The client wanted to make a torch for rural farmers with the primary market being north and central India. I laid down the general technical specifications after doing user surveys and preliminary research.
The whole process was divided into steps. First, I found out as much information as I could find on LEDs, reflectors and batteries. This was done to see what we were getting into, to basically “talk the talk and walk the walk.”
Searching the market for torches with the same specifications as given by the client or with some features worth adding was the next step. Then we opened up all the torches and all their components to see how each one was made, how the torch was put together and what the variants of these were. We took the best bits of each torch and assembled a test mule prototype that would give the required range, the approximate dimensions of the battery, the shape of the reflector, and the number of lamps required to give the range and brightness. Later, we went to a few villages, to see what the context was and to see how our design would fit in the context.
Back at the office, we tried various configurations of the battery and handle and made ergonomic concept models. Then, after much haggling and compromises, I came up with three alternatives, one of which was selected to be manufactured.
I went through a very practical experience of designing a product in the industry which was of great importance to me. The lion’s share of my work was spent on making the product more functional, user-friendly and meaningful to its context. All this led to the completion of the project.
