Design fundamentals: The tool box
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The product selected was based on concepts such as productivity, uniqueness and ability to meet the specified requirements and JAG requirements. The tool box was designed to satisfy various user needs, including the ability to hold tools of various natures, from large industrial tools to small hand held tools. The tool boxes have a few features incorporated based on their specific use.
For instance, a tool box in a vehicle comprises a rubber matting to prevent movement, and another anti vibration mat that reduces noise and clashing of rattling tools. Other designs of the tool box include the slanted tool box, lock-in-tray, under ute tray and the LPG cylinder storage box.
The product was designed to satisfy various functional requirements such as security and wear resistance, as well as non-functional requirements such as durability, portability and the use of environmental friendly materials in fabrication. Other than these, there were design requirements by JAG Corporation, which controlled the selling price, construction tools and the construction process.
The project involved two markets: the primary market, comprising retailers whose purchasing price was set at $90; and the secondary market that included distributor such as construction companies. The latter were expected to buy in bulk for their workers, hence the selling price of $80.
These prices were according to the JAG requirements, which set the maximum price at $100, and limited marketing to trade persons and construction companies. The product proposed is viable, since the project concept involves various components that collectively address various requirements that make it profitable and competitive within the market.
Surveys conducted on the potential customers indicated that the target market is about half of the customers, who were dissatisfied with their current storage products due to their locks, corrosion, water leakage and inability to carry heavy loads.
Out of the dissatisfied customers, most of them were especially keen to have their heavy duty tools organized better for equipment in their vehicles. In addition to that, they indicated their need for tool boxes that provided security from theft and weather, to avoid delays during work, or replacements and repair costs.
The customers were also looking for heavy duty toolboxes with hooks at their four edges, so that they could be connected to the ute tray, making them more stable when driving, and increasing safety of their tools and equipment.
The price of the product was satisfactory to most of the customers, since 65% were willing to pay an amount above $70, provided they satisfied their primary concerns, which included heavy withstanding, water resistance and secure locks. The surveyed customers did not have any concerns regarding additional features or material that the product was made from, and just required it to be a tool box that could cater for their needs.
The products dimensions are 120cmx60cmx50cm to be a reasonable fit a ute tray or the back of a van. The product may include hooks to allow a better restriction of the product as responders requested. For the convenient storage of small tools, the storage box has been divided into compartments and installed along the top shelf to increase accessibility.
This will make it easier for the user to locate, retrieve, place and store items which are used on a regular basis. As for larger tools, the tools box has an easy access compartment at the base, made possible by a sliding door. To maintain durability, the prototype will be constructed out of steel as to prolong is lifetime use. The product will assist the tradesperson in making good use of storage space in their vehicle or garage.