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The Impact of Suitcase Weight Distribution on User Comfort.

Objective

To find the quantitative impact of changing the weight distribution in a suitcase on user comfort, manoeuvrability, and the structural integrity/stability of the suitcase.

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01

Motive

Based on survey results taken from 95 young adults from 18-24 in Hong kong , more than 68 % wanted uphill assistance more than other features.

02

Factors that influence user comfort when dragging uphill.

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Volume
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Weight
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Shape
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Weight 
Distribution

First three are fixed inputs by the user, therefore only weight distribution can be changed. That is why this topic was explores

03

Hypothesis 

1.  Weight will be preferred to be kept closer to the wheels, and as evenly distributed as possible. (Facchini, 2017)


2.  The effort required to pull will decrease for those who exercise on a regular basis (JUNG, 2007)

04

Method

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Independent Variable

Conditions

• Experiment was conducted where users were asked to carry suitcase uphill (100 meters) three times. (Once suitcase top heavy, bottom heavy, and middle heavy)

•Each time, heartbeat was brought back to resting    and then measured again after completing the walk using oxymeter.

•Pre and post experiment questions were asked to gauge qualitative difficulty of different weight distributions.

Dependent Variable

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05

Results

Highest on average of heart beat and difficulty levels are  always for Top Heavy.

 

Followed by Middle Heavy.

 

Followed by bottom heavy

Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start.

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06

Decision Trees

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The main objective of a regression tree is to create a model that can predict the value of a target variable based on the input features or independent variables. 

Therefore, in order to understand how independent variables (listed above) affect the dependent variables (listed above), I created 4 personas of polar opposites (on the left) to explore this. Decision tree outputs are shown below and the results are discussed in conclusion.

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06

Conclusion

•In general , males / those who work out tend to feel more pressure on forearm.

•The trend is more common in males than those who work out.

•In general, there is not any noticeable direct correlation between height / age with stress points.

•Bottom Heavy is preferred regardless of factors sine energy does not change qualitatively.

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