Embrace, Product Design Summer Intensive team project

summer 2004 catherine chen parsons school of design product design

jessica chen karen wei

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

the business case current market trends the number of computer users is growing people are more aware of fashion and design trends gym memberships and athletic activity is on the rise there will always be a market for wrist guards ensure proper wrist posture to minimize computer-related injuries stabilize wrist movement post-fracture protect wrists during athletic activity we have identified a gap in the existing market functional products exist, but they are unattractive wrist are a prominent part of the body people are willing to spend money on accessories embrace would create an aesthetically pleasing product maintain the ergonomics and function of a wrist guard serve all markets with a fun, fashionable, and functional product Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

what is strength?

• • • • • • • • • •

the state, property, or quality of being strong. the power to resist attack; impregnability. the power to resist strain or stress; durability the ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly capacity or potential for effective action “it does a body good” a source of power or force. degree of intensity, force, effectiveness, or potency effective or binding force; efficacy firmness of or a continuous rising tendency in prices, as on the stock market power derived from the value of playing cards held

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

power . might . energy . force

strength:

what is strength?

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

physical strength

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

problems

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

benefits

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

wrist injury causes • exceeding normal limits of flexion and extension

• excessive force exertion at joint • failures of bone, ligaments or both • dislocation of joint • over use injuries (e.g. computing and sports)

types of injury colle’s fracture scaphoid fracture carpal tunnel syndrome tendonitis sprains and dislocations Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

broken bone in forearm broken bone in wrist bones nerve damage and swelling inflammation of tendons tearing and stress of ligaments

wrist treatments treatment options surgery – – – –

pins and plates screws injection bone graft

splinting – plaster cast (time = 6 weeks) – supportive splint or brace

treatment type depends on the severity of the injury and needs of the patient. usually surgery is unnecessary.

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

wrist statistics wrist fractures are the most common orthopedic injury for individuals under 65 years of age

statistics 15% of all childhood trauma 37% of skating injuries (1993) 25% of snowboarding injuries 70% of wrist injuries end in fracture

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

market analysis target market •all ages: children, teens, young adults, and adults •people who want to accessorize their wrists and arms •people who want to disguise a traditional wrist guard

common injuries • sports-related fractures • post-surgery wrist remobilization strength training • carpal tunnel problems from excessive computer usage

demographics population age 20 – 44 100 million (50% male, 50% female) age 45-64 80 million (50% male, 50% female) occupation 34% management, professional, and related (~44 million) 27% sales and office occupations (~20 million) US census 2000

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

existing products wrist supports & wrist braces

http://www.docortho.com/isroot/Stores/DocOrtho/SiteImages/catalog.pdf Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

thumb supports

existing products wrist guards

jewelry

gloves

bracelets

athletic

Wristeasy

Smart Glove®

other products

arm cast cover

arm cuffs

arm warmers leg splint

BIOflex wrist splint

BioSkin Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

dressy

finger splint

current landscape the current landscape • wrist guards are very effective in protecting the wrists • bracelets and arm cuffs adorn one’s wrist and arms • gloves decorate and/or keep an arm warm no existing products have both the functionality of a wrist guard and the aesthetic appeal of a arm cuff or glove justification • people will spend money on a wrist guard because it is medically necessary • consumers will spend money to keep up with the latest fashion trends embrace can tap both these markets and provide a crossfunctional product

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

design criteria affordable simple functional aesthetic versatile comfortable

$10 - 40 easy to use protective and effective fashion influences use for and after treatment material selection and form

the intent of embrace is to increase patient compliance by creating a more fashionable alternative to the traditional wrist brace.

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

concept ideation

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

concept ideation

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

modasketches

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

platinumsketches

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

toxicsketches

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

mock-ups

2 splints with rope

2 splints with elastic

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

2 splints with ribbon

explorations partner with athletic apparel brands (eg Puma, adidas, nike)

develop a clothing line with optional sleeves for wrist guard inserts (eg sweatshirts)

lower cost version of platinum line made from nonprecious metals or plastics

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

partner with medical professionals to encourage proper use of wrist guards

develop products for other parts of the body (eg knees, ankles, etc)

sources http://www.imakproducts.com/products/smart_glove.htm http://www.theshoppingchannel.com/product_detail.asp?departmentId=3713&itemId=268420&templateCode=GD&showId=2274 http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/brochure/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=5&topcategory=Hand http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=322&topcategory=Hand http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/query?

FUNCTION=search&PARAMETER=fracture&DISAMBIGUATION=true&SERVER1=server1&SERVER2=server2&START=0&END=25&MAX=500&ASPE CT=4 http://www.linsner.com/images/covers/gloves.jpg http://www.oknitting.com/images/gloves.jpg http://www.bridal-originals.co.uk/bridal_images/long-dip-dyed-gloves.jpg http://www.kaystarr.com/shoppe/gloves-pink-on.gif http://winweb.co.jp/wintec/onlineshopping/top/5-brandshop/specialized/GLOVES-zebra.jpg http://www.waveonesports.com/teamgloves.shtml http://www.mikawed.com/pic/gloves/glove_7749_design.jpg http://www.theatrehouse.com/media/gloves_7472_matte.jpg http://bridaltreasures.net/Merchant2/img/gloves_big.jpg http://www.costumes.org/store/advertisers/amazon/other/lurexarmwarmers.jpg http://www.dragonweave.com/cuff-bracelets.html http://www.gothshop.com/img/inventory/6/600009_sm.jpg http://www.tontorim.com/images/ArmCuffStuddedConcho300.jpg http://www.melinahammer.com/arm_adorn/cuff/cuff_full.htm http://www.openshopamsterdam.com/accessories.html http://www.tontorim.com/images/ArmCuffPlatteRiver300.jpg http://www.afghantribalarts.com/images/Jewelry/pashtun/cuffs%20silver%20pashtun%202.JPG http://eliseperelman.safeshopper.com/images/d1bzule.jpg http://www.tribalmax.com/turkoman/022turkcuffTH.jpg www.lauratabor.co.uk/ fashionbridal.html http://padeh.net/Splint.jpg http://www.docortho.com/isroot/Stores/DocOrtho/SiteImages/catalog.pdf Applygraphics.com http://www.challengegraphics.com/challenge/media/images/muscles.jpg Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

