Generation of Alternative Concepts

For our senior capstone project, it's important to explore all areas of our design. In this unit, we explored 4 sub-functions of our project, and then created 5 possible solutions for each area. This is vital to decide what avenues to explore when developing our product, as well as what will be best for the customer.

Sub Functions

Packaging

1. create a compostable bag
2. be fun for kids; colorful packaging to look like candy, etc.
3. easy to open packaging that allows for quick access to water bubble
4. contain all nutritional facts/ingredients on outside of packaging
5. must be sterile inside packaging 

Taste

1. add "mio" flavoring
-also adds vitamins
2. add in Gatorade instead of water for better taste
3. insert flavor into shell
-mio flavor, Gatorade, etc
4. soak bubbles in flavoring to hopefully add more flavor
5. try putting propel in the bubble for flavoring AND electrolytes

Durability

1. making the shell thicker/denser
2. padded packaging to protect water bubble from breaking
3. mixing different amounts of sodium alginate and calcium chloride to form a firmer shell
4. make the shell more rubbery to ease movement, and make it less likely to break
5. make a longer shelf life- research how long it is now and how we can make it longer 

Hydration

1. adding electrolyte; Electrolytes are certain minerals (i.e., calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, sodium ions) essential to human health. As an essential mineral, an electrolyte cannot be substituted by any other nutrient in the diet. That means that your body will only accept that particular mineral or electrolyte.
2. putting propel into bubble instead of water - had electrolytes and added vitamins
3. using an already supplemented vitamin-rich water for the inside
4. using gatorade inside the water bubble - has added electrolytes
5. adding minerals or electrolytes into the shell of the water bubble

Concept Sketches