Degree Thesis - Halmstad University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Degree Thesis
Utvecklingsingenjörsprogrammet 180 credits
Product Development in University Driven
Innovation
An action research thesis
Product development and innovation
management 22,5 credits
Halmstad 2021-08-13
Evelin Bergvall, Pontus Palmqvist
HALMSTAD
UNIVERSITY
Preface The writers of this thesis are Evelin Bergvall and Pontus Palmqvist. The thesis concludes a degree project and research project carried out through the autumn of 2020 and the spring of 2021 as the final thesis of the Bachelor Innovation Engineering program at Halmstad University. The project was developed in coordination with FabLab Innovation of Halmstad University. Through product development and innovation, a prototype to monitor the water quality of moving fresh water bodies has been developed in cooperation with nine other students from different academies of Halmstad University. Action research has been done on the project to find experience in product development. The writers of this thesis shared an interest in innovation within environmental problem solving. Through the Catfish project, they saw the opportunities to use their own skills together with other competences present at Halmstad University to create solutions to environmental problems in their close neighbourhood. The project has been very educational and has provided a broader insight into innovation, product development, research and cooperation between academies. The project has not only given new insights and new experiences, it has also created strong friendships to cherish for the rest of all time. “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.“ Theodore Levitt (1925 – 2006) Special thanks to, The catfish team: Vidar Hårding, Michael Forschlé, Aldonna Jasa Prima Purba, Jasmin Borgert, Katarzyna Nowak, Ellen Nihl, Eek de Bruijckere, Sebin Sunny and Meenu Joy Chirappanath. The stakeholders of the project: Harvey Blanco Rojas and Alireza Esmaeilzadeh. Senior Lecturer: Joakim Tell Other students who gave aid to the project: Noa Koch, Alexander Andersson, Joakim Wahlberg and Tim Malmgren. Supervisor: Leif Nordin
Abbreviations
CNC - Computer Numerical Control
MDF - Medium Density Fibreboard
R&D - Research & Development
LPD - Lean Product Development
DPD - Dynamic Product Development
EDIPT - Empathize Define Ideate Prototype Test
LAMDA - Look Ask Model Discuss Act
1
Abstract
This project has accepted the challenge of integrating competence from six different
academies to create a versatile innovation; an autonomous amphibious vehicle for
environmental monitoring.
Water quality is routinely monitored by manually collecting samples from water bodies
which are later on transported to a laboratory where they are analyzed, or by sampling data
from stationary sensors placed at strategic sites in different waterbodies. The transportation
itself can pose a risk to the quality of the samples since chemical reactions can transform the
sample (such as pH and turbidity) over time and thus give inconclusive data. Stationary
sensors give correct momentary data, but are restricted solely to a few specific points, and
often monitor only one parameter.
The purpose of the current product development is to contribute to improved environmental
monitoring and a sustainable society, by creating a new efficient technical solution which
monitors, analyzes and obtains data on multiple parameters of water quality of water bodies.
The long term goal is to provide responsible authorities, local municipalities and
environmental scientists with a versatile sampling method that produces high resolution,
accurate and accessible data.
The product development process resulted in a prototype of an autonomous amphibious
vehicle that can monitor different parameters of water quality in freshwater. The parameters
registered are; pH, turbidity, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved
solids(TDS). This is conducted through an autonomous mobile vehicle powered by
electricity, the vehicle is programmed to drive at surface and stop at given geographical
positions where a submersible subunit collects data from different depths before moving to
the next location. The vehicle is designed to navigate also on moving water bodies such as
fresh water streams. The prototype is expected to become useful in the context of water
quality monitoring to increase awareness on water pollution and provide data for successful
management action.
2
Sammanfattning
Detta projekt har antagit utmaningen att integrera kompetens från sex olika akademier för att
skapa en mångsidig innovation.
Idag undersöks vattenkvalitet huvudsakligen genom att ta prover manuellt i vattendrag för att
sedan transportera dessa vattenprover till ett laboratorium där de analyseras, eller genom att
hämta data från stationära sensorer utplacerade i vattendrag. Transporteringen av
vattenprover skapar i sig en risk att proverna förändras över tiden transporten tar och ger
ogiltig data. Stationära sensorer ger data, men bara på en specifik punkt, och ofta på endast en
parameter.
Syftet med denna produktutvecklingsprocess är att skapa ett mer effektivt och hållbart sätt att
övervaka, analysera och hämta data på vattenkvalitet i rörliga sötvattendrag, och att skapa en
möjlighet för forskare att presentera mer exakt, mångsidig och tillgänglig data.
Produktutvecklingsprocessen resulterade i en prototyp som kan övervaka nivåer av olika
parametrar i sötvatten, av vilka det kan avgöras ifall vattnet har en bra kvalitet eller om det är
förorenat. Parametrarna är pH, grumlighet, temperatur, elektrisk ledningsförmåga, upplöst
syre och upplösta solider. Detta görs genom en autonom mobil enhet driven på elektricitet för
att åka från punkt till punkt och jämföra data på olika djup och på olika platser i rörliga
sötvattendrag. Prototypen blir användbar sammanhanget där vattenkvalitet övervakas för att
öka medvetenhet om förorening i rörliga sötvattendrag.
