Project
Smart Paw
During the course “From numerical basis to physical product”, we were given the task of creating a computer mouse for an identified target group. The project enabled us to follow the entire product development process, from idea to a fully functioning concept, an Alfa product.
Digitization has taken leaps and bounds, and teaching in schools has gone from analogue to digital form. Elementary school students spend more and more time in front of the computer during their school days, and the project group saw a need for an ergonomic computer mouse for children in the ages 9-13 y/o. The subject of technology is part of the curriculum for elementary school students, so the project group wanted to try to find a solution that increases interest in the subject.
The goal was to create an ergonomic computer mouse that inspires middle school students.
Team
Time
April to May 2023
Tools
Alias Autodesk
Catia V5
KEY WORDS
Product Development
Prototyping
Solid Modeling
Surface Modeling
Design Process
01 Benchmarking
After the target group was set, benchmarking was conducted to explore various computer mouses on the market. During the benchmarking ergonomic products were explored.
02 Ideation
Idea generation focused on creating fun and engaging solutions aimed at increasing ergonomics and the target group’s interest in the subject of technology.
03 Clay Model
The computer mouse was built in clay to evaluate shapes and forms to get an ergonomic computer mouse. The target group tried the shape and assessed the ergonomics of the computer mouse.
04 Surface and Solid Modeling
The clay model was scanned and used as a base to create a digital surface model in Alias Autodesk. The surface was exported to Catia V5 to create a solid model.
05 Prototyping
The solid model of the computer mouse was 3D printed. A circuit board was implemented in the 3D-printed model and was evaluated by the target group.
Result
The project resulted in the Smart Paw, which is a beta product. The Smart Paw has flexible and soft shapes to offer a natural position for the hand to improve ergonomics. The size of the mouse is based on anthropometric measurements to fit middle school students ages 9-13. The inspiring computer mouse is offered in different colors to suit students’ preferences. The transparent part was implemented in the hope of attracting and interesting more students to engage in the subject of technology and to increase their understanding of the technology behind the computer mouse.