bitlink

2023 Technology Skills in the Workplace: Product Team

Team members:

Jaiden
Zeke
Zeus
Marc

What was the problem that we identified?

Bitlink has a an electronics kits called the IoT (Internet of Things) kit. Bitlink has approached Libraries Tasmania about stocking their kits in the library system for lending by community members. Bitlink has been told that in its current form factor, the kit wouldn't be appropriate to be listed as a borrowable item.

What was our solution to the problem?

Interview individuals who work in the library sector and combine the needs of the library system, with the desires of Bitlink, to develop a prototype 'library-friendly' version of the Bitlink IoT kit.

As well as developing the prototype kit, we will also design custom stickers, barcodes, kit information, etc to go along with the library kit.

Results:

Physical Packaging Prototype

This involved identifying the customer's needs and parameters for the packaging solution, prototyping the packaging to fit a budget and other external requirements, testing multiple product solutions to arrive at the best fit for purpose, and designing labels, stickers and other necessary paraphernalia for the solution.

The prototype was designed to address the following specifications from Library admin:

• Kits need Risk assessment and safety information
• Kits need barcodes attached to the box for easy scanning upon check out/return
• Kits need warning/safety/age recommendation on the kit.
• Kits need a checklist so library staff can check everything has been returned. Items need to be easily checkable by staff (through transparent lid or quick scan and assess.
• Components should be numbered/labelled
• Kits should have rechargeable batteries, as batteries won't get constantly checked for charge.
• If possible, kit should be eco-friendly and involve re-usable parts, rather than disposable parts that need replacing/maintenance.
• Kits should have large text so translator/text-scanning apps can identify the product.
• Kit should be as low cost as possible for Bitlink to produce, and for Library to purchase.
• Kit should have QRCode/links to the online resources to use alongside the kit.
• Kit should be able to fit through a library return slot.
• Kit should have a solid casing to protect against wear and tear and should close securely with everything enclosed in the one package.

Age/Warning Label, Barcode, QR Codes, Colour-coded Stickers/Checklist