3
Table of content
1 Introduction 10
1.1 Background 10
1.2 Goal 11
1.3 Intent 11
1.4 Limits 11
1.5 The catfish teams 12
2 Frame of reference 13
2.1 Dynamic product development 13
2.2 Lean product development 13
2.3 Dieter Rams 10 principles of good design 13
2.4 Aerodynamics and fluid dynamics 14
3 Methods 16
3.1 Action research 16
3.2 Dynamic Product Development & Lean Product Development 19
4 Tools 20
4.1 Design thinking EDIPT & LAMDA 21
4.2 Visual planning 25
4.3 Brainstorming 26
4.4 SMART-test 27
4.5 SWOT 27
4.6 BAD, PAD, MAD 28
4.7 Sixhats 29
4.8 Benchmarking 30
5 Catfish - The product 32
5.1 The sensors 32
5.2 The winch system 32
5.3 The electrical system 33
5.4 The body 33
5.5 The interface 34
6 Development process 35
6.1 Identification 35
6.2 Strategy 38
6.3 Qualification 43
6.4 Succession 45
7 Production process 46
7.1 Pre-prototype 46
7.2 Body 46
4
7.3 Winch system 50
7.4 Assembly 53
7.5 Competence analysis 54
8 Business model 55
8.1 User study 55
8.2 Market 56
8.3 Market plan 57
8.4 Economical calculations 57
8.5 Timeplan 59
8.6 Risks and possibilities - SWOT analysis 59
9 Research analysis 61
9.1 Industrial study 61
9.2 The result of action research 63
9.3 The difference between industry and university driven innovation 65
10 Discussion 66
10.1 Sustainable innovation 66
10.2 Work environment 68
10.3 Ethics 68
10.4 Equal terms 69
10.5 Eruditions 70
10.6 Conclusion 70
11 Appendix 72
11.1 Project description 72
11.2 Partners 77
11.3 Miro visual planning tool 78
5
1 Introduction
This is one of the theses written about the Catfish project. The stakeholders of the project are
Alireza Esmaeilzadeh and Harvey Blanco of FabLab Innovation, where the concept of
integrating the functions of three drones was born. The project and the prototype is owned by
Halmstad University.
1.1 Background
This project was inspired by another research project called “Saving Norra Dragsviken”
which investigates the environmental pollution of Norra Dragsviken’s water bodies, a shallow
sea region in the Baltic sea. In this coastal environment, certain areas have been affected by
eutrophication and leakage of environmental pollutants.
Today researchers sample data from water bodies by collecting water in a bottle to analyze
later on in a laboratory, or use stationary sensors to collect data. A problem with collecting
water samples, in addition to the logistic challenges, is that the delay between collection and
analysis is that the state of the water can change on the way to the lab and degrade over time,
which can make the data inconclusive. A problem with using stationary sensors to collect
data is that the sensors can become malfunctional and start to give inaccurate data, without
notifying the investigator. The sensors are fixed which means that if the researcher wants to
compare data to other depths or locations, a second sensor has to be installed. There is a need
for collecting the data and analyzing them in situ, a need to solve the problem of the
communication between the user, mobility of the sensors, reliable data and technology.
“Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way.“
- Tom Freston, Co-founder of MTV
The aim of this project is to create a solution to these problems by providing sensors that
sample and analyze data in situ, but also remotely, mobilized and autonomously using drone
technology. Not only on surface water, but on deeper water as well. It gives the opportunity to
get data of many different parameters at once, from different depths, instead of having to use
many of the same type of sensor devices at different locations, the sensors for the parameters
acquired will be gathered in one unit, collecting data from different locations. In this case,
referring to Tomas Freston, it is about taking not only two things, but combining several
existing things in a new way to create innovation.
1.2 Goal
To build a functional prototype which is able to navigate autonomously at moving water
bodies, and monitors the required parameters of water quality from the surface and up to 5
metres under water. The result should be partly the prototype, partly a contribution to
research within product development.
6
All purchases should be within the limit of the budget set. The prototype should be finished
by the end of March 2021, and the project should be finished and handed over to the next
generation by the end of June 2021. The project should be presented via zoom to the UtExpo
fair by the 2nd of June. The prototype should be ready for a test day on the 21st of May.
1.3 Intent
The product should contribute to a more effective and sustainable way to monitor, analyze
and collect data in moving fresh water bodies. To create an opportunity for scientists to
present more accurate, versatile and accessible data. When data is more qualitative and
quantitative, it gives a better foundation for the parties involved to take action to improve the
management of moving fresh water bodies and other potential water bodies if the result of the
data shows signs of a bad health in the water´s properties. This also provides scientists with
the opportunity to stop testing water with more unconventional methods, to spend more time
analyzing the data and how to improve unhealthy water, instead of obtaining the data.
The research should contribute with aspects to product development to take into account
when using product development in university driven innovation.
1.4 Limits
The limits which frame the product development process are mostly design related. The
design was from the beginning decided to develop from pre-existent floatation devices in the
form of two small surfboards. The design was expected to be waterproof in correlation to the
storage room for electrical components as some of them are sensitive to, or malfunctioning
when exposed to, water.
The design was also limited to hold the weight of all components necessary to complete the
project such as a battery, computers, sensors, etc, as if the weight would exceed the floatation
capability of the surfboards, the whole unit would risk sinking. The weight of the whole unit
was also expected to be balanced as there would otherwise be a risk of the unit
malfunctioning in relation to steering mechanisms, or even to capsize in the worst case.
The design was also limited to become at least two enclosed bodies, one for collecting data
on the surface of the water, one for atleast five metres depth. This is because the water body
the prototype was tested in, Nissan river, has an average depth of five metres and because
open bodies would cause aerodynamic and fluid dynamics resistance to the bodies causing
energy loss to the whole system.
Another limitation is the correlation between these two bodies, enabling the submerged body
to be lowered down during the collection of the data and to be raised up again to join the
surface body while transporting the whole unit between measuring locations. This is also
because of energy perseverance while transporting the unit as well as being able to collect
7
data at both surface and depth at the same time to make the unit more time efficient. Another
limitation that was not related to design were to aim the project toward collecting data in the
Nissan river. This is related to the project´s interests.
