Redeemer Lutheran College

Technology Studies Yr. 12

COMMERCIAL DESIGN
Individual Choice Design Task
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Table of Contents
Stage 6a (i): Project Proposal Investigation ........................................................................................ 2
Situation .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Design Brief ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Situation Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 2
Constraints .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Considerations ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Financial Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Specific Client Requirements .................................................................................................................. 3
Criteria to Evaluate Success .................................................................................................................... 3
State-of-the-art Research ....................................................................................................................... 4




















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Stage 6a (i): Project Proposal Investigation
Situation
A product is to be developed that meets an identified personal need. In this case, a hot laptop
causes possible lag and can affect the users laptop usage. In addition, heat-related injuries can occur
and may possibly lead to cancer. Therefore hot laptops may cause a variety of problems as well as
health-related problems. On the other hand, tables are essential for creating more space.
Technology geeks for example need extra space to place phones, tablets, etc. on tables. Thus, extra
space is needed to help make life easier.
Design Brief
I will construct a product that would meet the criteria for my personal need/s. In order to reduce
heat-related injuries and the hot laptop status, a cooling pad/fan can be used to decrease the heat
emitted from the laptop. Additionally, two tables are connected to the base and can be flipped out
so it can be used as a multipurpose laptop cooler. The laptop mouse may be placed on the tables if it
makes the user comfortable. The whole product will be inside a briefcase thus convenience will be a
positive factor.
Situation Analysis
A product meets an identified personal need
A product is to be designed and produced for an identified individual necessity. This product
should fit into the Criteria to Evaluate Success in order to suit the individuals need.
Hot laptop causes possible lag and can affect the users laptop usage
A hot laptop that severely overheats causes damage to the internal components of a laptop.
Additionally, batteries operate by a chemical interaction; the added heat and increased
chemical reaction reduces the battery life and amount of time it stays charged.
Heat-related injuries can occur and may possibly lead to cancer
Heat-related injuries due to overheating laptops (when coming into contact with the users
legs) can cause health problems and may lead to cancer. Repeated exposure to heat is
strong enough to redden the skin which can cause skin conditions. Also, one of the major
reasons for these side effects is the threatening radiations emitted by the laptop.
Tables are essential for creating more space
Two tables can be flipped out from the base (flipped out [left and right]) which can give the
user more space to multitask or do other jobs such as using the mouse on one of the tables.
In addition, spaces for cables will be cut out so there would be no interference with the
tables and chords surrounding the laptop. This would therefore increase the rating of
convenience as it can be used as a multipurpose laptop cooler.
Whole product will be inside a briefcase thus convenience will be a positive factor.
Having the whole product inside a briefcase will be much more convenient for the user. It
would be a quick set up in order to enjoy your laptop browsing/individual leisure experience.
As it is a briefcase, it can be carried around conveniently without any hassles or problems
and can possibly fit in laptop bags, etc. The actual setup process would be an easy task as
you just open the briefcase, set up the tables, and everything is good to go!

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Constraints
The product developed must suit an identified personal need
The cost should be affordable (construction-wise)
The product must be safe to use (non-hazardous)
The finished product must reflect a high standard in terms of aesthetics and ergonomics
The size must be of a decent size so it can be placed inside a laptop bag, etc.
Considerations
The product should have smooth edges
It should be durable and should be as long-lasting as possible
Minimal shaking of the contents inside the briefcase
Should be easy to store anywhere
Can be used in most environments (suitable for most environments)
Financial Plan
In reference to the financial side of the project, it can possibly cost up to AUD$100+ or more (i.e.
buying more or extra fans and the purchase of the power bank) depending on the quality of the
desired item and possibly the brand.
Specific Client Requirements
Deadlines for designs and the production of the product should be met in order to suit the personal
need of having the project done in the set time period.
Criteria to Evaluate Success
In order to determine the success of the product, it will be evaluated using the following criteria.
Each criterion will be given a score out of 5, 5 being the best. Where criteria have appeared to be of
less importance, they have been combined or removed, as necessary. The product will be evaluated
by the following ratings:

Safety Rating
Aesthetics/Ergonomics and quality of finish Rating
Innovation Rating
Storage Rating (relating to size of product)
Convenience Rating




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State-of-the-art Research
| Commercially Available Solutions |
















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Research Solution 1
















Source: http://www.diggordump.com/wp-
content/uploads/minifit-xl-laptop-cooler-and-stand.jpg
Plus (+):
+ Its innovative design and complexity is astounding and
catches the eyes of younger generations to the older
generation
+ Its lightweight appearance and shape is appealing
+ The simple setup is suitable for people who are on-the-go
+ It opens out as a stand therefore making it multipurpose
Minus (-):
- The angle (where the laptop is placed) can become very
irritating for the user
- One fan may not be enough for the cooling
- Stands may break if the laptop is too heavy
- As it is powered by the USB, it may drain the laptops power
Interesting:
The variety in colours is aesthetic and unique
The way it is neatly designed and made
It has a modernistic vibe to it
It doubles as a laptop sleeve; can be an adjustable
bookstand

Materials: From the looks of the product, it seems to be mostly made out of
aluminium and possibly other metals. Additionally, the base may
be made out of some sort of rubber or material that wont easily
heat up.
Ergonomics: The product as shown is good for on-the-go as it is convenient
and handy; the easy setup and multipurpose makes it
ergonomically efficient.
Aesthetics: The colours come in many different colours which are
aesthetically pleasing (to the eye) and the colours also show off
its unique, modern design.
Cost: As it is made out of strong, durable material (predominantly
aluminium), it is therefore a bit pricey; the quality may also be
one of the key reasons.
Durability: As explained previously, as it is made out of a durable material, it
is obviously a sturdy product and can most likely be long-lasting.
Additionally, the base material seems like a durable material
therefore the whole product is highly durable.
Sustainability: In reference to sustainability, the product would not sustain the
earth as it is made out of material that is not biodegradable and
can harm our environment. On the other hand, if properly
managed and used, it would not be a threat to our environment.
Synthesis: In essence, the aluminium laptop cooler/stand is therefore a
convenient product for clients that are often on-the-go and
who like to have a piece of modernistic hardware in their bag.
Additionally, the design of the product is rather appealing as it
reflects the image of a piece of professional gear.




















