L.A.U.N.C.H.ing an Exhibition

Phase 1 Look, Listen, Learn

This is the first stage in the launch process. In this stage we had to learn about our task and what we were supposed to do. Our task was to create something to solve a problem that a non PLP member has. For this stage we watched a couple of videos about blue sky and how you don’t always have to think out side the box but rather think about the box in a different way.

Phase 2 Ask Questions

Part of phase 2 was that we had to conduct an interview with our client. By this time I had already found one of my friends who had a problem that he wanted me to solve. My friends name is Dominic and when I interviewed him he said that his problem was that his badminton grip was wearing away too fast and it was to difficult for him to change. So by then it was time for me to start designing him a solution.

Phase 3 Understanding the Problem

For this stage in we focused on research. We already had a lot of info from primary research which are interviewing clients or audiences and brainstorming. In this stage we moved on to secondary research which is texts, websites, videos etc. For this stage I researched a lot about sticky yet durable materials and I found a company that made a product that stuck to things but wasn’t sticky. I also researched how long the average badminton grip lasts, so that I could make my grip last even longer.

Phase 4 Navigating Ideas

Once we had all of our research done we moved onto phase 4 navigating our ideas. This was the part where we cut out a lot of our ideas so that we were left with one finalized idea. For me my idea had changed between phase 3 and 4. My new idea was to make a towel grip (which is the other common badminton grip used and see if Dominic like that). Once I made it and gave it to him to try it didn’t work because he got blisters on his hand.

Phase 5 Create a Prototype

Now I know I already made a prototype but this is a modified launch cycle so we don’t follow it exactly. For my final design I decided to use ping pong rubber (the stuff on pin pong paddles) which I found when I was looking at a racquet store online. When I gave my final prototype to Dominic to test he really loved it and was looking forward to using it after the exhibition. He said one thing I could improve was the way the grip was attach to the racquet.

Final prototype

Phase 6 Highlight and Fix

For this stage we focused on how we could improve our final designs and overall presentation because by the time we got to this stage we had 3 days until the exhibition. I took the feedback from Dominic and really improved my grips overall design to make it look a lot nicer as well as feel better

Final product

Phase 7 Ready to Launch to an Audience!

This was the final part of the launch cycle and after following all the steps I was ready. I was very happy with the way it turned out and proud to present it to everyone that stop by to listen.