Final SA post/the Learning desk

Time: 7:41am

Date: Wednesday, October 29th

Location: Boston MA, USA

Last and final post, South Africa.

I left South Africa in a hurry on Monday, with the upholsterers finishing the prototype bag just in the nick of time. The prototype isn't perfect, but at least I know the changes that need to be made for the next version. Now, sitting here in Boston reverse jetlagged... (hence why I've been awake since 3:30) I'm wrapping things up. 

Shona has ordered ten desks from GM Tech, the manufacturer with whom I've been working on my prototypes. I'm not sure if she wants the bag too, or just the desk.  Since the last prototype was finished less than 15 minutes before I left for the airport, I wasn't able to document all of the decisions we had made, and recommendations I had for the next steps.  I used the desk/backpack as one of my carry-ons to hold my laptop on my return flight, and then too, noticed a couple of opportunities for improvement.  

My priorities for the next couple of days (besides enjoying Boston's erratic weather) are to

1) Create a document which specifies previous decisions and required modifications,

2) Integrate this document into my presentation for MIT's Mobility Lab, and 

3) Start preparing for Sri Lanka!  

I believe that I've told most people who would be reading this blog about this next trip... but if I hadn't, I'm moving to Sri Lanka next week to work with a wonderful organization called "Emerge Global," an NGO which runs jewelry making workshops for young victims of rape and sexual abuse. If interested, the site address is www.emergeglobal.org, and I'll be blogging on that site shortly. 

Thanks all for following. It's been an awesome experience, and I'll let y'all know of any updates I receive from Shonaquip about the Learning desk's future. :)

Cheers,

April W

One more to go

Today was totally satisfying. I headed over to Eros school in the flats near Mitchell's Plain to test my prototype with the kiddies. I envisioned each child trying it out in class for an hour or so each, requiring minor modifications to the chairs, and returning to Shonaquip "enlightened."  

Just before arriving I steeled myself, reminding myself to learn whatever possible from the situation, and that it would probably be quite unlike my expectations. I already knew that the prototype I was bringing in needed some alterations, but we were unable to create an up to date version quickly enough to coordinate with this first school visit.  Sure enough, my contact therapist and I had had a missed communication, and there were virtually no chairs available with which my initial prototype clamp would work. Fortunately we were able to attach the desk to another part of the chair and test it with two teenage boys who seemed very enthusiastic about the project.  

Next, I headed over to Greg's shop (the manufacturing gentleman who has been helping me with my design and making the prototypes) and was able to use the observations I had made at the school to request a new design for a clamp. Michael, Greg's brother milled it for me while I learned to stick weld with another of Greg's employees.

All in all I feel really good about the versatility of this new clamp. I know there is no perfect solution, but I believe that our three clamping mechanisms will work on any chair that I've encountered. We have 2 of them prototyped, now we just have one more to go.

success!

Unsurprisingly, the week(ish) that elapsed between my last post and now was less than stellar. Nothing is ever supposed to come easily, and indeed it doesn't. I've been buckling down and making modification after modification on the prototype, and taking as much advice and feedback as I can while still keeping the design simple. 

It is very tempting to try to make something that solves all the world's problems- all past present and future needs. I'm finding that an integral part of the design process is being able to identify your limits, and establish what elements end up diluting the concept and rendering it a worthless pile of mush:)

Fortunately I am now able to contemplate these thoughts while typing comfortably at my own personal desk... because I've finally completed a working model of the table and bag... 

And now, off for a run up beautiful Chapman's peak over in Hout bay. 

Happy weekend all....

Big Happenings

My prototype rocks! 

I should mention that this statement is about 95% relief, 5% self satisfaction:) It's the most fulfilling experience to imagine a need, validate the need, and to have the opportunity to research and implement a solution. 

This particular prototype has been in the works for 4 weekdays. Greg, who does Shonaquip's more high volume work, helped me think through my concept, proposing numerous helpful solutions to my mechanical problems. (If I hadn't already mentioned it, another gentleman, Mike Price was also instrumental in helping me work out the kinks in my design for the first prototype.)

This morning I went to Greg's shop in Maitland, and we talked through any remaining vague points.  I get to pick up the working prototype tomorrow morning. It's really a beautiful thing. This model is made of steel, but is still quite light. It has to be, 'cause it also has to function as a backpack. I really think we have resolved all of the major problems, but we'll find out for sure when the kids test it out later this week.

Speaking of testing, I've made contact with one school that will let me come in and install it on the kids' chairs. I held back on calling other schools for now, as I want to have the opportunity between school visits to fix things if needed. 

I'm really feeling very excited about this design, as it *seems to have* fulfilled every parameter I had envisioned (and as follows):

-It is a simple design, and can be made of many different materials within a range of budgets.

