ASSIGNMENT #7 - BETA, FINAL PROTOTYPE
1. NAME OF THE ARTIFACT
FOOT MOP: This is descriptive of the product, its function and could be found on-line with this intuitive phrase. However, the image isn't the most attractive --picture a foot and a mop--two of the more lowly appendages and implements. So for marketing purposes I thought of these names:
FOOT MOP: This is descriptive of the product, its function and could be found on-line with this intuitive phrase. However, the image isn't the most attractive --picture a foot and a mop--two of the more lowly appendages and implements. So for marketing purposes I thought of these names:
- PEDI SWEEP
- EASY CLEAN
- SLIPPER SWEEP
- SWIFFER SLIPPER - ONLY POSSIBLE IF SOLD TO SWIFFER AT P & G.
- Looking over these naming attempts, Foot-Mop is the best--simple and descriptive of a mundane product. The packaging may compensate for the ordinariness of the name.
2. BETA PROTOTYPE SLIDE SHOW
3. GAP ADDRESSED AND PROBLEM DEFINITION
HOW MAY I PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE FLOOR CLEANING METHOD WHILE ELIMINATING BENDING AND KNEELING MOVEMENTS.
HOW MAY I PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE FLOOR CLEANING METHOD WHILE ELIMINATING BENDING AND KNEELING MOVEMENTS.
- BACKGROUND: This goes way back--to 1947. Mom had vertigo and back problems. She put thick socks on us (3 kids) and had us dance around the perimeter of the room to the Andrew Sisters singing "Don't Fence Me In". It was fun--for a while. Now, 65 years later, I have back problems and the key needs of 1) eliminating bending and 2) cleaning every type of dirt could be answered by the FOOT MOP.
- KEY USER NEEDS:
THE FOOTMOP CAN BE USED ON ALL TYPES OF NON-CARPETED FLOORS
THE FOOTMOP CAN BE USED FOR ALL TYPES OF CLEANING
THE FOOTMOP CAN BE USED WET OR DRY
THE FOOTMOP HAS RE-USABLE PARTS
THE FOOTMOP HAS UNIVERSAL USAGE
THE FOOTMOP IS EASY TO STORE
THE FOOTMOP IS EASY TO USE
THE FOOTMOP PROVIDES EXERCISE
THE FOOTMOP MAKES THE JOB MORE PLEASANT
4. FURTHER REFINEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOOT MOP:
One of the important needs of this product is ease of use. Detaching the selected cloths using a tab to be stepped on by the other foot is awkward and could throw the user off balance. The tab on my prototype eventually tore, thus forcing the user to bend down and remove the cloth. This thwarts my intent to create a 'no-bend--no-kneel' product. Therefore, a better detachment process is needed.
Another need that doesn't work is attaching a sponge, a vital material for cleaning wet spills. Who knew cellulose doesn't adhere to the taped backing on Velcro? Natural sponges might work but then costs go up. The best solution is to find a sponge with a backing of another material that will attach to the Velcro backing.
One of the important needs of this product is ease of use. Detaching the selected cloths using a tab to be stepped on by the other foot is awkward and could throw the user off balance. The tab on my prototype eventually tore, thus forcing the user to bend down and remove the cloth. This thwarts my intent to create a 'no-bend--no-kneel' product. Therefore, a better detachment process is needed.
Another need that doesn't work is attaching a sponge, a vital material for cleaning wet spills. Who knew cellulose doesn't adhere to the taped backing on Velcro? Natural sponges might work but then costs go up. The best solution is to find a sponge with a backing of another material that will attach to the Velcro backing.
5. OTHER INFORMATION OF INTEREST:
There are other foot-mops on the market. They are one piece, washable slippers with micro-fiber attached soles. The attachment is not removable so different cleaning needs are not addressed. Anyone, not only our aging population, would benefit from a multi-use foot-mop. I hereby bequeath this idea to any worthy designer out there. Let me know when it's on the market and I'll be the first to buy it.
There are other foot-mops on the market. They are one piece, washable slippers with micro-fiber attached soles. The attachment is not removable so different cleaning needs are not addressed. Anyone, not only our aging population, would benefit from a multi-use foot-mop. I hereby bequeath this idea to any worthy designer out there. Let me know when it's on the market and I'll be the first to buy it.