January - May | 2017

This was my first introduction to innovative design thinking as a structured course. This course went through the steps of defining needs, surveys to identify solutions, prototyping, and iteration.

As part of a team of 5, we identified that for Berkeley, a major problem that we could address was expanding the transportation market. We found that there were many different types of motorized skateboards, but these were very expensive. We sought to find a solution that was in the middle ground between a standard skateboard and motorized skateboard. Moreover, we sought to make it more accessible to people who were inexperienced skateboarders.

From interviews and personal experience, we found that a major step we could take was to improve control. Specifically, we thought that adding a brake would ease fears of losing control, especially in the hilly campus of Berkeley. We started out with extremely low fidelity prototypes just to demonstrate the idea before moving onto a higher, more fleshed out design.

Considering the manufacturing and upkeep aspects, we sought for a very simple brake system, similar to that of scooters. We then modeled our skateboard in Solidworks. Our main goal was to implement a brake system that allowed for control. Using Laser cutters, we made our board and parts out of plywood.

For this class, I fulfilled most of the organizational needs for the team and helped with final assembly.

After assembly, we demonstrated our board at the class showcase. For safety, we also added griptape for better traction, just like normal skateboards.