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Research Solution 2

















Source: http://www.diggordump.com/wp-
content/uploads/minifit-xl-laptop-cooler-and-stand.jpg
Plus (+):
+ Two fans are available for cooling the laptop therefore
reducing the heat.
+ The stand is in a somewhat good position (the keyboard is
not too steep angle-wise).
+ The stand can be placed firmly on any object (flat and big
surface on the bottom) therefore decreasing its insecurity.
+ The stand has a big surface area for the laptop to sit on
therefore making it somewhat safe.
Minus (-):
- The product seems to be made out of some plastic. material
therefore can heat it up very quickly.
- May be a fragile product (if dropped, possible damage).
- Very dull in colour therefore lacks aesthetics.
- The use of the USB to power it may drain laptop battery.
Interesting:
Adjustable height (can be adjusted to any desired height).
The shape of the stand is unique and holds the majority of
the laptop.
Has a life expectancy of approximately 30,000 hours.
The material is also used to make LEGO.
Materials: Made out of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), it may
possibly be a good material as LEGO is also made out of the
same material. In comparison, LEGO bricks are very durable and
can last for many years. As the product is made out of the same
material, it may last for a long time. On the other hand, it was
stated before that its life expectancy was around 30,000 hours
which is equivalent to around 3 years (approximately). Therefore
the material may be durable but it will only last a few years.
Ergonomics: The product as shown is good for office users more than on-the-
go users as this product may be difficult to place inside bags, etc.
But, it is easy to use and the adjustable height brings in
convenience.
Aesthetics: A let down from the product is its aesthetics. The dull colour
does not seem aesthetically pleasing (as it only shows one
colour) and has a consistent colour throughout.
Cost: As it is made out of material that is durable yet not long lasting,
the cost may be cheap as it is made out of the material used to
make LEGO bricks.
Durability: As explained previously, as it is made out of a somewhat durable
but non-lasting material, it is a sturdy product. Additionally, it is
convenient for the daily office user as it can hold a fair amount of
laptop. The fans are also an advantage as there are two which
therefore decrease the heat coming from the laptop.
Sustainability: In reference to sustainability, the product would not sustain the
earth as it is made out of material that is not biodegradable and
can harm our environment. On the other hand, if properly
managed and used, it would not be a threat to our environment.
Synthesis: As explained previously, as it is made out of a somewhat durable
but non-lasting material, it is a sturdy product. Additionally, it is
convenient for the daily office user as it can hold a fair amount of
laptop. The fans are also an advantage as there are two which
therefore decrease the heat coming from the laptop.
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Research Solution 3

















Source: http://www.envirogadget.com/wp-
content/uploads/2009/11/Bamboo-Laptop-Cooling-
Stand-Side-View.jpg
Plus (+):
+ The product is made out of bamboo and is a very creative
design.
+ The angle of the laptop is close to perfect as the normal
angle would be the one shown in the picture.
+ Its simplicity is of a high level and shows off its modern
looks.
+ The pieces of bamboo help hold the laptop (so it can be
held still).
Minus (-):
- There are two types of this stand: EcoFan (set height) and
EcoFanPro (adjustable height).
- The bamboo may possibly heat up.
- May be a little too big for people who are always on-the-go.
- Uses a USB to power the fans therefore draining laptop
battery.
Interesting:
Its unique and ergonomically effective design.
The shape of the stand is unique and holds the majority of
the laptop.
It is made out of (predominantly) bamboo.
The product has a nice touch (colour-wsie).
Materials: Made out of bamboo, it may be a strong and durable material
therefore making it a good material to use. On the other hand,
bamboo may be hard to purchase or used; prices may be a
problem due to its quality.
Ergonomics: The product as shown is good for home/office users more than
on-the-go users as this product may be difficult to place inside
bags, etc. But, it is easy to use and the adjustable height (for the
specific model) brings in convenience.
Aesthetics: The product is obviously aesthetically pleasing as it shows of its
unique bamboo colour and light texture. Additionally, it has a
woody type look so people can enjoy both sides of technology
and the use of natures finest (bamboo).
Cost: As it is made out of material that is durable and of a good
quality, it may be expensive and could possibly be hard to find.
Therefore the cost of the material may be a problem (when
coming to purchase).
Durability: As explained previously, as it is made out of a durable but
material, it is a sturdy product. Additionally, bamboo is a tough
material and can therefore be long-lasting. But contact with
water may disturb the components inside the product and may
shrink the actual stand.
Sustainability: In reference to sustainability, the product would be sustainable
as bamboo is completely biodegradable. It is 100%
biodegradable in soil. As it is cultivated and used for
construction, this is therefore sustainable. If it was not
sustainable, it would not be used for any construction projects
(i.e. construction of bamboo houses, etc.).
Synthesis: The bamboo stand proves itself to be an aesthetically and
ergonomically pleasing product that can suit the needs of
home/office (but mainly home) laptop users. Its unique design is
what really matters as it brings a more modern style which is
very popular in the market.
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