The Design Process

I got the chance to catch up with Invent@NMU Human-Centered Designer, Kate Cudney, to talk about her design process. Human-Centered Design (HCD) is an approach to problem-solving that places the user at the center of the design. The goal is to create effective solutions to people’s challenges. Kate divides her design process into four steps, with each step building on the previous one. She always likes to keep her initial goal for the project in mind while remaining flexible and adjustable throughout the journey. Her approach ensures that the final design not only meets the user’s needs but also adapts to any insights gained along the way, ultimately leading to a more refined and user-friendly product.

Step 1: Identify the Problem and Design Goal

To address the common issue of skiers breaking their thumbs during falls due to traditional ski pole straps, the initial goal is to design an innovative ski pole that releases the strap upon impact. This feature aims to enhance skier safety significantly. Additionally, the design seeks to overcome the limitations of current breakaway ski poles, which lack alternative grip positions for more versatile use. Kate’s goal is to create a pole that is not only easy to reattach but also provides comfortable grip options for uphill hiking. The new design will offer both improved safety and enhanced functionality, catering to a broader range of activities. Identifying the problem and setting a clear goal is crucial. It ensures that the design process remains focused on creating solutions that genuinely meet users’ needs and enhance their experience. 

Step 2: Sketching

The design process begins with sketching rough ideas of the ski pole’s shape and form. This stage is all about exploration and creativity, allowing the designer to experiment with different concepts and visualize solutions. Initial sketches may vary widely from one another, capturing a range of possibilities. As the sketches evolve, Kate evaluates each idea, considering how well it aligns with the project’s goals and addresses the problem. Once a sketch is chosen, it is refined and developed to fit the specific function of the product. The final concept is then sketched in color, with defined contours, shadows, and added details for clarity. This polished sketch serves as a blueprint that guides the next stages of the design process. 

Step 3: CAD Modeling

With a refined sketch in hand, the next step is to transition from 2D visualization to a detailed 3D model. This begins by importing the sketch into Rhino, a CAD software that enables digital modeling. The initial step in Rhino involves outlining the curves based on the sketch. Once the curves are established, surfaces are added to create a solid, three-dimensional representation of the ski pole handle. By manipulating the surfaces, the designer can simulate how the handle will look and feel in real life, making adjustments as necessary. The CAD model serves as an important tool for refining the design before moving on to prototyping.

Step 4: Prototyping

The final step in the design process is prototyping, which involves bringing the 3D model to life using the Bambu Labs 3D Printer. This process happens in the Innovate Marquette Proto Lab which is equipped with state-of-the-art 3D printing and scanning technologies. After the design is printed, the prototype is tested and any necessary alterations are made to ensure the design meets the set goals and functions. 

Thank you, Kate, for providing valuable insights into the design process. Learning about the Protolab and how the technology  benefits our ability to design and prototype has been enlightening, especially seeing how an idea can evolve from a simple sketch to a tangible product. For more on Kate’s design journey and Invent@NMU, visit our Instagram!

About Ava Larson: Originally from Marquette, Ava is a Senior at Northern Michigan University studying Social Media Design Management. She has worked at Invent@NMU as a Content Creator since May 2024. 

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