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Functional Design
Discovered and developed a functional solution to a current consumer problem.
Team Members: Natalie Kauflin & Lauren Henry
We created a pair of base layer rock-climbing shorts. These shorts have removable padding that can be used in both the buttocks of the shorts and as knee pads if desired. To complete this project, we used the seven step design process including accepting, analyzing, defining, ideation, selection, implementation, and evaluation. The purpose of our shorts is to assist rock/mountain/ice climbers with the necessary support for the buttocks where a rock-climbing harness makes body contact.
![]() Understanding Base Layering | ![]() Harness/Body Points of Contact | ![]() Survey Question 1Conducted consumer research and feedback |
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![]() Survey Question 3 | ![]() Survey Question 4 | ![]() Survey Question 2We conducted an online survey, in person surveys, as well as three one-on-one interviews with professional climbers to understand the need for such a product. The questions provided here are just a few of the many survey questions conducted. |
![]() Survey Question 5 | ![]() Survey Question 6 | ![]() CAD Sketches |
![]() Short Sketch - Back View | ![]() Short Sketch - Side View | ![]() Testing Selected FabricsWater Repellency Fabric Test |
![]() Testing Selected FabricsMoisture Transfer Fabric Test | ![]() Testing Selected FabricsAbrasion Fabric Test | ![]() Testing Selected FabricsPilling Fabric Test Results |
![]() Created Flat Pattern for Shorts | ![]() Silicone Grip Elastic Detail | ![]() Construction of Garment |
![]() Construction of Garment | ![]() Construction of HarnessCreated a rock-climbing harness to easily demonstrate areas where the harness makes body contact and causes discomfort | ![]() Side View of Base Short |
![]() User Feedback While Wearing Shorts1st user volunteer to test out product | ![]() User Feedback While Wearing Shorts2nd user volunteer to test out product | ![]() User Feedback While Wearing Shorts3rd user volunteer to test out product |
![]() Final Garment with Harness | ![]() Final Garment with Padding | ![]() Side View of Final Garment |
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