Passion Project 2.1 - Design Brief & Definition Statement
We are going to design and make a Macbook case with built-in charging capabilities. Online forums frequently raise the issue of low-battery life with the new 2016 ultra-thin Macbook. This discontent was also expressed by Macbook owners at Saint George's.
The case will be easily detachable to maintain the Macbook's slim design when needed but also easily attachable for long usage. The case will be able to recharge using the original USB-C 29W 14.5 V 2A charger supplied by Apple.
The case must be able to increase the Macbook's battery life by at least a full cycle, ~4643mAH,
Definition Statement: "We need a detachable, AIO (all-in-one) way to increase the battery life of Apple Macbooks by approximately one cycle without compromising mobility while also providing light protection (i.e. from scratches)."
The case will be easily detachable to maintain the Macbook's slim design when needed but also easily attachable for long usage. The case will be able to recharge using the original USB-C 29W 14.5 V 2A charger supplied by Apple.
The case must be able to increase the Macbook's battery life by at least a full cycle, ~4643mAH,
Definition Statement: "We need a detachable, AIO (all-in-one) way to increase the battery life of Apple Macbooks by approximately one cycle without compromising mobility while also providing light protection (i.e. from scratches)."
Good start, Jason. I would encourage you to think more about the problem than the solution at this point. While you do address the need to charge your macbook at least a full cycle, it would be useful to be clear on EXACTLY what the needs are. The solution might involve using the USB port, but the designer/engineer might find that there is another way of doing this that is more efficient. That is not the job of the design brief. I also think that some discussion of the need for the case is important. Are you simply thinking of the case as a holder for the charger or is there some protective function needed here? If it is protective or cosmetic, you need to explore those needs as well.
ReplyDeleteI've edited the definition statement to clarify that a plastic case would provide light damage protection. As for whether the case is a holder for the charger I can say it is not. AIO is meant to indicate it would all be built inside the case. Essentially it would be like an iPhone battery case but for a Mac. Like this one
Deletehttp://store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com/4974/as-images.apple.com/is/image/AppleInc/aos/published/images/M/GQ/MGQL2/MGQL2?wid=572&hei=572&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.5,0.5,0,0&iccEmbed=0&layer=comp&.v=jVolb1
Thanks, Jason. This explains the concept more clearly. If there was no reason to provide any damage protection, then the solution to the problem might not be a case. It could be an external peripheral and you would not be creating anything new (there are a number of external, portable batter packs available.)
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