Instructor Defined Challenge
Instructor Defined Challenge
Individual Assignment
Fall 2012: Cell Phones on a Plane
Airlines have just begun to offer the ability for passengers to make cell phone calls while flying at high altitude. While many passengers welcome this, other passengers have already expressed strong concerns against this. The concerns relate to being exposed to a seatmate’s phone conversation in tight quarters over the long duration of a flight. An airline would like to attract passengers that would like to use their phones, while not alienating other passengers. You have been hired by an airline to address this challenge, and they have already precluded separate seating arrangements for cell phone users and other passengers. It is anticipated that the price per minute for cell phone use will drop significantly, since there is minimal added cost to the airlines.
1. Develop a design solution to help the airlines maximize customer satisfaction and thereby increase the amount of seats sold and airline revenue. The design solution must include a physical component, but may also have important guidelines and methods of use.
2. Describe your design solution in a 2.5 minute oral presentation and 5 page report.
3. Describe the solution with an annotated figure that can be:
a. A CAD model
b. A hand drawing (sketching tutorial will be provided)
c. Photo of mockup (3D printing, clay, foam core, mash-up of purchased products, or other)
4. Show a storybook or video of a skit describing the product being used in airplane setting.
5. Identify earlier adopters of “phone on a plane” users, and primary customers where sitting next to a phone user is a concern. Identify age, gender, and occupations.
6. Describe how the technology will work.
7. Describe who will pay for the product, and target price point.
8. Address relevant issues, which may include hygiene, durability, and safety.
The lab will have access to some relevant technology such as noise cancelling headphones, microphones, audio mixers, and well as a simulated airplane row including jet noise. Students can use the lab resources for testing, but must leave the devices available for all students to interact with.
There are many design solutions for this challenge. The best solutions will be those that help the airlines the most.
Secret Agent Smart was an advocate of the Cone of Silence, but maybe there are some better solutions.
References:
· Foreign Airlines Ahead of U.S. on Cellphone Use