The Write n' Wipe is a versatile 2-in-1 product designed to simultaneously store whiteboard markers and serves as an eraser.
Its dual functionality helps streamline whiteboard usage, ensuring that you always have the tools you need within arm's reach to create, erase, and collaborate seamlessly.
Background
PROMPT: design a physical product that would benefit the current studio space in ONE week, how can I devise a product to address a common studio issue, all while working within the current time constraints?
Finding a Problem Space
Given a broad prompt, I began by conducting an ethnographic session in which I observed how design students interacted with the studio space.
I noticed there were 3 main problems arise throughout my 2 sessions:
Outlet Cord Retracting
The studio space almost exclusively has retractable ceiling outlets that are known for for their finicky design that often results in them not staying in the extended position and occasionally retracting abruptly, potentially causing laptops and power plugs to be inadvertently pulled along with them. As a result, students bring their own extensions cords from their dorm to connect to the one wall outlet available.
Lack of Storage
In the studio space, there are high chairs and high tables; however, the absence of backpack hooks means that the height difference makes it challenging to retrieve anything from the floor without getting off the chair and then back on. In many cases, individuals will try to lean over and usually tip their chair and fall over. Others will keep their backpack on the desk but in groups larger than 2 per table, there is a lack of desk space.
Erasers and Markers Hassle
Before brainstorming many groups would scour the studio looking for an eraser for their group, some for over 5 minutes. Although markers were relatively easier to locate, the magnetic holder used to store them frequently toppled over due to an imbalance in weight distribution. Consequently, teams resorted to keeping the markers on their desks, failing to return them to their designated place, resulting in markers being scattered throughout the room and often ending up on the floor.
User Research
As a design student working on a project for a space in which I actively engaged, it was crucial for me to employ methodologies that would provide concrete and compelling justifications for addressing the issues within that particular environment.
I opted to conduct an informal survey in which I talked to each table at the end of the class, inquiring about which problem they considered to be the most common or prevalent in the given context. To my surprise, although they believed the outlet problem was the most frequently encountered issue, the majority expressed a preference for addressing the whiteboard marker issue as the most interesting space to continue my work in.
Therefore I decided to focus on designing a product that can eliminate the need for the current whiteboard marker holder and can consolidate whiteboard materials for brainstorming.
Ideation
I started by sketching various shapes and designing different white marker containers. I then assessed how each design felt when held by hand and then attempted to combining them into a single product.
I chose to create a flat/mid curved structure that had indented marker holders with a palm and finger-rest.
Ideation (left) & Pin-Up (right)
Low Fidelity Prototype
With only 4 days left to the deadline, I created a low fidelity prototype to test the shape, size, and measurements prior to my first & last 3-D print.
While this prototype is by no means pretty, it allowed me to gauge comfort with different hand sizes while the product was being used for its intended purpose, with the markers inside and erased with.
Prototype in Use
Iteration
While the size was appropriate for the average hand, users felt uncomfortable pressing their hand flatly against the product while erasing. The palm and finger rests should be designed as a dome to effectively occupy the void created when hands curve around it thus leading to a more comfortable erasing/ holding experience.
Initial Sketches (left) & Final Sketch (right)
Initial CAD (left) & Final CAD (right)
3D Print
Originally, I intended to utilize TPU as the filament because of its flexibility, allowing the markers to easily snap in and out of the product. Unfortunately, a machine malfunction resulted in a build failure. Therefore, I pivoted to traditional PLA, which is a more rigid structure, requiring modification of the distance between the marker barriers.
Build Fail & TPU Flexibility
Final 3D Print
While this print was not perfect, as seen by the large gap at the finger rest and whiteboard marker- it was functional and was able to successfully store markers and erase with ease from the user.
Key Takeaway
Prototyping Early & Fast
The experience of completing this project within a one-week timeframe has emphasized the significance of early and rapid prototyping in the product development process. As soon as I began prototyping, regardless of the level of detail or fidelity, it became evident that it facilitated pivoting and making more informed decisions regarding the product's structure. Moreover, having a prototype in place enabled others to provide valuable feedback leading to a better end product.