The target users for Catfish are the municipality of Halmstad and Halmstad University who
both are interested in this particular data, as well as the Catfish Team who has an interest in
the accessibility, proximity and data relevance from an environmental perspective of Nissan
river. The project was also limited to a budget of 35 000 SEK.
1.5 The Catfish teams
The Catfish project consists of the following five subteams with the associated team
members. This partition of teams was made to give more focus and expertise to the different
areas of the project and to pair these areas with students from academies teaching these
competences. The different areas of competence needed for creating the catfish were founded
from the goals of the project (Chapter 1.2). These areas were later developed into
responsibilities of each team, to achieve the goals seen to the respective areas in the best way
possible.
● Control and Autonomy development - Vidar Hårding and Michael Forschlé.
The competence of a control and autonomy team was needed to integrate the technology
which was making the Catfish navigate autonomously. These were a student of Mechatronics
at a bachelor’s level and a student of embedded sytems and artificial intelligence at a master’s
level.
● Environmental sample analysis - Aldonna Jasa Prima Purba, Jasmin Borgert and
Katarzyna Nowak.
The competence of an environmental team was needed to make sure the right parameters of
water quality was tested and how to interpret any obtained data. These were three students of
Environmental analysis at a master’s level.
● Data and Sensors development - Ellen Nihl and Eek de Bruijckere.
The competence of a data and sensors team was needed to make sure that data could be
obtained from sensors and stored in a database. These were students of Civil Engineering
within computer science.
● User experience (UX) design - Sebin Sunny and Meenu Joy Chirappanath.
The competence of a UX team was needed to present the data to the user together with
allowing the user to integrate with the Catfish in a simple and understandable way. These
were students of user experience design at a master’s level.
8● Product development and project management - Evelin Bergvall and Pontus
Palmqvist.
The competence of this team was needed to integrate all of the competences above with
project management to achieve the goals, to design and to create a functional prototype.
These were students of innovation engineering at a bachelor’s level and writers of this thesis.
As the competences of the students matched the competences needed to create the catfish
according to the goals, this set of teams were considered a complete project team for the
catfish project.
92 Frame of reference
This chapter contains background-knowledge to be referenced throughout the thesis.
2.1 Dynamic product development
A model used in projects to be flexible and to make use of possibilities fast. By applying new
insights fast, an effective method is created. Problems and unforeseen events are easier
managed thanks to a less detailed time plan which allows more flexibility. The project
members can thanks to a shared vision, keep up a fast working pace and work separately. The
model has no predetermined structure as the forthcoming possibilities decide what approach
that will be used1.
2.2 Lean product development
A product development concept focusing on decreasing waste of resources and time by
dynamic and parallel set based design. Focusing on the value of time and customers. Lean
product development could be described as a resource efficient, robust concept that satisfies
the needs of the customer of the product as well as the strategic goals of the company2.
2.3 Dieter Rams 10 principles of good design
1. Good design is innovative. There is always potential for development, technical
development means new possibilities for innovation. Innovative design is always
developed together with innovative technology and can never be a goal in itself.
2. Good design makes the product useful. A product is bought to be used. It has to
satisfy certain criteria, not just functional ones, but also psychological and aesthetical.
Good design emphasizes the utility and removes distractions.
3. Good design is aesthetic. The aesthetic quality of a product is essential for its utility,
because products are used everyday and affect people and their behaviour. Only well
done products can be beautiful.
4. Good design makes a product understandable. It clarifies the product's structure. It
can also express its functionality by using the user's intuitive understanding. In the
best case, it is self explanatory.
5. Good design is discreet. Products best meet their purpose when they are like tools.
They are neither decking or art objects. Their design should therefore be both neutral
and restrained, to leave room for the user's own expressions.
6. Good design is honest. It does not make the product more innovative, powerful or
valuable than it really is. It does not try to manipulate the user with promises which
cannot be kept.
1
Lars Holmdahl, Lean Product Development på svenska 2.0, 2016
2
Lars Holmdahl, Lean Product Development på svenska 2.0, 2016
107. Good design is long-term. It avoids trends and modernities and therefore never ages.
Unlike trendy design, good design can last many years, even in today´s wear and tear
society.
8. Good design is thorough into the last detail. Nothing can be arbitrarily or be left to
chance. Care and accuracy in the design shows care for the user.
9. Good design is sustainable. Design makes an important contribution to sustainable
development. It saves resources and minimizes physical and visual pollution in the
whole of the product's life cycle.
10. Good design is as little design as possible. Smaller, but better, as good design
focuses on the essential aspects, and therefore does not burden with insignificance.
Back to purity, back to simplicity.3
2.4 Aerodynamics and fluid dynamics
Aerodynamics is the study of how air or other gases interact with bodies in movement. You
look at how different shapes create different types of pressure. There are two general types of
pressure that you talk about in aerodynamics which is drag and lift. Drag is when the pressure
of air creates a force in the opposite direction of where the body is moving. Lift is when the
shape of a body is lifted by the pressure of gas generated by the gas having to travel a shorter
distance around a moving body on the bottom. The shorter the distance, the more air can flow
at the same period of time creating a higher pressure than at the parts of the body where the
air has a longer distance to flow.
Figure 1 - “Lift & Drag” 4
There is something called a drag coefficient. It decides how much drag is generated onto
shapes. It is considered desirable to have a low drag coefficient on a body, as the force of
drag will be smaller and restrict the body to move the desired direction less. NASA has made
some calculations on existing bodies.5 It can be seen in this picture that the most desirable
shape is the sphere. Fluid dynamics is the study of how gases and fluid interact with
submerged moving bodies. Fluid dynamics and aerodynamics functions in a similar way
3
Design: process och metod, Åsa Wikberg Nilsson, Åsa Ericsson, Peter Törlind, 2015
4
What is Aerodynamics?, Jim Lucas https://www.livescience.com/47930-what-is-aerodynamics.html 17:45 3rd
of May 2021.
