Design Practice I (DES602)

Portfolio Notebook
Team Name: Team Lab Rats
Instructor: Dr. Amar Behera

Arko Prabho Basak 210184

Ashok Singh Naruka 210217

Hardik Agrawal 210404

Jatin Rastogi 210466

Mansi Sodhani 210591

Netraj Rane 210664

Shashank S 218070963

Shivani 210985
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Summary of Learning
3. Lab Projects and CAD Work
4. Assignments and Projects
5. Reflections on the Course
6. Exercises
1. Introduction
This portfolio presents our comprehensive journey
through the course "Design Practice I (DES602)"
offered during Term 2 at IIT Kanpur. The course has
helped build foundational and applied knowledge in
design thinking, user research, environmental
responsibility, digital fabrication, and
interdisciplinary collaboration. This notebook
documents my engagement with the lecture
content, practical labs, design exercises, and
reflections on real-world applications.
2. Summary of Learning

Design as a Problem-Solving Process

Design is not merely about aesthetics; it is a structured, iterative process that

addresses real-world problems by balancing user needs, feasibility, and business goals.
The course introduced frameworks such as the Design Squiggle and the Double
Diamond model to represent the uncertainty and exploration involved in design
thinking.

User-Centered and Inclusive Design

A major pillar of the course was user-centered design (UCD), focusing on understanding
the needs, behaviors, and constraints of real users. Tools such as empathy maps,
personas, journey maps, and AEIOU observations helped us frame user problems and
uncover latent needs. Inclusive design principles ensured accessibility, diversity, and
equity were prioritized from the beginning.

Key Methods Learned:

• Empathy mapping & contextual inquiry

• Observational techniques & AEIOU framework

• Interviews & user personas

• User journey maps & scenarios

The Design Process: From Concept to Execution

We studied the entire lifecycle of product design, starting with problem framing,
ideation, and concept generation, leading up to embodiment and detail design. Models
like French’s design process and P-diagrams (Parameter diagrams) gave us a structured
way to transition from user needs to actionable design elements.

Important Concepts:

• Problem framing and design briefs

• Conceptualization and ideation

• Concurrent engineering and teamwork

• Detail design and value engineering

Detail Design and CAD Modeling

A crucial part of the course involved transitioning ideas into manufacturable and
functional products. Through CAD modeling, we learned to develop precise geometry,
define tolerances, and prepare our designs for prototyping and manufacturing.
Key Topics Covered:

• Design for manufacturability (DFM)

• Tolerances, fit, and GD&T principles

• Surface finishes, material selection

• Value engineering to optimize cost vs. functionality

Sustainable Design: Design for Environment (DfE)

Environmental sustainability was a recurring theme throughout the course. We learned

to integrate sustainability from the early design stages by considering product lifecycle
impacts, material choices, and closed-loop systems. Cradle-to-cradle design,
recycling, and eco-innovation were central ideas.

DfE Principles Applied:

• Lifecycle thinking: material, use, and disposal phases

• Selection of low-impact materials

• Designing for modularity, reuse, and recyclability

• Case studies like Patagonia and Freitag for eco-branding

Breakthrough Products: Merging Style, Technology, and Value

We explored the integration of form, function, and emotion to create impactful

products. The concept of SET factors (Social, Economic, Technological) and Product
Opportunity Gaps (POGs) allowed us to position innovations meaningfully in the
market.

Illustrative Examples:

• OXO ergonomic tools

• Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville blender

• Apple’s evolution from iMac to iPod to iPhone

Smart Products and Systems Integration

As technology advances, products are increasingly becoming smart, connected, and

responsive. We discussed systems engineering models and explored how system
integration enables the design of IoT-based products.

Learning Highlights:

• Systems thinking and decomposition

• Vertical, horizontal, and star integration methods

• Prototyping using microcontrollers like ESP32

 • Smart vs. tech-enabled product distinctions

Planning and Managing Design Projects

We were introduced to project management techniques to plan deliverables, resources,

and timelines effectively. Concepts such as the Project Triangle (scope, cost, time),
waterfall vs. spiral models, and stakeholder analysis were emphasized.

Key Concepts:

• Stage-gate planning and spiral development

• Project control cycles and stakeholder communication

• Risk and reliability planning

• Cost evaluation and economic decision making

Robust Design and Design of Experiments (DOE)

Robust design focuses on building products that perform consistently under varied
operating conditions. We used DOE to systematically test design parameters and
identify optimal configurations through statistical analysis.

Core Skills Developed:

• Parameter identification and P-diagram usage

• Control vs. noise factor analysis

• Use of orthogonal arrays and S/N ratios

• Experimental planning and optimization

Legal, Ethical, and Economic Aspects of Design

We explored the broader implications of design including intellectual property rights,

environmental and social responsibility, and ethical decision-making in product
development. These sessions deepened our understanding of design’s influence
beyond the physical artifact.

