This is our last meeting as a team. We reviewed our original mind map to make sure that as a group we felt that we covered all the necessary topics for this innovation. As a group we discussed our progress over the last couple of weeks and feel confident that we did the best that we could with our innovation and the skills and knowledge that each of us presented to the group. We talked about some of the challenges that we encountered throughout our process. Some of those challenges were trying to determine the location of our floatation device. Also if we needed only one device or multiple devices to assist with the floatation of the snowmobile. We feel as a group we overcame this challenge with actually testing and experimenting with our model. Also with the research and personal experience that we had as a group it allowed us to make the appropriate decisions to make our innovation. We felt that the snowmobile track should continue to run to help the driver get out of the water and drive to safety. We feel this option would best be handled with three separate floatation devices. As a group we felt comfortable with the decision that we made to have the floatation devices underneath the running boards on each side, this would keep it away from the snowmobile track. Also based on our research from the internet the heaviest part of the snowmobile is in the front where the motor is located. We felt that the third floatation device needed to be up front to protect the electronics and motor to try to save the snowmobile itself from any water damage. We also felt that this was the heaviest part of the snowmobile; therefore, extra assistance is needed to keep this part out of the water and from sinking. Our testing proved that we needed a third floatation device in the front of the snowmobile to help with the front weight and to keep it afloat. Another challenge that we felt our group faced was the limitation of our testing. It was not feasible because of funding to take an actual real snowmobile and have three floatation devices made so that we could take it out and test it on a body of water. With this challenge the best option was to test with a toy model to see if it would float in a bowl of water. Without the funding and real testing of an actual snowmobile it does put a twist into any innovation process but we feel that we did the best with what we had available to us. Our innovation is to have a floatation device under each running board and one in the front of the snowmobile. Our pictures located in our previous posts show where the devices would be located and how the unit will stay afloat with this technique.
As a group the technology that we used was the internet to research other products that are available to try to incorporate them into our product. We were able to locate the flip top safety switch that we felt was best feasible for our innovation. We also were able to locate diagrams on the internet which showed the inside of an actual snowmobile and where the motor and electronics were stored. This helped us determine the location of our floatation devices. We used bubbl.us to brainstorm and create a mind map to put all of our thoughts and ideas down for future reference. This technology allowed us quicker access to writing down our information. It also allowed us to save and reference the document for future meetings. We were able to reference it for quick access to review what our ideas were and how we wanted to proceed forward.
The technology that we used in our innovation project was basic enough to implement and use in the workplace. The internet research was a great help with our innovation process. This could definitely be an asset for the workplace when you need to do research to come up with possible ideas and other options that you might not be aware of. Bubbl.us was very user friendly and allowed us to brainstorm and mind map our ideas effiectively. This would allow you to mind map in the workplace. You could save your document like we did and use it as a reference at future meetings. You could print out copies very quickly as a reference for all parties attending the meeting. Individuals can then take notes to put additional ideas down on paper to discuss with the group. It also helps when you assign tasks so that everyone is on the same page and has a copy of the material. Another key factor that can be used in the workplace as well is to test and create a model. This was a huge factor in our innovation process. We were able to actually try it out to see what was going to work. In the workplace you can do the same, create a model and actually get involved hands on with your project. Research can only do so much for you but once you can actually test and experiment that is where from our experience our group finally got some of the true answers and were able to move toward our end result.
In summary this is our verge innovation project.
Nicole
In summary this is our verge innovation project.