5
Shape effects of drag, Glenn Research Facility, https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/shaped.html
17:57 3rd of May 2021.
11regarding to drag generated by the earlier mentioned shapes. Some important facts within
fluid dynamics to consider for this prototype is; that pressure on a submerged body is the
same over the whole body and increases with the depth of the immersion, when the pressure
increases, the floatation power also increases of any material of the body that is less dense
than the gas or fluid it is submerged within.
Figure 2 - “Drag coefficient” 6
6
Fluid Mechanics, Science encyclopedia https://science.jrank.org/pages/2771/Fluid-Mechanics.html19.01 3rd of
May 2021.
123 Methods
There were two different methods used for this thesis. One is the method of research and one
is the method for the product development of the prototype.
3.1 Action research
In this chapter, the structured course of action procedure with the aim to reach a specific
result, or tool for organizing and translating information to support the theory and outcome of
this thesis will be stated. In order to explain why action research was chosen as a method for
this thesis, an overview of what action research is known to be will be addressed first, then an
explanation of why this method fits in correlation to the theory and case of this thesis.
In action research, observers of reality are the same participants of that reality. Observation
here is not passive as opposed to traditional research methods where objective thinking is
imprinted in people from seeing the world as pre-existent in carefully designed experiments
uninfluenced by the observers intervention. This is a limiting way of thinking. Reality is
relevant, which means people all have different perceptions of reality, which means
objectivity would only exist when the same perception of the reality occurs which is unlikely.
When the limitation of absolute objectivity is abandoned, the field of action research is
opened, where the researcher is part of the processes studied. Just as mathematical logic in
correlation with isolation of details from the whole is applicable on complex mechanical
systems for example but not with living things as they are dependent on the situation or
perspective, there is no way that true objectivity can be applicable to a situation where the
observers participate in the processes that are to be observed objectively. This is where action
research is the best option. There are two goals with research - to solve a problem or to
contribute to science. Action research is a research method where the objective is not only to
understand, describe and explain reality or knowledge but also improving methods of coping
with reality and to apply knowledge through practical wisdom. Not only to solve problems
for others but with others in a joint learning process. To gain knowledge from actions and
reflect on the actions. It is an opportunity to implement research findings and results that can
easily be adapted to practitioners.
13Figure 3 - “Action research” 7
The action research method provides a holistic understanding of the development process of
the research objective. There is a smaller risk of losing valuable data due to incorrect
reconstruction as first hand info eliminates other peoples influences and misinterpretations
and makes for easier communication through different information collecting methods, such
as experiments, tests, simulations, observations, dialogues and open interviews.
When action research is performed by a researcher that is to be viewed upon as a project
leader, the researcher would be coordinating the work, responsible for sub-projects, and/or
entire projects, information flow is large and difficult to record, a holistic view of the project
would be central, descriptions of actions and discussions become brief, the researcher would
have a narrative approach, providing the reader with this holistic view of the development
process to make the reader understand and evaluate the findings.8
The American education research administration special interest group defines action
research as the changing of something through a process of taking action and doing research
linked together by critical reflection of the researcher's own questions, beliefs, assumptions,
and practices with the goal of understanding, developing, and improving something. The
researcher is and insider instead of an observer, and does not claim objectivity or neutrality
but will take their position in the project into account throughout the process of actions and
research findings.9
7
A contribution to Insider Action Research applied on development of assistive products, page 20, Doctoral
Thesis, Evastina Björk, 2003
8
A contribution to Insider Action Research applied on development of assistive products, Doctoral Thesis,
Evastina Björk, 2003.
9
Action researchers’ perspectives about the distinguishing characteristics of action research: a Delphi and
learning circles mixed-methods study, Rowell, L. Polush, E. Riel, M, & Bruewer, A, 2015.
14This adds another level of understanding as the researcher understands how their own
interaction with other people affects the outcome of the project and creates a mutual
knowledge. The critical thinking that comes with action research will automatically make the
researcher question choices and increase their self-recognition.
3.1.1 Why was action research chosen as a method for this thesis?
To explain why action research was chosen for this thesis, the case must be addressed. This
thesis is written in correlation with a project of different students studying different fields
working towards creating an innovation through collaboration. The case is the project which
the most data for the theory of the thesis is gathered from, but the thesis writers are also
responsible for the project and its team members to complete a product according to the
project goals.
The main reason why action research was considered as the best method for this thesis, is that
it is suitable due to the fact that the authors are both project managers, project executioners,
and researchers on the product development of the case. It has also to do with assumptions
such as the method being effective in gathering data as the team works closely together in the
same office, compared to studies made from an outside perspective like surveys, enquiries or
interviews.
The thesis writers wanted their experience gained from the project to play a central role in the
theory in the end, which is why action research was considered suitable as a method for
gathering data for the thesis, as it gives the opportunity to implement actions suitable for each
situation according to both theories and common sense. For example, if a person is driving a
car, and a situation occurs where the person is forced to choose between following traffic
rules or causing an accident, common sense would be to ignore traffic rules for that situation
to avoid the accident. The choice of method for this thesis is based on the same assumption.
That common sense, experience and theories has to be balanced to achieve the more credible
and lifelike results in research.
3.1.2 How was action research implemented in this thesis?
First the thesis writers distinguished their roles as team members, project managers and
researchers. The research method was then implemented by researching in books and articles
for gaining a base knowledge in the subject product development as a central theory of the
thesis.
