Cluck Curtain
OBJECTIVE:
Increase the chickens’ comfort and egg production by mitigating the cold air flow arising from the grated floor and out of the doors of the coop during the wintertime.
Phase 1: Research
I prepared and facilitated a primary research interview with our contact at the farm, Mr. Blake Lanphier. Through this and secondary research, we developed three main design constraints. The design must:
- Be accurate to the coop's specific dimensions
- Not impact mobility of the coop (ie. fracturing upon impact with uneven ground, catching under the tires, etc.)
- Be durable against both the weather and the chickens
Phase 2: Brainstorming and Mockups
Brainstorming
Our team conducted a fast-paced and collaborative brainstorming session, during which we generated ~30 ideas.
Initial Mockups
I led the building and testing of four initial mockup designs, which tested a variety of materials and weighting methods.
Secondary Prototype
Our team built a higher-fidelity prototype and brought it to the farm for testing (see the figure above).
PHASE 3: FINAL REPORT, PROTOTYPE, AND PRESENTATION
Due to my prior sewing experience, I led the manufacturing process of the final prototype:
- Sewed together the exterior skirt layer
- Added channels for pipes and insulation
- Sewed in a zipper to connect the two sections
- Installed grommets to the top
- Mounted the prototype to a wood block for display purposes
Finally, my team and I synthesized our design choices and findings into a Final Report. Then, we presented our design and deliverables to our client.
Outcomes
Due to our collaboration and organization, my team and I were able to deliver a solution to our client on time and in budget. I gained extensive experience in rapid prototyping as I iterated through designs using continuous testing. I also practiced manufacturing physical components of a solution and working with a team in a professional setting.
