.:Tuesday, 31/03:.

Meeting: 5

Mentor: absent

Time: 1320-1420

Venue: 1i2, Sec 1 Block, HCI

Present: Alvin, Zhen Hui, Yi Xuan, Eugene

Absent: None

Matters discussed:

1) PowerPoint

2^nd draft completed together
http://www.slideshare.net/3moDuDe/boxx2nd

2) ¡bOxx! details

Materials still unfound

Dimensions unconfirmed

3) Survey

Ongoing

Physical survey may be needed

Tasks assigned: None

.:Wednesday, 25/03:.

Meeting: 4

Mentor: absent

Time: 1320-1500

Venue: LT4, Clock tower, HCI

Present: Alvin, Zhen Hui, Yi Xuan, Eugene

Absent: None

Assigned tasks done:

Alvin

Matters discussed:

Online survey has been started on SurveyMonkey.

Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=62NoiLpl6JNNP3bHiwoBNw_3d_3d

Sent via email to former Primary school classmates and requested their family/relatives to participate.

Some comments and suggestions: Add a handle

Hard to make

Similar boxes on the market

Wood is heavy and bulky

Does it work in 3D?

Tasks assigned: None

.:Tuesday, 10/03:.

Meeting: 3

Mentor: present

Time: 0800-1320

Venue: Space, Tech Centre, HCI

Present: Alvin, Zhen Hui, Yi Xuan, Eugene

Absent: None

Assigned tasks done:

Zhen Hui

Matters discussed:

1) Confirmation of idea

Idea has been confirmed by mentor to be feasible. Thumbs up! :P

2) Development of idea

Idea titled: ¡bOxx!

Fold method: Flap-like folding; ability to store items when folded.

Using Velcro for attaching; hinges for flexibility:

Material set as wood.

3) Discussion of idea with mentor

Points raised:

Box may bend due to incompatible sizes

4) Solution of problems

A hook-and-ring design to keep the box open:

5) PowerPoint development

1^st draft of PowerPoint developed
http://www.slideshare.net/3moDuDe/b-oxx1st

1^st presentation; feedback given:

Design works in theory but may not in actual model

Missing links in presentation

How to counter disadvantages of box

6) Compilation of market research

Existing designs:

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/result.html?query_txt=foldable%20box&sort=relevance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofWLcDsx5tA

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hello‑Kitty‑Teddy‑Bear‑Foldable‑Storage‑Case‑Box‑6BX0_W0QQitemZ220387065097QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220387065097&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A120566%3A265%3A1239%3A1240%3A1318301%3A1293%3A1294%3A50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofWLcDsx5tA

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5429261.html

Tasks assigned:

Alvin: Create market survey

Eugene: Improve on PowerPoint

.:Monday, 09/03:.

Meeting: 2

Mentor: present

Time: 0800~1320

Venue: Space, Tech Centre, HCI

Present: Alvin, Zhen Hui, Yi Xuan, Eugene

Absent: None

Matters discussed:

1) Discussion of idea

Reasons for abandoning idea:

Both previous ideas were unfeasible and the designs would not work.

The threader would collapse in Design 1; and the axis in the middle was a problem in Design 2. Also, the commercial version was already very easy to use and there was little to improve on.

2) Brainstorming for new ideas

Idea 1: Multi-compartment Lunchbox

This idea was thought up because most lunchboxes have no compartments and storing various types of food individually becomes a hassle.

Hence, we thought of maximizing the space available in the lunchbox by adding more compartments (dual layered, drinks holder etc.) and dividing the original lunchbox with compartments; compartments for utensils and cutlery were possible. However, such a design is commercially available (Japanese Lunchbox) and has been copyrighted.

Idea 2: Foldable Box

There was a problem in the case where storage of large/bulky items is needed, while the storage thing itself was hard to store.

A foldable box would be convenient; it could be expanded to store items and folded for keeping. However more development has to be put onto this idea as it is still sketchy. Method of folding [accordion-style?] needs to be confirmed.

Tasks assigned:

Zhen Hui: Search for commercially-available foldable/collapsible boxes.

.:Thursday, 05/03:.

Meeting: 1

Mentor: Absent

Time: 1350~1450

Venue: Outside staffroom, Sec 1 Block, HCI

Present: Zhen Hui, Yi Xuan, Eugene

Absent: Alvin (competition)

Matters discussed:

Brainstorming of ideas for invention; discussion

Idea proposed: Needle Threader

A needle threader which would help people with poor eyesight or shaky hands to thread a needle. The idea was derived from an instrument found in sewing boxes which was extremely useful for sewing. There was a commercial design:

Improvements that could be made to this design:

Design 1:

Put thread through a U-loop, then apply pressure to the ends, trapping the thread inside which could then be inserted into the needle

Design 2:

Put thread through V-shaped opening, then apply pressure to the other end, trapping thread between two prongs of wire

Tasks assigned:

None