Furthermore, the gathered theories were used as a reference and not a manual for how the
project and development process should go forth, along with gathering a broader knowledge
in product development through the experience gained throughout the project. Whenever
something deviated from the theories, or a problem arose related to product development, it
was added as a new perspective or addition to the theories.
153.1.3 Purpose of action research
● To find new ways to develop products and to create sustainable innovation in
universities. To find out what makes out to be the most important aspects to product
development and how to implement it in the best way.
● To use established tools and methods to find out how they work in a university based
product development and innovation process.
● To compare between established theories how they actually work in practise, seen
from a university project´s perspective.
● To find the most important factors to collaboration between different academies in a
common case between theses with different orientations.
3.1.4 Data collection
Data was collected throughout the project by notes, discussions and testing of different
methods and tools. The data was gathered through analysis of different situations represented
throughout the product development process. The data was stored in a common data sharing
platform called Microsoft Teams.
The data from situations gathered from the experience gained in the processes, were
compared with an assumption of how the situations should play out according to established
theories, models, methods and tools. These comparisons resulted in the findings which you
can read about in Chapter 9.
3.1.5 Analysis
The choice of respondents were the members of the Catfish project team, users of the product
and the stakeholders to the project. The lapse of respondents would have been members of
other similar projects and members of projects in general. Since there is an infinity of number
of product development projects existing or that have existed throughout time, taking the data
from all general product development processes into account, is considered an impossible
challenge.
Having said that, a further comparison with data of other similar projects would have made
the data comparisons and analyzes in this project more accurate and versatile, if this had been
found within the frame of time of the project.
163.1.6 Result
The research was conducted throughout the project by taking notes on deviations from the
theories, proof of the theories assumptions and interesting aspects to university driven
innovation. The theory gained is presented in Chapter 9.
3.2 Dynamic Product Development & Lean Product Development
These two theories were used partly as a base of research, and also the way of method to use
when developing the product.
3.2.1 Why was DPD and LPD chosen as methods for the project?
As the project is about integrating many different components and competence within
different subteams, and the DPD model allows high flexibility, to make use of possibilities
fast, it was considered a suitable model for the project, to create an environment where the
team members could keep up a fast working pace and work independently.
LPD was implemented to give the project together with the flexibility of DPD, an added
focus on resource efficiency. As there was a limited budget and time frame, this was
considered as a valuable insight.
3.2.2 How was DPD and LPD implemented in the project?
DPD was implemented three ways. First by creating a common vision for the project from the
start, a common goal for all team members to achieve (Chapter 1.2). Then to keep up the
tempo and independent work, pulse meetings were held to keep track of the progress and to
set up smaller goals for the day, for the week, etc, in a work breakdown structure.
When the team members had the vision together with smaller goals on the way, it was easy to
follow the progress and to see when some part of the project´s tasks had to be sped up, or if
there was any need for regrouping to solve bottlenecks or smaller problems.
LPD is not something that you implement, but rather transform organisations to become. As
this is not an organisation, but rather a small innovation team, some aspects of the concept of
LPD were used such as the goal to become as resource efficient as possible. This was
implemented by planning the prototype in detail in computer aided design software before
constructing it, to save time and resources.
3.2.3 Purpose of using DPD and LPD
To make sure that the time and resources limited to the project were exploited to the best
result possible.
173.2.4 Result
The prototype is a complete drone system built together with the catfish team. In the product
development process of the prototype, the thesis writers of this thesis were responsible for
putting all of the parts together into a unit and making sure that the goals for the unit were
achieved by the team members. Besides that, the thesis writers was also responsible for
creating the body of the prototype, the interfacing components with the body and the
mechanical part of the winch system and the interfacing components to the computers, energy
storing unit and sensors.
The result of DPD and LPD is presented in Chapter 5,7 and 9 together with the linked
electrical components programmed by the Data and sensor Team and the Control and
Autonomy team. The result of their contribution is presented in their own theses1011.
10
An implementation of a real-time water quality monitoring IoT system with 4G connectivity, Catfish - Data
and Sensors, Ellen Nihl & Eek de Bruijckere, 2021.
11
Control and autonomy of a water quality measuring unmanned surface vehicle(USV), Vidar Hårding, 2021.
184 Tools
This chapter descibes what tools were used to form the project and the general project models
used carrying through the project.
4.1 Design thinking EDIPT & LAMDA
Design thinking is a problem-solving method that is useful when you want to develop your
creativity, solve complex problems in a project. The method is divided into different phases
(Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test) which facilitates focus on results in the
design process. It differs from the traditional problem-solving models in that it is not linear,
but you work through the steps of the process several times during the work. Do first, think,
do it again. This model also has, like DPD, an advantage to other models when developing
new products due to its flexibility and focus on the end result.
Empathize - Create an insight of the target group and their needs.
Define - Develop a concept based on the insights from the empathize phase.
Ideate - Brainstorm and present suggestions for solutions.
Prototype - Build a prototype to show how the result could present itself.
Test - Test the prototype with the target group to get feedback.12
LAMDA is founded from action research which is a qualitative research method. It focuses
on the importance of visualisation and reflection of experiences and to wait abstract to word
and higher concepts and conclusions until some sort of grip on the situation is achieved and
that you have exhausted its inherent possibilities. The LAMDA process is divided into five
different stages:
Look - Regard the actual physical situation. Experience the problem and speak to others who
experience the problem. Stay in the experience until you have exhausted the inherent
possibilities of the situation. What do you see? What data can I collect? What problems am I
trying to solve here?
Ask - Why do I see what I see? Ask why five times. What are the root causes? Who has
solved similar problems before? What information already exists?
