Project Overview
A project more focused on physical prototyping around temporary user impairments. The goal was to establish the best methods by which a user could unlatch the side load door. All whilst unable to access the handle or their keys due to them carrying a large object with them at the time. The assumptions made around the object were that its large in size but easy to carry, and could not be put on the floor.
The key deliverables in this project were a working door prototype, and a recommendation on stratgic future approach. This results in the creation of a working prototype to showcase multiple methods for initiating the door opening on a vehicle. This prototype was then tested with users and the key recommendations given to the different stakeholder groups.
Skill Areas
Rapid Iterations
The greatest area of focus was to create a sensor based door opening solution. Two sensors were set up for the prototype. One which represented the current industry standard for door opening, an under vehicle sensor. Then a second sensor which was placed facing outwards on the lower door panel.
Both sensors were connected using an Arduino to an RF frequency emitter which activated a wire pull mechanism in the door. This allowed the door to pop open without the need for pulling the handle.
Testing and iterating quickly over the space of a few days, the prototype quickly took shape from the initial image on the top left, through to the image on the bottom right.
Secondary Hypotheses
In addition to understanding the best method for initiating the door release, the size of the opening was also tested.
A simple spring and adjustable elastic cord was used to set the door opening at different gap sizes. The yellow stickers represented the three different locations the door could open to once the sensors had detected the user.
Tested Prototype
Overall, four combinations for openign the door were tested. 2 sensor based solutions (A and C) and two button based solutions (D and B)
In testing, users were asked to enter the vehicle via each method, whilst holding a large empty box. All findings were synthesised and ranked and then presented to the stakeholder teams.