fashionable designs to strengthen your body

final product

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

embrace

you don’t have to wear it. you want to wear it. embrace it.

concept existing wrist guards are bland and imposing, causing many to avoid wearing or attempting to hide the device. embrace is a set of fashionable wrist guards, which are both aesthetically appealing and provide structural support to strengthen one’s wrists

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

research summary the wrist?... why the wrist? ... should we be concerned?

pain points  wrist fractures are the most common fracture type in individuals under 65 years of age.  approximately 260,000 carpal tunnel release operations are performed each year and 47% of these are considered to be work-related.  arms and wrists are some of the most used and visible body parts, making them important in everyday actions and fashion.

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

the collection fashionable designs to strengthen your body

moda

platinum

toxic

show your spirit

dress to impress

casual, chic, and fun

available at sporting goods stores and department stores

available at high – end department stores and jewelry boutiques

available at department stores and most major retailers

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

moda fashion faux pas? no way! now you can recuperate in style. find a pattern that fits your lifestyle.

punch

desert

midnight

light

description: for those who keep up with the latest trends, from haute couture to retro cool, these wrist supports become essential fashion accessories materials: cotton, nylon, polyester, lycra, denim, mesh… whatever material the fashion gods dictate market: conservative or edgy, young or experienced, here you go!

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

modascenario raine is a director at a top graphic design firm. through extensive computer use, she has developed carpal tunnel syndrome. desperate for a fashionable alternative to the traditional wrist splint during client meetings, raine chooses one of the moda wrist splints to reflect her personal and creative style while at the same time taking care of her wrist condition.

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

modadesign materials

process

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

modaaccessories

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

platinum

timeless accessories to reflect your personality. what wrist guard? that’s a wrist cuff!

wrist cuff

belt

necklace

arm cuff

description: a set of wrist cuffs, arm cuffs, necklaces and belts. use the wrist cuffs when medically necessary or just to add some flair! materials: brushed aluminum and suede, molded to the contour of your body, also available in silver, gold, and platinum market: male and female, young adults and adults Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

platinumscenario 1

2

3

4

5

??

no more cast!

emma is a 26-year-old aspiring actress n LA.

6

she fractured her wrist snowboarding in Colorado over the holidays.

7

This is perfect! I want the belt too!

she meets ed at a party. He asks her to be his date to a movie premiere next week.

emma’s cast is coming off!

But she also has to wear a wrist guard for six weeks…

the wrist guard is ugly, what is she going to wear to the movie premiere?!

8

9

10

success! the date goes perfectly!

at the after party, she sees a guy who is wearing a wrist guard. Good thing she bought the embrace platinum cuffs!

Perfect! Now no one will ask me about my wrist!

emma goes shopping for the perfect dress and as she’s walking out, sees a display for the embrace platinum line

she can’t believe it! jewelry that will also protect her wrist?

now emma has the perfect dress and accessories to wear to the premiere with ed!

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

platinumdesign 1. paper and tape mockup to design the ideal shape

5. cut out hollow parts with a coping saw

2. refine shape, cut out center to reduce bulk

6. repeat the process for all parts

3. transfer shape to aluminum sheet metal, optimize resources through symmetry

7. trim and file each piece with sanding tools, finish surface with sandpaper

4. cut aluminum with band saw

8. bend brushed aluminum pieces to fit and support the wrist bone structure

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

platinumaccessories precious metals

sterling silver starting at $100

18k gold starting at $300

platinum call for prices

collections

scoop

flow

flexure

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

tilt

toxic

alleviate wrist pains and still be stylish! find the toxic in you!

firecracker

crash

midnight

speed

description: toxic wear is our urban line of accessory wrist guards designed to be casual chic, fun and fashionable, and made perfect for everyday wear materials: nylon, lycra, spandex, and silk to help stretch and support market: toxic wear appeals to all those with a flare for the alternative style Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

toxicscenario alice, at age 24, has wrist problems due to her love for tennis. her doctor advised her to wear a wrist brace to help with her tennis wrist. she went out to Rite-Aid to look for a trendier wrist brace, however, to her dismay, all of them were ugly. she searched on the web and found embrace, her fashionable solution to her medical condition. now she can wear her arm brace out in style!

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

toxicdesign materials toxic is made of nylon, lycra and spandex to provide support and stability. because the material is elastic, it hugs snugly onto wrists and arms of all sizes. the colored strips down the sides of the gloves are made of 100% silk to give users the highest quality in fashion.

process

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004

toxicaccessories

Catherine Chen – Jessica Chen – Karen Wei | Parsons School of Design | Product Design Summer 2004