Model - Create a model of the situation that is as simple as possible so that you can share it
with others. Build simple, monotonous models as sketches, drawings, graphs, clay models,
models of lego, etc. What visual or physical models do best capture the current
understanding? What models best describe the desired future solution? What alternative
solutions will take us there?
12
Bo Tonnquist, Projektledning - Teori och praktisk tillämpning av projektmetodik och agila metoder, Seventh
edition, 2018
19Discuss - Discuss with all involved parties. Thereby you utilize the knowledge of the whole
organisation and achieve a dissemination of knowledge. Share your thoughts with others,
such as experts, people affected by the decisions made in the project and the decision makers.
Who decides? Who is affected and what other interests are there? In what way will my
position change from their input?
Act - Act based on what you learnt, and continue to repeat the cycle. What can be seen now?
What will the final decision be? What is the action plan? What are the expected results? What
will be done next? When is there a need to verify the result again? 13
Design thinking and LAMDA were tools used often throughout the project. It was first
considered as a way to divide the project into different stages, but was early reconsidered to
be used as cyclse to go through several times on every prototype before it was finalized.
4.1.1 Empathize / Look / Ask
In the empathize stage, the team members researched similar projects to find out which
components were used in these projects. When a bank of knowledge was gained, types of
components were gathered in a mutual document shared between the team members. The
components were then benchmarked twice to find what brand was the best for every type of
component.
The first round of benchmarking had the goal of finding the individual top brands of products
on the different types of components. The second round of benchmarking had the goal of
finding the top brands of different types of components in assembly, or interface, with the
other components. Before the benchmarking, there was an interview with a researcher, to
gain more knowledge in the scientific area of monitoring water quality.
The empathize stage was gone back to several times to get to know why some ideas for
solutions did not function as desired. For example, when the problems with the RUSBA
occurred (explained in Chapter 7.2.5), the thesis writers went back to the empathize stage by
researching more about how electrical conductivity works between rotating parts. The “Ask”
stage was frequently used.
Any time when a problem occurred or when a new element was implemented, the act of
asking why, gave a clear picture of how to solve the problem. It gave a reason to implement
that new element, or if a reason could not be found or the reason was not enough to spend the
time or resources to implement that new element, it was not implemented.
13
Lars Holmdahl, Lean Product Development på svenska 2.0, 2016
204.1.2 Define
After the benchmarking process, the top components in every category were defined and
bought. Then there was a further definition of the project, such as setting the time, design,
manufacturing and project goals (Chapter 1.2). There were often new definitions made
throughout the project every time new knowledge was acquired and that knowledge gave rise
to a better solution to a problem than the already existing solution. For example, when the
body was manufactured, the lid for the Electrobox was first made in the same way as the
other lids, but the shape of this lid had a shape that was harder to laminate properly, which
gave rise to the solution existing today, a thin plexiglas lid (Chapter 7.2.2).
4.1.3 Ideate
In ideating, first concepts and ideas were discussed in meetings, but early it was noted that it
was hard to understand the concepts and ideas of such a complex project solely through
words. Therefore, the prototype was created and simulated through computer aided
design(CAD) and pencil aided design(PAD). The software used for the CAD was Fusion 360.
The different parts of the prototype were also fitted together using CAD. The PADs were
mostly temporary sketches drawn upon a whiteboard to explain the ideas and make other
team members understand the concepts before designing them in Fusion. In the start of the
project, several team members made sketches on different concepts before decisions on the
type of design could give rise to a more detailed design build.
Ideating was also achieved while prototyping, as new ideas were born when putting pieces
together in real life to make the prototype more functional, solve manufacturing related issues
or how to make it more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
4.1.4 Prototype / Model
Prototyping started by building concepts together based on the designs created in the ideating
phase. Some components went through several prototypes before it satisfied the
requirements, or before it was considered a strong enough contribution to the criteria set for
each prototype. For example, the winch system was changed several times before it was
working. The placement for the winch system changed, the different holders making the
system up was corrected, the RUSBA (Rotational Universal Serial Bus Adapter, see Chapter
7.3) went through at least five different designs before it was completely functional. The
holders for the sensors were also changed as the placements for them changed a couple of
times. There is more information about these changes and how they came to be in Chapter 7.
4.1.5 Discuss
Since the project is cross functional through several areas, discussion was vital for every
decision or problem solving situation. During the weekly meetings, the progress was first
21shared, then the problems were presented, and naturally, these problems were discussed until
a solution could be found that was befitting all areas.
In the weekly meetings, there was always one person in each field present to provide
expertise in that area. If problems occured that could not be solved by any of the team
members, or if there was a need for an outside input by people of higher expertise, the team
reached out to these people, and help was almost always given.
The decision makers in the project were different people depending on what the decision was
about. Since the thesis writers had the main responsibility, they were the most influential
decision makers as they had the most holistic idea and knowledge about the project. If there
was a decision within any of the expertise areas, the person with the most knowledge in that
area made the final decision. Decisions affecting several teams were almost always discussed
and approved by the whole team before it was decided.
The character of the discussions changed throughout the project, very much like the
FIRO-model.14 At first the discussions were more polite and conflicts were avoided as the
team members wanted to be accepted, and to fit into the group. After a while, the group had
achieved solidarity and as the FIRO-model implies, the discussions concluded less about the
actual project and more about the personal connection to the group as the team members felt
more comfortable working together.
Then the team members started to try to find their role in the project, as some wanted to take
more place and responsibility, and others felt encroached in their space, some conflicts arose.
As the communication between the team members was very open minded and clear, these
conflicts did not affect the project negatively in any way except for the time loss for talking it
out, it rather gave rise to more productivity as the boundaries were now set.
