Fishy Farmers

For my final project in IAT336 Material Design, our group focused on creating an accessible fishing rod for individuals with one hand, aiming to enhance recreational opportunities for users with physical challenges. This project is a prime example of our commitment to product design specializing in Assistive Technology, showcasing my ability to think through problems from start to finish and iterate on solutions based on user feedback. The photo is of me making the first version of the parts for a fishing rod.

Photo of me working on the physical model of the fishing aid
Screenshot of Tina's question from the Maker Makes Change website

Initial Concept and Research

The project began with identifying the user's key challenges. We discovered from the Maker Makes Change Website that Tina’s husband lost a hand wrist that was unable to fish, which led us to start to learn about their experiences and limitations when using standard fishing equipment. This empathy-driven research highlighted the need for a device that could be easily operated with one hand without sacrificing functionality or control.

Design and Prototyping

The main idea of ​​our product is to solve how to fish easily with one hand and reduce the weight for a long time. Based on our group discussions and everyone’s different ideas, we developed early sketches to visualize the concepts and further refined our first designs together through detailed Rhino 3D models. In the first sketch, my main design consisted of a simplified scroll mechanism that could be operated with minimal effort. For the material used, I chose Ash Wood for the main body material because it is lightweight yet has strength and durability, and our group agreed with me. Then, our group discussed using Air Mesh as the inner wrap and outer straps for breathability and comfort.

The first Draft for Fishy Farmer The initial prototype for fishy farmer in Rhino The Ash Wood material Picture The Air Mesh material Picture

Iteration and Refinement

Then, we first complete together the first physical model based on the first 3D model. In the first physical model, I was mainly responsible for the production of fine parts, such as support parts. The initial feedback from the course lab identified issues with the overall weight distribution and comfort of the handle. Based on these questions, we started to improve our first model, and the part I mainly focused on was the main body. To address these concerns, I significantly modified the body structure of the device by adjusting its size to better balance the weight and enhance user comfort during extended use. Specifically, my main design in second model was about extending the length of the body part to distribute the weight more evenly, reducing stress on the forearm during operation. Then, to further enhance user comfort, I integrated a ventilation hole in the design. This modification was aimed at preventing the build-up of heat and moisture inside the device, which is particularly beneficial during prolonged use. These design changes were all reflected in the second 3D model and the physical model.

The first pyhsical model for fishy farmer The refine physical model for fishy farmer
The refine 3D Model in Rhino for fishy farmer The support part dimension and mult-view in Rhino The connect part dimension and mult-view in Rhino The main body part dimension and mult-view in Rhino

Final Design

Finally, the culmination of our iterative design process resulted in a lightweight, durable fishing rod engineered specifically for one-handed operation. I redesigned the reel system based on the second generation model to make it effortless to control and allow for smooth operation with minimal effort. Additionally, the final model features a strategically placed ventilation hole to prevent heat and moisture accumulation, ensuring comfort and safety during extended use, this is also my idea.

The final physical model looks upright for Fishy Farmer The final physical model looks horizontally for Fishy Farmer

Project Summary

This project significantly enhanced my technical skills in product design and prototyping, while also deepening my understanding of the critical role user feedback plays in product development. Our design choices were heavily informed by our lab feedback, focusing on creating a balanced and user-friendly fishing experience. Through iterative refinement, we were able to transform user insights into a functional product for individuals with physical challenges. This experience underscored my ability to develop empathetic and innovative solutions, ideally positioning me for a role in product design specializing in Assistive Technology. However, there are some shortcomings in this project, which also provide me with opportunities for improvement. For example, this fishing aid can only adapt to one type of fishing rod. In the future, I can improve the fishing rod grip to adapt to different types of fishing rods.