closeConsumer Development Case Study
MPR Associates Designs Specialty Electronic Scoring Device
Challenge
Many projects at MPR Associates start with an investor's concept for commercializing a new product offering. Such was the case with an investor who hired the firm's Technology Group to design a specialty electronic scoring device for the sport of squash. In squash tournaments today, a referee manually scores a match and turns in the results to the tournament's organizer. Because tournaments can have 80 courts active at once, managing the scores manually becomes quite difficult and time-consuming. The challenge for this project was to design a prototype hand-held electronic scoring device that included Internet upload capabilities and could also be manufactured in relatively small quantities at a low cost.
Approach
MPR was chosen over other engineering consulting firms because of the company's product design expertise, as well is its willingness to start with the development of a simple proof of concept for the client to show to potential investors. Working closely with the client to rapidly develop a prototype, the MPR team utilized a three-step approach:
- Develop the prototype using Windows CE operating system technology
- Modify the technology based on client and end user feedback, and
- Integrate existing design technology to develop a custom electronic packaging prototype, similar to that of a hand-held personal digital device.
Solution
Now that a prototype has been created, MPR is developing a manufacturing strategy that considers costs and benefits of various manufacturing options.
Benefits
The new, hand-held scoring device is expected to be well received among tournament organizers and squash officials, and will result in better score keeping and more accurate league statistics.