Solar Power Banks: Reframing

reframing: for deeper understanding

frame: person, environment, embodiment, & perspective

john colon sdes704 - applied theory in design winter 2018

major factors & trends: • Solar power banks are designed with different capacity ranges: o 500 mAh to 3499 mAh, 3500 mAh to 6499 mAh, 6500 mAh to 9499 mAh, 9500 mAh to 12499 mAh, 12500 mAh to 15499 mAh and above 15500 mAh • “Key companies operating in solar power bank market include Anker., Advantage Computers (I) Pvt. Ltd., LG Chem Ltd, China BAK Battery, Inc., Mophie Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, OnePlus, Sony Corporation, Samsung SDI Co. Ltd., UNU ELECTRONICS INC., Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd, and Shenzhen Topband Co. Ltd” (Transparency Market Research) • Increase in the number of the applications in smartphones has led to issue of battery draining among customers. Moreover, increase in demand for digital and electronics devices is one of the major drivers of the global power bank market in the future (Allied Market Research).

• According to the CXOs of leading companies, increasing power consumption of gadgets and plummeting cost of power bank are the key drivers of the market (Allied Market Research).

most important consumer: • Millennials are easier to adopt to innovations • Aware of environmental problems, don’t know how to help • Could use unique gadgets for both traveling and everyday life • Need a very simplified explanation about why to use product • Need more info on solar energy

person

environment

embodiment

perspective

Katherine, 13 years old. Student at public middle school

Katherine sits in class by window and the power outlets on the other side of the room. Her teacher wont allow her to cross the room to charge her phone because it disrupts class.

A solar power bank would attach to her window, allowing her to charge her phone in order to reach her mom for a ride home, without getting up.

Katherine’s friend, Amy sits a few seats away and suggests Katherine talk to the teacher about using a solar power bank so as not to disturb their class.

Frank, 23 years old.

Father of one year old twins.

Frank’s cell phone battery died and needs to reach his the babysitter, but there are no accessible outlets in the grocery store.

A solar power bank would have enough power to charge his cell phone while being able to continue his shopping.

Ophelia, a grocery store employee, tried to help Frank by locating an outlet but was repremanded by their mamager as there are strict rules regulating power usage.

new pov

new perspective, environment or embodiment

primary user goal

design implication

1

Alfred, Frank’s husband, is very worried about their new babysitter and wants Frank to remain in contact with the babysitter. So Alfred suggests Frank gets a solar power bank.

Reduce Alfred’s stress by allowing him to always have a charged phone.

A full spectrum solar cell for rapid charging would increase battery storage.

2

Tom, Frank’s personal trainer, is tired of Frank worrying about his phone battery whenever they are practicing their outdoor activities and exercises.

Utilize the outdoor setting to distract Frank from his phone’s battery power.

A solar power bank can sit on any terrain, gain solar power, and charge Frank’s phone at the same time.

3

Amanda, the babysitter, noticed their home’s sunroom isn’t being utilized to the fullest and doesn’t want any added stress to her clients.

Amanda would be able to use their fixed, sunroom charger to keep a charged phone on both ends.

The ability to attach to a window makes indoor use easier.

framework (insight)

Assimilating Alfred, Frank’s husband, is very worried about their new babysitter and wants Frank to remain in contact with the babysitter. So Alfred suggests Frank gets a solar power bank.

Diverging Frank’s cell phone battery died and needs to reach his the babysitter, but there are no accessible outlets in the grocery store.

observation (context)

imperative (idea)

Converging Reduce Alfred’s stress by allowing him to always have a charged phone.

Accomodating A full spectrum solar cell for rapid charging would increase battery storage.

solution (experience)

framework (insight)

Assimilating Tom, Frank’s personal trainer, is tired of Frank worrying about his phone battery whenever they are practicing their outdoor activities and exercises.

Diverging Frank’s cell phone battery died and needs to reach his the babysitter, but there are no accessible outlets in the grocery store.

observation (context)

imperative (idea)

Converging Utilize the outdoor setting to distract Frank from his phone’s battery power.

Accomodating A solar power bank can sit on any terrain, gain solar power, and charge Frank’s phone at the same time.

solution (experience)

framework (insight)

Assimilating Amanda, the babysitter, noticed their home’s sunroom isn’t being utilized to the fullest and doesn’t want any added stress to her clients.

Diverging Frank’s cell phone battery died and needs to reach his the babysitter, but there are no accessible outlets in the grocery store.

observation (context)

imperative (idea)

Converging Amanda would be able to use their fixed, sunroom charger to keep a charged phone on both ends.

Accomodating The ability to attach to a window makes indoor use easier.

solution (experience)

most important concept: • Allowing indoor use expands target audience • Easily attached and detached to glass • Attracts more than just hikers • Natural power of sun is free • Can be charged at night with indoor light source as well • Purpose of traveling is more justified

value proposition: For the multi-tasking person who often finds themself with a shortage of battery power on their portable devices, solar power banks will always have the extra, free power needed for sufficient productivity in a variety of situations.

Unlike standard power banks, solar features allow users to gain power inside, outside, and on the move.

solar power banks: reframing conclusion While there are multiple existing brands with their own strategy in gaining consumers, only few are successful in satisfying a broad range of people. During my process, exploring the more specific strategies for the specific consumer, has in turn helped me discover possible solutions to the various different problems frequently encountered. As a result of this deeper understanding, I’ve began to develop a more concrete expression of the product’s need for purchase and its differentiation.