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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

Understanding Base Layering

Harness/Body Points of Contact

Harness/Body Points of Contact

Survey Question 1

Survey Question 1

Conducted consumer research and feedback

Survey Question 3

Survey Question 3

Survey Question 4

Survey Question 4

Survey Question 2

Survey Question 2

We 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 5

Survey Question 6

Survey Question 6

CAD Sketches

CAD Sketches

Short Sketch - Back View

Short Sketch - Back View

Short Sketch - Side View

Short Sketch - Side View

Testing Selected Fabrics

Testing Selected Fabrics

Water Repellency Fabric Test

Testing Selected Fabrics

Testing Selected Fabrics

Moisture Transfer Fabric Test

Testing Selected Fabrics

Testing Selected Fabrics

Abrasion Fabric Test

Testing Selected Fabrics

Testing Selected Fabrics

Pilling Fabric Test Results

Created Flat Pattern for Shorts

Created Flat Pattern for Shorts

Silicone Grip Elastic Detail

Silicone Grip Elastic Detail

Construction of Garment

Construction of Garment

Construction of Garment

Construction of Garment

Construction of Harness

Construction of Harness

Created a rock-climbing harness to easily demonstrate areas where the harness makes body contact and causes discomfort

Side View of Base Short

Side View of Base Short

User Feedback While Wearing Shorts

User Feedback While Wearing Shorts

1st user volunteer to test out product

User Feedback While Wearing Shorts

User Feedback While Wearing Shorts

2nd user volunteer to test out product

User Feedback While Wearing Shorts

User Feedback While Wearing Shorts

3rd user volunteer to test out product

Final Garment with Harness

Final Garment with Harness

Final Garment with Padding

Final Garment with Padding

Side View of Final Garment

Side View of Final Garment

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