Design brief
Project outline
Design an attractive and engaging product, system or service that improves products usability and cohesion between different outdoor activities.
Background
Outdoor recreation has psychological benefits, including the prevention or reduction of stress; improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity; spiritual growth; and an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from life. It provides the opportunity to bond with like-minded people who enjoy outdoor activities and feeling an increased pride in your community and nation. All of which help to improve peoples well being and happiness
Over the recent years there has been a considerable boom in the outdoor recreation industry. Activities such as camping and hiking have increased 20% in the last 12% bring it with it an increase of £24 million to the British economy.
A camping tradition such as a campfire is a dying sight with campsite rules and regulations surrounding ‘naked flames’ being enforced. With this come reduced social benefits with families and friends.
There is an increasing market of users that require a product that can perform on multiple levels and have cohesion between different activities such as camping and hiking.
There are hundreds of product on the market aimed at outdoor recreation the need for a competitive product that confirms to the design considerations is necessary.
Project Scope
Possible responses to the issue but not limited to could involve.
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A behavior change strategy and/or learning resource or toolkit.
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A new or improved heating mechanism or product for cooking a meal.
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A fun and engaging product that appeals to serious and casual participants.
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A product that can use a multitude of fuel types
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A product that improves relationships and social bonding in groups
Functional consideration
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Must be suitable for varying skill levels of users
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Must be as efficient as possible at heating
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Must be as light weight as possible
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Must be as robust as possible
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Must have a cross activity functionality
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Must be usable outside in a range of climates
Dear Mr/Ms ........
I am currently a final year Product Design student at the University of Salford undertaking my final major design project. The theme of my project is Outdoor recreation, and I am looking to design a product that improves relationships and social bonding withing groups specificaly around meal times
The course encourages students to contact companies with appropriate expertise to gain support and feedback on our design directions. I am particularly interested in your................ I understand your company has significant experience and expertise in this area and wondered if you might be able to advise me on existing trends within outdoor recreation or provide some information that led you to your current product range.
My project will be exhibited at the Create@Salford Festival in June at MediaCityUK, Salford Quays, which provides the opportunity for companies to have a more formal involvement with the course if you wish.
Thank you for your help and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Richard Darlington
I have attached a brief outline of the project and some initial research findings below.