Usability testing, user experience research, physical product design, low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping, rapid prototyping, AutoCAD, and Shapr3D.

Toward the end of the project timeline, when I had all the pieces and was beginning to assemble the full kit, there were certain elements I would change on the next prototype. First, I would get rid of the yellow button, which is dedicated to turning the power output on for the USB-C and flashlight attachments. Instead, I would find a way for the device to automatically direct power to those adapters and use the green light for the flashlight on button. On that note, I also think it would make more sense to have the power output possible from both ends since using a flashlight seems more intuitive if the light is at the top.

Another thing I would change is the way hydropower is harvested. The water wheel idea was appealing because it was feasible to design within the time frame I was working with but if allowed more time, I would have designed some sort of ball-on-a-string device and allow the battery to lie flat while the “ball” floats in the current of the water.

Lastly, I would add an adapter for wall charging at home so you can leave for your adventure with a full charge. Looking back, this was an obvious addition that should have been included.