The productivity flourished more and more as the project continued and sometimes more
conflicts arose but were quickly solved by talking it through instantly to avoid negative
feelings towards each other. As the time went, the team members found themselves more and
more secure in their roles and the cooperation seemed to flourish hand in hand with the
productivity.
4.1.6 Test
During the discussions there were often some problems solved solely by discussing them, but
some problems needed a further answer. This was achieved by testing different theories that
existed. If a problem had multiple answers, the only way to find out what gave the best result
was to test which answer suited the situation best. There were tests that had to be made to go
further with the development process, such as boyancy tests and waterproofing tests which
14
Firo Teorin, JobZone, https://jobzone.se/om-oss/firo-teorin/ 18:43 Wednesday sixth of May 2021.
22were problems solved in theory but had a risky outcome if the function would not be as
expected, this made testing mandatory. Some tests were also conducted out of curiosity, an
answer could have been theoretically proven but was doubted in some way. This made tests a
fun way to find out if the theories could be trusted.
4.1.7 Act
Making the necessary corrections to the prototype was always based on what came out of the
decisions made during the discussions and from the tests. There was a new goal or task set
and put up on the scrum board with a time limit and a description of the new task containing
what result to expect, what activity or part of the prototype the task refers to and who is
responsible for that task to be completed. Whenever a task or goal was completed, a new
discussion was held to make sure the result matches the common expectation of the result.
4.2 Visual planning
Visual planning is a dynamic management tool that constantly tracks and updates the
planning.The basics of visual planning are simple and according to Holmdal15, this method is
based on prayer science. It often starts with all designers meeting to write down in detail what
is to be done and its deadline. This is written down on various poster slips which are then
usually placed on a whiteboard. Visual panning can be an effective tool that creates a good
community and good collaboration within project groups. When it comes to product
development, it is usually about distributing work tasks in different specific phases during a
project. This was something used during this project, it helped to get a good overall picture of
what was going on and what was to be done.
4.2.1 Scrum board
The Scrum board itself acts as a tool to help the team to make different various prioritized
tasks to be performed. It is the contact point of the project and is a good compliment to
meetings held multiple times every week. Scrum Boards can be used physically on
whiteboards and poster slips representing tasks and activities in something called a sprint
backlog where the tasks and activities, called sprints, are represented by their status; if they
are yet to start they would be represented in a “To-do”-column, if they are ongoing they
would be represented in a “Doing”- column, if they are not yet defined they would be
represented in a “On hold”- column and if they are completed they would be represented in a
“Done”- column. Scrum is a working method where cross-functional teams develop products
or run projects in a modern, open and iterative way. The sprint backlog could be described as
a time frame, they end on a certain date regardless of whether the work has been completed
or not. A sprint is usually 1-2 weeks and they never extend, as a new sprint starts
immediately with new challenges when the other is over. This method gives a better constant
15
Lars Holmdahl, Lean Product Development på svenska 2.0, 2016
23understanding of the progress made and also gives an easy way to track the success of the
tasks, activities and goals. 16
Scrum was implemented in the early stage of the product development process by trying to
get the concept physical parts out quickly and then see its true functionality. The product and
its components were tested and evaluated and then developed which meant that the prototype
was constantly developed one step closer to the end result at the same time as gaining
knowledge from mistakes.
A Scrum Board has been used online and on a wall with post-its for the overall project since
day one, Microsoft Team's digital Scrum board was used as the online scrum board where the
development and progress of the various teams could be followed digitally by all team
members. As throughout the development process, there were many things to keep track of,
communication sometimes failed which gave rise to irritation.
The Scrum Board was created to facilitate communication on tasks to do, ongoing tasks and
completed tasks. This contributed to improved communication, reduced irritation and gave
rise to a higher productivity.
4.2.2 Miro
Miro is an online visual collaboration platform with templates for mind maps, kanban
frameworks, kinship diagrams, etc.17
At the beginning of the project, there was a need for understanding of how the different teams
were connected to each other. Miro is a free program that allows you to draw and use
templates for maps using for example arrows and different columns. It was used to create a
holistic view of the project and made it easier to understand how the different areas of
expertise were connected with the different parts of the prototype for team members and
stakeholders.
4.3 Brainstorming
Brainstorming is the process of letting ideas be generated freely without being abrupted until
they are finished. It is usually conducted within a group of people where the quantity of ideas
are seen as important as it comes with quality. Any idea is considered a good idea until it is
fully developed and can´t be critisized until this is proven. This was a mindset and a tool used
throughout the project.
16
Who uses Scrum and why?, Scrum Alliance, https://www.scrumalliance.org/why- Scrum/who-uses-Scrum
12th of February 10:03.
17
Miro, https://miro.com/ , 11.09 25th of May 2021.
244.4 SMART-test
A method for formulating a project, to see if a project is reasonable to start. In SMART the
different letters stand for:
Specific - What, where and why? State what you want to accomplish and what the main goal
is. What functions should the product have? What is required for it to function? How do we
know when it is complete? What components should be included in the product?
Measurable - To and from? How do you know if the project is complete or if you reached
your goal?
Accepted - Who and how? Is the project feasible? Does the competence for completing the
goals exist? Does the resources exist or can you make them? Who should do what in the
project? Is the specified goals accepted by all members?
Realistic - Worthwhile? Is the project goal worth the time it takes to reach them? Is the goals
realistic and relevant to each other? Is this the right time to achieve the goals? Are we the
right people to achieve the goals? Is the product applicable to the socio-economic
environment?
Timed - When? What is the time limit of the project? What can we do now? What can we do
in 6 months from now?18
- Specific: Yes - To create an innovation that provides scientist with more exact and
faster values of water measuring data.
- Measurable: Yes - The progress is measurable in the ability of the product to measure
the different parameters. The product is complete when the components put together
is able to measure the different parameters of data we set up in our goals.