-It comprises three basic sections; the desk, the arm, and the chair attachment. 

-It is easily installed and reconfigured.

-It can be used with a wide range of chairs; only the chair attachment will need to be different. 

-The chair attachment will need little or no customization. There are 3 setups with which to attach the arm to the chair; they're modular, so require no additional tooling.

-It is extremely durable.

-It is light.

-It can be removed quickly.

-It is inexpensive. * (this depends on the manufacturer's material choice. We have used basic and widely available materials, but you could certainly make a cheaper version too, depending on your priorities.)

-Small parts are kept to a minimum. It will be VERY difficult to lose components.

-It functions as a desk with storage in one position, and as a backpack in another position. 

Will update post-testing later in the week:)

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In other only slightly less historic news; 

A civil war may be imminent in South Africa due to the breakup of the African National Congress (Mandela's former party); and the South African government has now acknowledged the link between HIV and AIDS (and that it cannot be cured by garlic, lemon, the African potato, or by taking a shower.) 

The Cape of Good Hope: Most SW point in Africa

The drive in was slow, mountainous, stunning. Hidden cameras check your speed and allow you respite from impatient drivers. Upon entry, a sign: "Baboons are dangerous and are attracted by food." One wonders in a landscape devoid of trees, surely this is a fun fact? Emaciated, ash grey forms, half bush, half tree reach sideways, yearning for better posture. Their coral shaped green and yellow brethren do "the wave." I'm alone, so it's natural to humanize the experience  and to the landscape with a lisp; "oh, that's so Africa of you."

A car is stopped ahead. I hate tourists, and I blow by at a whopping 15km/hr (mind the speed cameras.) Baboons! I'm shocked, and despite myself I crane my neck for a better view. 

More wind, more sea- the road parallels the water... yet- a huge silver tray in the rearview as I climb the mountain- the sea is behind me too. 

Another car stopped ahead. I hate tourists. This time, a wild Ostrich! Grey and serene, fluffy, as if dressed for a ball. I stop. 

Finally, the Cape of Good Hope. I imagine the sailors, rounding the tip of Africa- this land their first glimpse. But it's unfriendly here. Black seabirds flirt in the surf. But, they are tricksters, for when I step out, my feet are lifted and I nearly face plant. The sun is hot, it harangues the right side of my face. I don my shades just in time to deflect pebbles and sea spray that splatter and ricochet. The rest of my face is unprotected. I'm lifted a second and a third time, and I hightail it back to the car to observe from a protective bubble. Three asians gripping cameras hide behind my car and shriek to each other as if I'm not here. I silently advise them that my car won't protect them if it tumbles away in the wind. 

Turn to go home. More cars. Holy shit, antelope? Here's why a kid comes in handy, it's hard to spot this stuff flying solo. Little flashes of purple, pink, yellow dot the edge of the pavement. Seemingly delicate, obviously sturdy wildflowers. My radio is all static because of the mountain. Damn! Being that I've turned around, I can't see the sea because of the spray on my passenger side window. (Can't see the forest...?) Someone could make a good business with a car wash at the park exit. 

I look for more wildlife... or more realistically for eagle-eyed tourists.

Relativity

I am reminded these past couple of days of the quote, "perception is everything...." a quote which confusingly *informs* our everyday life. I'm thinking of this phrase as it relates to the language we use- even internally when thinking and speaking of our accomplishments.

These past couple of days were the first days for which I had set deadlines for my project. Unsurprisingly, I experienced a few setbacks in my plan, and didn't actually "meet" my deadlines.

In a way it's a lesson to budget more time for certain project elements and unexpected roadblocks (like the mini-flu I caught two days ago.) 

In a way it's a reminder that there are always ups and downs; the downs are what make the ups so exhilarating.

In a way it has been a great opportunity to consciously change my internal language from "frustrating" and "behind schedule" to "challenging" and "opportunity for reevaluation."

Ultimately, I was productive the past two days. I rented a car and made it to the doctor's on my own (oddly enough, driving on the left side of the road was not as strange as I expected... it was more shifting with my left hand when I don't normally drive standard that was bizarre...*) I also managed to find a steel warehouse several towns and an interstate away going based on a hand drawn map with no names.  All said and done, prototype number 1.5 is nearly done (the wooden prototype only counts as a half) and tomorrow morning I learn how to weld. 

Shona's procurement sheets are supposed to be due by tomorrow... I wonder if my prototype will be light enough, cheap enough, sturdy enough, and good enough to be manufactured and distributed to some of these schools.....?

*the most bizarre/comical bit about driving on the wrong side of the road is that every time I went to turn, my windshield got a cleaning...