The assignment for this project was learn how to frame in the design parameters of an assignment: design a product that learns the user something trough playing with the product. And work trough all the design phases to come to a design that is fits within those parameters.

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I started focusing in on extreme board sports, doing primary researching in this area trough: surveys, brainstorms, desk research, interviews, and product interaction. I focused more into the sport of Kite-surfing and Land-boarding. And finally came up a persona and a hypothesis: It should be possible to create a new innovative product for people from 15 and up to learn the sport of kite-surfing on land. With the same learning principles (kiting, balance, wind window and speed) of the sport, but with a more movement like product, similar to the movement on water with a kite-board.



Using this hypothesis I started doing secondary research within the movement of kite-surfing and started my sketching in the concept phase. The product should allow users to move forward with the board under a 45 degree angle and have the option to turn the board. 



My final design, worked out in Solidworks trough skeleton modeling, is a new style truck to mount underneath a existing land-board deck to keep the costs down. The three middle front wheels are in line with the three middle back wheels so when you have strong winds in your kite you can turn the deck up to a 43 degree and the board will still go straight. When you get on the outer wheels (45 degree) the alignment is a radius of 1,5M, this makes it possible to make fast tight turns similar as a kite-board. The wheels, bolts and nuts will be factory parts. The other parts: plates brackets, axle and inserts will be manufactures specifically for this product.

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In the end I created a product Identity for the trucks; 'Truck 45' because the trucks allow you to have the 45 degree angel motion of kiteboarding. I produced renders trough Keyshot and added textures in Photoshop  to create realistic product Renders.



From this project I learned how to frame in a assignment so you waist less time on unfit design. Also i improved my work approach, Solidworks modeling skills and Photoshop rendering skills. 



- Erasmus IT Carlow