changes how the table can be stored. This idea is also fairly feasible, as long as the hinged sections can fold flush.
Wall Table
This table is built into a house, and can be easily unfolded and stored. It is moderately novel, and different from most folding tables on the market. It is decently valuable, as it does not require transport. This idea is questionably feasible however, as it requires being built into the wall of a house or other building.
Trundle bed table
This idea presents a new and efficient method of table storage. It is moderately novel, as it combines the folding table with the trundle bed. It is reasonably valuable, as folding tables can be somewhat difficult to store. This idea is reasonably feasible, but becomes more difficult to implement if the table is given a greater level of integration with the bed.
Office divider table
This idea can be used to turn a sectioned office into an open-plan meeting space in a short amount of time. The table is also fairly mobile, as it has wheels. This idea is fairly novel, as it addresses current office trends. Meeting tables are also not typically used as walls. This idea is somewhat valuable, it is mostly aimed towards a corporate demographic, but could also have wider consumer use, especially since the table’s design makes it very easy to use. This idea is relatively feasible, as its mechanisms are fairly simple.
Cubic table
This design for the folding pattern of a table is interesting, because it allows the table to be stored in different situations than a standard folding table, such as in a pile of boxes. This idea is fairly novel, as most folding tables simply fold flat. The idea is possibly valuable, as it makes storing a long, thin table less difficult. This idea is decently feasible, but getting the table to hold together and fold properly may be somewhat difficult.
Spring-loaded folding table
This table’s legs would be able to unfold via springs, reducing the amount of manual labor and bending over required to set up the table. This idea is somewhat novel, as most folding tables do not have an automatic unfolding mechanism. The idea is fairly valuable for people with limited mobility, or arthritis, as bending down and gripping table legs may be difficult for them. It is also valuable for people who have to set up one or more folding tables in a short amount of time. This idea is reasonably feasible, but the mechanism must be secure in order to prevent misfires, as well as pinched fingers.
Timeline:
Tuesday 10/29: Receive assignment, create outline.
Wednesday 10/30: Remind group members about brainstorming session. Make sure space is available
Thursday 10/31: Celebrate Halloween
Friday 11/1: Get materials together for brainstorming session. Come up with original warm-up activity
Saturday 11/2: Host brainstorming session, take pictures as well as notes
Sunday 11/3: analyze data from Brainstorming session
Monday 11/4: Begin work on final blog post, choose top 10 ideas from list
Tuesday 11/5: Continue work on blog post, choose how ideas will be presented, make any necessary sketches
Wednesday 11/6: Finish idea slides as well as blog post. Submit blog post by 10:00 pm
Thursday 11/7: Present project to class
Friday 11/8: Write and submit peer reviews
