This semesters product design module is based on the D&AD brief for their student awards . There were 4 briefs to choose from. I picked the Michelin brief which reads…

“Create a unique product for MICHELIN that will provide real life assistance to high risk motorists in a roadside emergency situation.

This product should be aimed primarily at a ‘high risk’ group such as the elderly, the disabled or a family with children in an emergency situation. As a secondary audience it may be suitable for the wider motoring public.”

The first week involved gathering research via surveys, phone calls and internet sites and then in week two was idea generation week including the standard 100 ideas:

I did not feel my 100 ideas were very good considering the amount of time I spent looking up roadside procedures. I could tell anyone advice on what to do when they breakdown as this is pretty standard information but trying to think up a product that I will have to make was pretty tough.

Here are my ideas via a lengthy PDF:

100ideas

So now I am at the end of week 3 having spent the week struggling with what idea to go forward with. I d have a chosen idea but I am very quickly going off it. I have been sketching and researching how my product could be made/ used but feel slightly deflated with what I am achieving. My idea which I will write about soon appeared on google when I search for it.EEEK!  I just hope I can go with it :S putting my own stance on it!

My idea…

My idea is primarily aimed at a family and is effectively a large illuminate umbrella with lights inside for extra visibility and a seat for kids to sit down. Here are some quick sketches of my idea explained more clearly. I would really appreciate any feedback, if you hate it tell me, I need opinions! …