Human Centered Design - Research report draft and Padlet.com update by

1. Possible Clients/Markets

pataghavianhakkak — 2025-01-17 00:33:50 UTC

Here’s a list of potential clients or markets for the solar-powered AC system:

Car Owners in Hot Climates:
- People who live in areas with high temperatures, such as desert regions or tropical climates.
- Urban areas with high summer temperatures.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Owners:
- Since EVs are already eco-conscious, owners may be more willing to adopt solar-powered solutions for their cars.
Environmentalists and Eco-conscious Consumers:
- People who prioritize sustainability and energy-efficient solutions.
- Customers interested in reducing their carbon footprint.
Commuters and Road Trip Enthusiasts:
- Drivers who spend long periods in their vehicles during hot weather may benefit from a more comfortable and eco-friendly cooling system.
Car Manufacturers:
- Potential partners for integrating solar-powered AC systems into future car models.
- Companies interested in promoting sustainability in their vehicle lineups.
Rental Car Agencies:
- Rental companies that operate in hot climates may want to keep their cars cooler, especially for customers who rent vehicles in hot regions.

2. Research, Empathize with Chosen Client/Market (Car Owners in Hot Climates)

pataghavianhakkak — 2025-01-17 00:34:26 UTC

Chosen Market: Car Owners in Hot Climates

Empathy Process:

1. Observe:

Behavior: We observe that car owners in hot climates often struggle with high temperatures inside their vehicles. This is especially an issue for those who park outside in direct sunlight. They often deal with hot seats, steering wheels, and dashboards, making the car uncomfortable to enter.
Environment: Hot climates like deserts and urban centers are characterized by extreme summer heat, which can exceed 100°F (38°C) regularly, creating a pressing need for cooling solutions.

2. Engage:

Interviews: We conducted interviews with car owners from various hot regions. Many said they either use air conditioning (which wastes fuel) or crack windows to relieve some heat (ineffective in extreme conditions). Others mentioned frustration with having to wait for the car's AC to cool down before driving.
Common Themes: Many participants expressed a desire for an energy-efficient way to cool the car without running the engine.

3. Immerse:

Direct Experience: We parked cars under the sun and observed how quickly the interior heated up. This helped us better understand the urgency and the severity of the discomfort car owners face.

Key Findings:

Common Needs:
- Cooling Efficiency: The common desire to cool the car before entering, especially when parked for extended periods.
- Eco-friendliness: Many car owners in hot climates are seeking alternatives that don't consume fuel or electricity, reducing their carbon footprint.
Differences:
- Tolerability: Some car owners are more tolerant of high temperatures and are willing to simply wait for the AC to cool the car. Others are more sensitive and seek immediate relief.
- Solutions Used: Some owners use sunshields or solar-powered fans, while others rely on cracked windows or leaving the AC running while they wait for the car to cool.

3. Clients Detective Research Virtual Poster

pataghavianhakkak — 2025-01-17 00:34:55 UTC

Commonalities (Group 1):
- Desire for energy-efficient solutions.
- Frustration with current methods (fans, cracked windows).
- High temperatures are a major issue (over 100°F/38°C).
Differences (Group 2):
- Some car owners are okay with waiting for the AC to cool the car; others need immediate cooling.
- Some are more eco-conscious and want to minimize their environmental impact, while others are less concerned.
Surprises:
- Some car owners expressed that they have been using solar-powered fans, which shows interest in eco-friendly solutions.
- The level of frustration varied—while some were open to solar power, others were skeptical about its effectiveness in extreme heat.

4. Identify Possible Client Problems to Solve

pataghavianhakkak — 2025-01-17 00:35:14 UTC

Problem 1: Extreme Interior Heat
- Why this is important: The intense heat inside parked cars in hot climates can create an unbearable environment, leading to discomfort and potential interior damage. The current solutions (fans, cracked windows, or waiting for AC) do not provide sufficient relief.
Problem 2: Wasted Fuel or Energy with Traditional AC
- Why this is important: Car air conditioning systems are powered by fuel or electricity, leading to energy consumption when the car is idle. This is not environmentally friendly, especially when the AC is used while the car is parked.
Problem 3: Lack of Energy-Efficient, Convenient Solutions
- Why this is important: Current solar-powered products like fans don’t provide enough cooling capacity to handle extreme heat, and many users are looking for a more effective solar-powered solution that is energy-efficient.

5. Choose One Problem to Solve

pataghavianhakkak — 2025-01-17 00:35:30 UTC

After considering all identified problems, we recommend focusing on Problem 1: Extreme Interior Heat. This issue is both the most urgent (immediate discomfort for car owners) and aligns with the goals of the project (creating a sustainable, eco-friendly solution).

Reason for Choice:

High Impact: This problem is universally applicable to car owners in hot climates, affecting a broad audience.
Feasibility: Solar-powered AC systems can provide an effective solution to this problem without consuming fuel or additional energy, fitting well with sustainability trends.
User Demand: The majority of interviewed users expressed frustration with the current inability to cool the car quickly, making this a key pain point worth solving.