Topics Explored:

• Patents and copyright in product design

• Design ethics and responsible innovation

• Product liability, user safety, and regulation

• Cost-benefit and life cycle analysis

3. Lab Projects and CAD Work

Multi-Functional Exploration Tool (MFET)

• Objective: To design a compact, modular, and durable exploration tool for

extraterrestrial environments like Europa or Titan.

• Key Features:

o Modular components including high-resolution imaging, spectroscopy

sensors, robotic arms, and terrain-adaptive wheels.

o Real-time environmental analysis and communication system for data

relay to Earth.

o Energy efficiency through solar panels and battery backup.

• Specifications:

o Arms: 150 mm & 170 mm

o Gripper: 40 mm x 30 mm x 10 mm

o Chassis: 200 mm x 150 mm x 60 mm

• CAD Images:
• Outcome: Successfully constructed a prototype and CAD model demonstrating
adaptability, energy efficiency, and data acquisition capabilities.
4. Assignments and Projects

Assignment: Bio-Enhanced Algae Panels for Urban Carbon Capture

• Problem Identified: Urban carbon emissions from transportation, industry, and

limited green spaces.

• Solution: Bio-reactive transparent panels with microalgae mounted on urban

building facades to capture CO₂.

• Research & Analysis: Evaluation of existing solutions (e.g., DAC, vertical

gardens) and the advantages of algae-based systems.

• Key Features:
 o High CO₂ absorption (10x trees), modular scalability, automated water &
nutrient circulation, potential byproducts.

• Implementation Strategy:

o Urban deployment through partnerships.

o Pilot projects and scaling through architectural firms.

• Feasibility: Use of transparent panels, solar energy, and embedded nutrient

circulation systems validated for economic and environmental impact.

Course Project: Multi-Functional Exploration Tool (MFET)

(Also covered under Lab Projects section)

• Title: Multi-Functional Exploration Tool for Extraterrestrial Research

• Goal: Create a self-sufficient, all-terrain scientific device for uncharted celestial

missions.

• Core Functionalities:

o Data collection with spectrometer and imaging

o Atmospheric and radiation sensors

o Autonomous mobility across varying terrain

o Solar-powered operation and long-range communication

• CAD & Prototyping: Developed physical model backed by complete CAD part
assembly and exploded views.
Ongoing Project: Smart Extension Board

• Objective: Convert a conventional extension board into a smart IoT-enabled

device.

• Components: ESP32 microcontroller, 4-channel relay module, AC-to-DC

converter, integrated control interface.

• Wireless Connectivity: Supports remote control via Wi-Fi, MQTT/HTTP

protocols, integrated with Alexa and Google Home.

• System Design:

o AC mains input routed through relay-controlled switching.

o Isolation between high-voltage and low-voltage circuits ensured using

fuses and insulation.

o Control logic hosted on ESP32, mapped to relays via GPIO.

• Development Highlights:

o Disassembled existing board to analyze physical layout and redesign

enclosure.

o Documented wiring diagrams, implemented relay control code, tested

remote functions.

o Ensured user safety, insulation, and aesthetic enhancements.

• Challenges Addressed:
 o Voltage compatibility between ESP32 and relays.

o Designing with safety and commercial scalability in mind.

• Future Scope:

o Add energy monitoring and analytics features.

o Refine design for commercial productization and integration into smart

home ecosystems.
5. Reflections on the Course

This course has reshaped my approach to design from an intuitive activity to a

structured, thoughtful discipline. I now understand that successful design requires
more than creativity; it involves empathy, iteration, technical precision, and systemic
thinking. I particularly enjoyed the focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and smart
technology integration.

Personal Takeaways:

• Designing with empathy ensures real-world relevance

• Visualizing and sketching are powerful thinking tools

• Environmental impact must be factored in from Day 1

• Systems thinking and integration are key for future-ready designs

This course has given me the mindset and tools to work confidently on interdisciplinary
design challenges and has sparked a long-term interest in sustainable and human-
centered innovation.
6. Exercises

Wearable Fitness Tracker

Task 1 – Brainstorm Method: Communication Piece

Market Research

The global wearable fitness tracker market is booming, projected to reach USD 138
billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 15.4%. The growth is primarily driven by the rising
awareness of personal health, the rise in chronic lifestyle diseases, and the increasing
adoption of smart technologies. A brainstorming session among team members and
informal interviews with fitness enthusiasts highlighted the demand for health-focused
wearables that go beyond step counting.

