Project Description
In the first semester of our education, we were introduced to various aspects of product development, including mechanical design, embedded design, and material science. Additionally, we explored the business side of product development, focusing on business analyses such as identifying and developing user personas, gathering user feedback through interviews, and conducting comprehensive business analyses like SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces. For our semester project, we were tasked with developing a product and establishing its market position.
We designed an affordable tool to help cyclists adjust their knee positions for a safer cycling experience. The "BikeFitTing" is a product curated to assist cyclists in positioning the saddles of their race bikes to the correct height. This tool aims to mitigate the risk of knee pain and injury among cyclists who ride for long hours, often caused by inappropriate knee angles resulting from poor saddle position.The tool detects whether the saddle needs an upward or downward adjustment or if any adjustment is necessary. Once the cyclist achieves the optimal saddle position, they can enjoy a smoother, longer, and more comfortable riding experience.
Project Methodology
1. Ideation
- The project began with brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for a useful and innovative product that could address a common problem faced by cyclists. We considered various concepts before deciding on a tool that would help cyclists adjust their saddle positions to prevent knee pain.
2. Requirement Specification
- We detailed the functional and non-functional requirements of the product. This involved specifying the features the tool should have, the materials needed for construction, and the technical specifications for the electronic components. We also identified the target user demographic and their specific needs.
3. 3D Modeling of a Proof of Concept
- Using NX Siemens, a sophisticated 3D modeling software, we created a digital prototype of the tool. This step allowed us to visualize the design, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that all components would fit together seamlessly before moving on to physical prototyping.
4. Concept Design
- Mechanical Design:We 3D printed the casing of the tool, ensuring it was robust and ergonomic.
- Electronic Components: We selected suitable sensors and microcontrollers, then wired them together to create the functional core of the product. This involved programming the microcontroller to process input from the sensors and provide feedback to the user.
5. Business Analysis
- We conducted several business analyses to understand the market landscape and position our product effectively. Analysis included SWOT Analysis,Porter’s Five Forces and marketing strategy.
6. User Testing and Feedback
- We conducted user testing sessions where cyclists tried out our prototype. We gathered feedback through surveys and interviews to understand their experiences and identify any areas for improvement. This iterative process was crucial for refining the product and ensuring it met user needs.
7. Final Go-to-Market Concept
- Based on the feedback and analysis, we developed a comprehensive go-to-market strategy. This included finalizing the product design, preparing marketing materials, and outlining a sales strategy to successfully launch the product in the market.
Project Contributions
1. Development of User Surveys
- Designed and implemented comprehensive user surveys to gather valuable feedback and insights from target users.
2. Data Analysis from User Surveys
- Analyzed survey data to identify trends, user preferences, and areas for product improvement.
3. Designing User Guidelines
- Created detailed user guidelines to ensure proper usage and to enhance user experience with the BikeFitTing tool.
4. Market Research and Insight Generation
- Conducted extensive market research to identify market needs, potential competitors, and opportunities for product positioning.
5. SWOT Analysis and Porter’s Five Forces
- Developed and presented a thorough SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces analysis to evaluate the product’s market potential and strategic positioning.
6. Software Development
- Contributed to the development of the code for the BikeFitTing tool, ensuring functionality and user-friendly interface.
7. Project Report Editing
- Led the editing and finalization of the comprehensive project report, ensuring clarity, coherence, and professional presentation.
Key Competencies Developed
1. User Market Research
- Gained expertise in designing and conducting user market research to inform product development and marketing strategies.
2. Programming
- Developed proficiency in C programming for sensor data acquisition and logic implementation, utilizing the Arduino programming environment.
3. Electronics diagrams
- Gained expertise in creating electronic diagrams that illustrate the connections between embedded sensors and other components.
4. Survey Design and Analysis
- Developed skills in creating effective surveys and analyzing user data to drive product improvements and user satisfaction.
5. Market Analysis
- Acquired proficiency in conducting market analysis, including SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces, to assess competitive landscapes and inform strategic decisions.
6. Technical Documentation
- Enhanced ability to create clear, concise, and comprehensive documentation for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.