Reverse Brief Juicer
Content
Developing a Brief in Reverse Closely examine a technological outcome, for example, this citrus juicer.
Firstly write down the specifications, (they define the requirements of the outcome in terms of physical and functional nature). • Length 16cm • Eight grooves that taper from tip to a length of 9cm • Recycled hard wood (eg kauri, rimu, oak) • Shaped handle • Can be used on all citrus fruits • Easy to clean • Natural finish • Manufactured from one piece • Sustainable • Etc All these specifications can be measurable to justify fitness for purpose. Next develop a list of attributes (a broad descriptor for the juicer) • • • • • • • • • • • Must be efficient when using all citrus fruits Light to hold Comfortable to use Safe to use in a dishwasher Easily kept clean Easily stored Hygienic Single hand operation Minimal maintenance Have a minimal impact on the earths footprint Etc
Lesley Pearce. Team Solutions, Auckland University. 2009
Now develop a conceptual statement that communicates what is to be done and why it should be done. What is the focus of the need or opportunity? For example start by telling a story: Our neighbours, James and Jane Platt and their three children, own a house with twenty citrus trees growing on it: lemons, grapefruit, limes and oranges. At times they have a glut of fruit that goes to waste. They find it too time consuming to set up and clear up after using their electronic juicer. Their need is to extract the juice from their fruit in a fast, easy and efficient manner to avoid waste. Ideally they would like any person in the family to be able to use the same juicer for any size of citrus fruit. A good kitchen utensil for James and Jane is one that makes the job an easy task, can easily be found in his kitchen draws, does not take up too much space, is easy to clean and can be used in one hand. James is very environmentally aware and tries to be as organic as possible. He is also keen to recycle in as many ways as possible. Initial Attributes for the client’s juicer could be: One size fits all citrus fruits and hands Safe to use in dishwasher Effective and efficient at squeezing juice Easy to hold – Tactile - Comfortable to use Material Colour Pick it up in one hand Easily kept clean Minimal maintenance Traditional styling Sustainable Easy to store Context/Issue Take it another stage further backwards and what could the context and issue be? This has to be one where the identification of a number of needs/opportunities would surface after comprehensive exploration and a critical analysis of the context and any associated issues. It could be: • Developing a sustainable product • Select an issue of concern from a client • Developing an ergonomic kitchen utensil • The kitchen environment as a context
Lesley Pearce. Team Solutions, Auckland University. 2009
Firstly write down the specifications, (they define the requirements of the outcome in terms of physical and functional nature). • Length 16cm • Eight grooves that taper from tip to a length of 9cm • Recycled hard wood (eg kauri, rimu, oak) • Shaped handle • Can be used on all citrus fruits • Easy to clean • Natural finish • Manufactured from one piece • Sustainable • Etc All these specifications can be measurable to justify fitness for purpose. Next develop a list of attributes (a broad descriptor for the juicer) • • • • • • • • • • • Must be efficient when using all citrus fruits Light to hold Comfortable to use Safe to use in a dishwasher Easily kept clean Easily stored Hygienic Single hand operation Minimal maintenance Have a minimal impact on the earths footprint Etc
Lesley Pearce. Team Solutions, Auckland University. 2009
Now develop a conceptual statement that communicates what is to be done and why it should be done. What is the focus of the need or opportunity? For example start by telling a story: Our neighbours, James and Jane Platt and their three children, own a house with twenty citrus trees growing on it: lemons, grapefruit, limes and oranges. At times they have a glut of fruit that goes to waste. They find it too time consuming to set up and clear up after using their electronic juicer. Their need is to extract the juice from their fruit in a fast, easy and efficient manner to avoid waste. Ideally they would like any person in the family to be able to use the same juicer for any size of citrus fruit. A good kitchen utensil for James and Jane is one that makes the job an easy task, can easily be found in his kitchen draws, does not take up too much space, is easy to clean and can be used in one hand. James is very environmentally aware and tries to be as organic as possible. He is also keen to recycle in as many ways as possible. Initial Attributes for the client’s juicer could be: One size fits all citrus fruits and hands Safe to use in dishwasher Effective and efficient at squeezing juice Easy to hold – Tactile - Comfortable to use Material Colour Pick it up in one hand Easily kept clean Minimal maintenance Traditional styling Sustainable Easy to store Context/Issue Take it another stage further backwards and what could the context and issue be? This has to be one where the identification of a number of needs/opportunities would surface after comprehensive exploration and a critical analysis of the context and any associated issues. It could be: • Developing a sustainable product • Select an issue of concern from a client • Developing an ergonomic kitchen utensil • The kitchen environment as a context
Lesley Pearce. Team Solutions, Auckland University. 2009
