Step three (Evaluation of Alternative Concepts)

Evidence of Work 

The primary goal during step three was to evaluate alternative concepts. In order to evaluate different concepts we designed a decision matrix. Before designing the decision matrix, we spent a good amount of time looking at our past classification scheme to analyze the potential materials we were going to use in our prosthetics. We brainstormed what type of joints, plastics, colors and other materials would go well together in order to create three solid concepts. Once we finalized our three concepts we designed a decision matrix. 

A decision matrix is a table that weighs desired criteria in a column and their proposed solutions in the other columns. The top of the matrix contains the names of the concepts being evaluated. Some columns contain the evaluation criteria and their assigned weights and then scoring and intermediate calculations are recorded within the subcolumns under each concept and totaled at the bottom of the matrix.

After totaling up each concept, the data showed that concept one (Tiger) was the winner because it ranked the highest in fitting in with our desired criterias. 

Content

Decision Matrix: It is a series of values in columns and rows that allow someone to compare possible solutions visually by weighing variables based on importance. The end result will clearly inform someone of the best course of action. Based on our decision matrix, it was clear that concept one named Tiger was the best prototype. From now on it is our goal to use the materials in concept one for our own prototype. 

Criteria: A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided. For our decision matrix we created five different criteria. The criteria were the ability to bend, comfortability (weight, attachment), product longevity (type of plastic), ability to support pressures (robustness) and appearance (simplicity and function).

Concept: A plan or intention; a conception. We finalized three potential concepts. The three concepts were named Tiger, Scar and Simba and these names are related to names of cats. 

Longevity: A long duration of life. It's important that our prosthetics can last around the full lifetime of a cat. We don't want our customers to have to purchase multiple prototypes.  

Robust: Having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health. It's important our prosthetics are able to support the pressures of a cat when running and walking and jumping so we gave this criteria a high weight of 0.25. Some of our ideas to support the body weight of a cat is thicker plastic lining/walls, higher percentage of 3-D printed infill or a metal rod. 

Functionality: The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; practicality. Since prosthetics for cats don't have joints this isn't very suitable for a cats function. This is why we are planning on making a prosthetic that has joints to make it easier for a cat to move. 

Adjustable: Something that is adjustable can be changed according to how something else changes or in order to make it more suitable. Throughout our three different concepts, parts can be interchanged with one another. For example, we can always add a harness to one of our designs that wasn't originally going to have a harness. 

Reflection

Normally I struggle with critical thinking but during the evaluation of alternative concepts assignment I think this was one of my greatest skills. I primarily took charge in assigning weights and values to our three concepts and five criteria. Determining the rankings forced me to think about why a certain material would prove to be more influential over another. I researched the benefits and cons of other materials and took this into consideration when designing the matrix. In our previous three designs there were some things that needed to be changed so by brainstorming and conducting research myself and my team figured out a solution. 

During this week, communication was a focal point for me. Since there were a couple of assignments to complete I wanted to make sure that everyone knew what they were doing. I messaged our group chat with a rundown of what everyone should complete by the end of the day, if we wanted to stay on track. Mahalia and I communicated with each other efficiently by bouncing different ideas off one another when designing the matrix. 

Unfortunately my character diminished every time our ball in socket joints weren't being 3D printed correctly on the machine. Since our matrix determined the ball in socket to be the best, it was hard to see that the machine was making them skewed. With the end of March approaching it's hard for me not to become anxious and frustrated when things aren't going as planned. I became very doubtful that we aren't going to complete a functional prototype by the end of the month even though the rest of my group mates were confident. Instead of staying calm and hopeful, I continued to say we don't have any time left and we need to go in at lunch to work on it.