Design Challenge

The design challenge of Mini Project 1 was to create a process framework demonstrating how our product, the Bike Light, was produced, used, and discarded.

To accomplish that, we had to consider:

  1. All the steps the Bike Light and its components went through: pre-processing, fabrication, post-processing, transportation, product use, and end-of-life.

  2. All the raw materials and resources used to conclude the steps above: copper, HIPS, fuel, lead, electricity, etc.

Overview

Below is an overview of the process framework of how the Bike Light was produced, used, and discarded.

Further down, descriptions of each framework step are present.

1. Raw Materials

To start, all the raw materials needed to produce the Bike Light's components must be sorted. The metals are mainly used in the circuit board and general wiring. The plastics for the product's body and structure. The chemicals are used when manufacturing the PCB.

2. Transportation

The raw materials need to be transported to the facility in which they will be processed. Trucks, carbo boats, trains, and/or air planes are used for that. Fuel is required to run these vehicles.

3. Production

Once raw materials arrive at the production facility(s), they go though several manufacturing processes in order to become the parts they were sorted for. These industrial processes require a significant amount electricity to run.

4. Parts

After processed, the raw materials compose the all the parts required for the project.

5. Assembly

Parts are assembled together to form the final product: the Bike Light.

6. Packing

The Bike Light is packed for shipping and retail. Plastic and paper are used in this step.

7. Transportation

After packed, our product is shipped from the facility in which it was born to the retail sector.

8. Marketing and Retailing

Now, it is the retailing sector's responsibility to advertise and sell the Bike Light. It needs to be available and attractive to consumers.

9. Consumers

Consumers who need a bike rear light purchase this product from the market with a marketing price.

10. Product Use

The product is attached to the bike and start to function while night cycling conditions.

11. End-of-Life

Perhaps one of the most important steps of the Bike Light is its last one. It can be partially or fully discarded in a landfill, generating pollution and a waste of resources, or it can be partially or fully recycled, reducing its environmental impact.