Wesley Heung

Praxis II Design Proposal

 

The purpose of the design was to improve the quality of curling ice at the Leaside Curling Club by reducing the amount of footwear-borne contaminants. This design was based on a Request for Proposal [abstract] written earlier by anUsing design processes, tools, and techniques developed the previous semester, the team developed a two part solution to the problem.

 

The first part of the solution was an overhaul of the existing system of signs. Originally, signs were a handwritten afterthought. The solution proposes that these signs are replaced with printed signs that have several aspects designed for visibility and legibility. These signs are also strategically placed to instruct new curlers at important step.

 

The second part of the solution was a policy change mandating the use of grippers by all new curlers, as well as a change in the material used to manufacture grippers. The proposed policy change ensures no matter how dirty a new curler's shoes may be, the contaminants will never touch the ice. However, research indicated that the grippers were prone to falling apart and creating thier own debris. To address this, a new material with superior failure characteristics was chosen.

 

In the end, the solution was presented with the poster below at the Praxis II Showcase in April 2014. All members of the group were present to give a presentation on and answer questions about the design.