- Accepted: Yes - Since the project is divided into five thesises with excellence in every
area, and since there is a reasonable funding for the project. The components needed
to complete the project aldready exist, the innovation would be to make these
components integrate with each other, which seems to be a realistic idea. The ground
for acceptance from the team members are founded in a common idea of project
goals.
- Realistic: Yes - The prototype will make it easier for scientist to analyze the health of
water and the goals are relevant and realistic in all aspects that are relevant to the
project. We are the right people to do this and at this time as it suits our common
goals of writing thesises on these subjects and because we all posses the right amount
of knowledge beforehand to make this product complete.
- Timed: Yes - The prototype should be finished by the end of February 2021, and the
project should be finished by the end of May 2021.
-
18
https://Projektledning.se/, 12th of December 2020
254.5 SWOT
A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify these parameters of the project:
Strengths - Do we have strenghts that compensate our weaknesses? Do we have strenghts that
makes it possible to take advantage of the opportunities of the project?
Weaknesses - What weak points can be found in this project?
Opportunities - What can the project contribute to?
Threats - What problems will the project face?19
Strengths - We posses a broad spectrum of knowledge as we are many different team
members from different academies and areas. In the areas we lack knowledge, we have
support from a large, well developed network through Innovation Lab, Halmstad University
and High Five.
Weaknesses - Because of the spread, the project is difficult to manage. Many different needs
and wishes should be considered in the result and project goals.
Opportunities - To learn how to manage a bigger project than we are used to, and to develop
a cooperation between different academies for the present and the future.
Threats - Bad communication and misunderstandings between team members. That some
team members puts in more work than others.
4.6 BAD, PAD, MAD
BAD - Brain Aided design. Start with thinking. A large part of concept development and
construction starts with exchanging ideas and mental models. Constructors creates pictures of
the construction in their mind and tries out different solutions in their head. That is why it is
important to excercise this ability and to learn to create the right conditions to function
optimally. To be in your most healthy state of mind when you use BAD, for example, to go
outside and fill up with fresh oxygen before starting the thinking process, or drinking a cup of
coffee. To compare what you achieve in the morning and in the afternoon to recognize when
it is the right time for using BAD.
PAD - Pen Aided Design. A pen and a paper is two of the most important tools when
developing a concept and when to solve construction problems. When we draw on paper a
direct link is created between the thoughts in your mind and the visual perception of the
image we have. The kinetic sense, muscle memory and hand-eye coordination is activated.
The movement of the hand is important for the brain activity when you seek a solution,
especially ones of the creative kind. Many pictures are created simultaneously and are
processed by the mind. The paper works both as a memory and a test bed for new solutions.
19
Bo Tonnquist, Projektledning - Teori och praktisk tillämpning av projektmetodik och agila metoder, Seventh
edition, 2018
26MAD - Model Aided Design. It is often useful to build and test simple models to quickly
verify the function of the concepts you develop, or to increase the knowledge and
understanding of the concepts. You can build the models out of anything, clay, lego, paper,
etc. Just like with PAD, models have advantages which computer simulations lack - the
tactile feedback and the visual impression, and the possibility to assimilate the actual object
will differ if you solely rely on computer simulation. With models, you remember the
impressions they make different and more alive. The strenght with computer simulations are
that for example, to develop mechanisms, the possibility to get accurate information on
displacements, forces, speeds and accelerations.
You should always work through a creative process of BAD, PAD and MAD before you
compare with solutions of other people. This is typical for the dynamic methods “Dynamic
Product Development(DPD)” and “Lean Product Development(LPD)”.
4.7 Sixhats
A model allowing you to see the thinking process of different roles, where every role is
represented by a hat. The so called thinker hats supports a focused perspective and if it is
applied in the right way it will contribute to more innovative solutions and thinking
processes.
The white hat
- What do we know?
That there is no similar solution today.
- What are the facts?
We have so far talked to a researcher for this area, he believes that this could facilitate
sampling considerably.
- What do we need to find out?
More information on how sampling is done today.
The black hat
- What are the problems?
The main problem is that wifi or bluetooth does not work underwater.
- What will not work?
Getting signals and measurements from an underwater drone's sensors
The red hat
- What do we feel?
We feel hopeful to be able to combine three existing products into a completely new
and unique product.
We are disappointed not to be able to be part of the scholarship that is awarded on our
program because we do not own 50% of the project
- What do we want?
27We feel hopeful to be able to combine three existing products into a completely new
and unique product.
We are disappointed not to be able to be part of the scholarship that is awarded on our
program because we do not own 50% of the project
- What do we believe?
That we can succeed in connecting all components and thus get direct measurement
values from the water.
We hope that we can find a solution so that we can compete for the scholarships.
The green hat
- How will it turn out if we think in the opposite way?
Find a whole new way for sensors and mobile devices to communicate
underwater to the surface.
- How can we develop this solution?
We have far too little time and it is not our goal to invent a new way, but just
to find a solution with the methods available on the market today.
The yellow hat
- What is good?
A broad team working on the project, which adds a lot of knowledge.
- What satisfies the user's needs?
Not having to wait for answers from sensors, or having to bring samples to any
laboratory. This entails a risk that the water's values will change and be affected by
the transport.
- What values are in the solution?
Simple and direct answers.
The blue hat
- What is our purpose?
Make it easier for biologists who study and analyze water values.
- What is our goal?
Fast safe values, get answers immediately and be able to locate the place where the
sample was taken.
- How can we move on with the solution?
Have a good project plan for how we are going to proceed.20
20
Design: process och metod, Åsa Wikberg Nilsson, Åsa Ericsson, Peter Törlind, 2015
28You can also read
