Group+13

=Group Name: CaroKo= Redesign: Garbage Can

The hypothesis that our team will examine is the main usability problems of garbage cans. We will be improving the design of the garbage can by focusing on the user experience and ergonomics. Throughout our research we have discovered that Rubbermaid holds a monopoly in the industry but their design fails to consider both the owner of the garbage can and the garbage man in several ways. By identifying the problems we will come up with appropriate solutions.
 * Section A: Nature of the Question or Hypothesis**

__Problems__ 1. Plastic wheels break often. This occurs especially when the garbage man throws it back out onto the curb. This is an important component of the garbage bin and the missing or broken wheel makes it harder for the users to move large loads. Durability is a problem with the design of these garbage cans. The wheels have a simple wheel and axel design that does not last long. Since wheels are exposed it makes it easier for it to come apart after a couple of drops. 2. The handles are a nuisance because they break off easily. These are essential for the garbage bin for several reasons. First, you need it to lock the lid with the handles. The lid depends on the handles. Furthermore, the design of the garbage handles makes it difficult to maneuver. The handles are not sturdy enough to smoothly maneuver bin. If the garbage is too heavy it is difficult to tilt the garbage can on an angle to roll with the handles. When the user tries to push or pull the garbage bin the handles do not lock into place if garbage is too heavy. 3. The lid either breaks or does not lock to prevent animals from getting to the garbage. The lid sits on top of the garbage can and if handles are not properly locked then contents will not remain in the bin if knocked over.


 * Section B: List of Theoretical Concepts**
 * Usability:** The central problem with these garbage cans is that they impair usability. The detachable lid makes it difficult for both homeowners and garbage men to handle the garbage. The handles make it difficult to maneuver. We are aiming for a design that allows for a seamless user interaction.
 * Durability:** Different components of the garbage can easily break detach from the main body of the can. A dysfunctional garbage can makes it harder for the user to carry out the task. We want to increase the durability because it will improve customer satisfaction and prevent them from having to replace the garbage can often.
 * Ergonomics:** The main ergonomic issue with the current design is the low handle, which forces the user to waste more energy by crouching down to reach the handle. Our new design would feature an adjustable handle which users can set to their own most comfortable height. In addition, to make pushing the garbage can easier we would add a step above the wheels to facilitate tipping the garbage can at an angle that makes it easier maneuver.

- Schedule group meetings - Develop preliminary sketches for the design - Work on 3D animation: create garbage can mesh to be placed over 3D shape - Locate pictures for 3D animation background - Work on 3D animation: create basic garbage can 3D shape - Complete the Flash component combining both 3D objects and background - Prepare presentation slides - Prepare script for presentation - Our 3D animation of the new garbage can design will feature improved adjustable handle, covered wheels, wheels will have a rubber coasting for shock absorbency, a slide and lock lid, added step for better tipping and lifting. - Composite animation of the 3D object in a 2D background to represent its use. Deliver PowerPoint presentation to describe the faults we identified in the original design and the improvements we incorporated
 * Section C: Roles for Each Team Member**
 * Andrea**
 * Carolina**
 * Section D: Short Description of Final Deliverables**

=Final Deliverables=

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