Gap
This Gap is about a tool that supports a trainer in having all the devices needed for the training (pen, marker, iphone, A4/letter sized notes) at their disposal whenever needed.
Primary User Needs
The primary user needs are:
- The tool holds devices (i.e. at least A4/letter sized notes, 4 board markers, watch/timer, smartphone, 2-3 caps of markers, Post-Is, tape, pen)
- The tool aids Trainers to intuitively store and retrieve things (without cognitive load)
- The tool provides easy access to specific devices
- The tool is robust to it’s use, holds the devices such that they do not fall out.
- The tools is always 'at hand', ready to use, at the right place where needed (e.g. at FlipChart or personal chair or table)
- The tool is a personal extension of trainer and liked by him/her
Notes about the Prototype
The prototype is a Toolbelt that can be attached in different ways, either to the user with a belt or to flipcharts with pliers and strings, or to a board just by hanging it over the top of the board. Regarding aesthetics and appearance, I would like to give the tool an unobstrusive and elegant design. This calls for a black fabric in the next version. A sewing machine is already on the way. The personalization is e.g. through the choice of position and fitting belt.
Alpha Prototype
The alpha prototype is a fully working bag with all required compartments and a 'clip mechanism' to attach it to either strings or a belt. Now, potentially, it is robust enough to be sent by mail to test users.
The images show in order left to right (then one row down):
a) the bare bag in its alpha final size and shape, illustrated with content. The markers moved to the upper compartment, Their caps are clearly visible from the head position of the wearer so that the color of the marker is instantly grasped. The phone also moved into the upper compartment (right side). Here ist sits perfectly safe. The hook is purposefully non-attached such that depending on the user liking, the A4/lettersized notes hang over the devices in the bag or underneath (see last image). Both has advantages.
b) the bag from the back. It features a foldover (is that the right word, maybe its flap?) alongside the upper part of the bag and a metall wire that is firmly attached to the bag and foldover, bent on the top of the bag. This wire holds the foldover in place and, front and back pushed together, holds the bag firmly on a belt or string.
This version has three of the metal 'clips' inside, one in the middle (end is visible, it has the curves to be able to fix it at a position of the fabric) , two inside the sides. Next version will most probably have more than those three.
c, d) Both images show, how the bag is attached to a belt worn around the waist. With the clip design it is easy to move the toolbag to any position on the belt and fix it there. d) shows the bag moved further to the front.
e) show the bag also holding the notes. It is important to notice that the notes mostly are held in the hand. The hook is only needed, whenever hands free is necessary i.e. for using one of the other devices. With the hook it is quite easy to store the board that I am always using with my notes at the toolbelt.
