These are just the ergonomic problems there are other issues. The big issue is size, which effects weight and comfort. The next problem is intuitiveness of how to put the vest on properly and the biggest problem of all is where is the gun going to go.
Looking at the system behind megazone that my redesigned vest will fit into.
The problem that I identified as the main area of focus in my research was the experience. At the moment it is good but it could be far more fun. I wanted to keep the space theme, a futuristic, science fictional setting that will appeal to young and old and still be quite novel.The theme could take on a whole new level with players not just given a vest that has a colour and a number but personality. Give each vest a name and a slight variation that makes each one unique.
The equipment including the packs, phasers, bases, and reload bays will all be redesigned and modernized.
The maze, briefing room, party rooms and waiting area will also need to be redesigned. However I still want to keep the main focus of the business on birthday parties as they generate the most revenue.
The website has alot of opportunity in its redesign. An online booking service could save alot of time and confusion. Customers could see what times are already taken and pay deposits to confirm. With the online booking could also allow customers to choose the vest they want to have, the team they want to be on before they arrive.
Could also push an online membership, that in return for people’s details they could get discounts. The information could also be taken on site.
With this membership you could build up a database. The demographics from this would create direction for marketing and advertising campaigns. With this data base you could send out monthly newsletters telling people about the specials for the month. Just subliminal information that tells them about megazone so on the next rainy day they know where they can go. Also birthday parties are one of the biggest money makers so a complimentary pass can be mailed out to people on their birthday so hopefully they will have their party with us and bring their 14 paying friends.
The weekend is often booked out weeks in advance but the week days often will have no bookings at all. So through the website could start up a megazone league. Get teams of five that can play against other teams with playoffs at the end of the season. League games are already played in Australia and could base it on this or something similar to a bowling league or indoor soccer/cricket/netball/dodge ball league model.
The overall redesign of the business will be very complicated and take a long time. At the moment I am just focusing on the vest and the gun but this is the context which I want to design for.
So these are the first lot of concepts. some of them are working OK but they are a bit flimsy and aren't quite the backpack style i was hoping to achieve. Whether this is due to the materials i am using for the mock ups is paper and don't hold form or its that the vests aren't all that pratical im not exactly sure. Whats really annoying me is the fact that Steves hocky pads are really ideal for what im trying to achieve. They are easy to put on, they could be made to fit just about any size and they look really cool. So maybe the backpack idea is not the best way to go. The problem im coming across with the backpack is that there is a real lack of coverage on the front and adding side straps i dont think is the answer. The problem with the current vest is that no one does up the side straps. In any case this is a picture of the hockey pads......
This is the direction I have decided to take this brief based on my research from phase1.
Looking at a backpack style of vest that’s more of a harness similar to the bottom picture, obviously it will have to be a lot smaller. I think this will be more intuitive for how to put on, would also resolve issues surrounding the shoulder pads being to big. I want to keep a very technical look, with breathable fabric and padding.Also looking at holster for the gun similar to the holsters on the person in the picture. Maybe something that could connect to the hip or possibly something that could go under the arm that is logical for how to put away.
this is my new blog for NPC if anyone is interested
There are many issues surrounding current vests all of which can be easily solved. They are to do with ergonomics and usability. Taking in consideration not only the users but the other stakeholders as well to create a more efficient vest.
The main focus is going to be on the emotional design of the vest. Creating a more exciting and inspiring vest will add far more value to the experience of the game. Looking at existing markets they aren't quite getting it right....
the project has now been changed. Im now working on the redesign of a laser tag vest.
Today is officially the end of the beginning starting the final project. I have so far that i am redesigning a piece of hospital furniture... it is still not specific as i have yet to visit an actual hospital but i am working on getting the contacts. The due date is next week so i will want to have decided by then and the handin is the following week so i will want a research document done by then.
Epic