Current products offer heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, sleep analysis, and calorie
burn metrics. However, there’s a growing interest in holistic well-being, including stress
monitoring, hydration tracking, and menstrual health features. We noted that
affordability and battery life are significant barriers to entry, especially for younger users
and students.

User Research

We conducted user research through surveys and direct interaction with 15 individuals,
ranging from students and young professionals to elderly users. The brainstorming
yielded key themes:

• Fitness Conscious Users seek real-time data for optimization and motivation.

• Recreational Users want gamified and engaging experiences.

• Elderly Users desire simplified health monitoring features and emergency

support.

• Tech Skeptics are concerned about privacy, comfort, and reliability.

Our empathy mapping exercise showed that most users desire meaningful insights, not
just raw data. Many users also felt overwhelmed by the interface or underwhelmed by
inaccurate tracking.

Common complaints included:

• Overcomplicated user interfaces

• Inaccuracy in sleep and calorie data

• Poor durability or band comfort

 • Short battery life during continuous GPS usage

• Lack of integration with non-mainstream apps (e.g., regional health platforms)

Existing Products

We studied the top five fitness trackers across price points:

1. Fitbit Charge 5

2. Apple Watch SE

3. Mi Band 7

4. Samsung Galaxy Fit2

5. Garmin Vivosmart 4

Using a feature comparison chart, we evaluated metrics like step accuracy, ecosystem
integration, display quality, comfort, battery life, and customizability.

Insights:

• Fitbit has great wellness features but limited cross-platform compatibility.

• Apple Watch has rich features but is expensive and iOS-exclusive.

• Mi Band is budget-friendly but lacks precision and material quality.

• Garmin is fitness-focused but has an outdated interface.

• Samsung Fit excels in visuals but has average battery life.

From this, we brainstormed unmet opportunities like modular bands, intuitive gesture
control, AI-driven health coaching, and locally relevant app integrations.

Task 2 – Persona Development and Product Assessment

Persona 1: Rahul – The Fitness Enthusiast

• Age: 25

• Occupation: Software Developer

• Location: Bangalore, India

• Lifestyle: Gym 5 times/week, uses apps like MyFitnessPal and Strava

• Goals: Improve endurance, monitor calorie intake, optimize recovery

• Frustrations:

o Battery dies quickly during outdoor runs with GPS

o UI overload with irrelevant data

 o Inaccurate calorie burn for strength workouts

Unmet Needs:

1. Customizable dashboard with relevant workout modes

2. Long battery life with GPS and music enabled

3. Integration with calorie/nutrition tracking apps

Product Gaps:

• Most trackers show limited strength workout metrics

• UI clutter makes navigation slow during high-intensity exercise

• Only premium trackers offer native nutrition tracking

Persona 2: Asha – The Elderly Health Monitor

• Age: 67

• Occupation: Retired School Teacher

• Location: Pune, India

• Lifestyle: Walks daily, manages BP and diabetes, lives with family

• Goals: Monitor vitals, fall detection, daily reminders

• Frustrations:

o Small text and complex menus

o No option to notify family in case of emergencies

o Charging every 2–3 days is inconvenient

Unmet Needs:

1. Simple interface with voice commands

2. Emergency SOS and auto-notification to caregivers

3. 10+ day battery life

Product Gaps:

• Many trackers require smartphones to use full features

• SOS features are limited to high-end devices

• No regional language or voice assistant for senior-friendly UX

Persona 3: Sneha – The Budget-Conscious Student

• Age: 20

• Occupation: University Student

• Location: Jaipur, India

• Lifestyle: Yoga, cycling, and daily commute by foot

• Goals: Track steps, sleep, menstruation, and hydration

• Frustrations:

o Monthly subscription for advanced features

o Straps wear out quickly

o No menstrual tracker in affordable bands

Unmet Needs:

1. Affordable tracker with menstrual and hydration insights

2. Durable and stylish bands

3. Offline tracking without always needing Bluetooth

Product Gaps:

• Menstrual tracking is mostly app-based or locked behind paywalls

• Budget trackers lack premium materials

• Continuous connectivity drains phone and watch battery

Conclusion

Our brainstorming-based research reveals a broad market for fitness trackers, but
current products often fall short of expectations due to issues in customization,
inclusivity, and long-term usability.

To improve future designs:

• For Rahul: Add athlete-specific modes, better UI control, and nutritional app
sync.

• For Asha: Develop a senior-focused model with SOS, voice UX, and week-long
battery.

• For Sneha: Launch a student-friendly, durable tracker with gender-sensitive

features.
In conclusion, while wearables are evolving rapidly, the next leap will be in hyper-
personalization, accessibility, and regional adaptability—not just more features, but
more thoughtful features.
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