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PROJECT PLAN EnPro 355
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this EnPro is to develop a commercially
viable wireless data storage device. Failing this, the objective is to have
worked sufficiently on the task to show why commercial viability is not possible.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Last semester, the IIT
Kaplan Fellows were tasked with presenting an idea for a new product or
service. This idea was picked at the end of the semester to become an EnPro
based on its technical feasibility and marketing viability.
As wireless data communications and portable data transfer
both simultaneously revolutionize, this project endeavors to tie the two
technologies together to provide a viable and useful means of storing data in a
portable, wireless device. Such a device could prove indispensable as a simple
means of transferring data between computers, or enabling a presenter at a
conference to transmit important information to a laptop-equipped audience.
METHODOLOGY
The initial endeavor will be to gain a reasonable knowledge
of the involved technologies, with the help of professors from the Electrical
Engineering department. At the same time, an initial understanding of the
current market conditions for a product of this type will be grasped. A focus
group will be formed for an evening to gain the opinions of various potential
consumers on what they expect from this product. Research will be done into
past ideas, current competitors, and failed endeavors.
This research will be combined to settle on technologies and
ideas that will most likely lead to a successful product, from both a technical
and a business standpoint.
From this point, the design of the product will be drafted,
with the ultimate goal of detailed schematics. Additionally, the business
aspect of the project will be reported on with an in depth business plan.
EXPECTED RESULTS
The planned results are to generate detailed plans that
would enable, with the right equipment, the construction of a working wireless
data storage device prototype. Additionally, a detailed business plan is also
expected, demonstrating whether the device has any profit-making potential.
BUDGET/LIST OF ANTICIPATED EXPENSES
$30 – Food incentive for a focus group that will discuss
product ideas
$10 – Survey costs, including printing and postage.
$30 – Poster board costs
TASK SCHEDULE/MILESTONE EVENTS
Goal #1: Market Feasibility (target date: September 22, 2003)
o
Investigate
technical options, incorporating relative cost. (9/22)
o
Get
some initial consumer surveys circulated. (9/22)
o
Patent
search. (9/10)
o
Assess
the competition. (9/15)
o
Investigate
unsuccessful related past ideas. (9/15)
Goal #2: Cost Assessment (target
date: October 6, 2003)
o
Generate
a price vs. features report. (10/6)
o
Circulate
and receive back surveys to see how much people would pay for each “version”.
(10/6)
Goal #3: Product Design (target
date: November 19, 2003)
o
Decide
on technologies. (10/8)
o
Decide
on features. (10/8)
o
Understand
usage & compatibility. (9/29)
o
Get
a professional opinion from a professor and/or other specialist. (Ongoing)
o
Generate
schematics. (11/17)
Goal #4: Business Plan (target
date: November 19, 2003)
o
Consumer
need/want. (11/19)
o
Government
regulations affecting the idea. (11/19)
o
Review
market size and customer demographics. (11/19)
o
Competition.
(11/19)
o
Cost.
(11/19)
o
Marketing.
(11/19)
o
Write
Patent. (11/19)
WHO IS ASSIGNED WHAT RESPONSIBILITY
The following people hold key responsibilities on this team:
o
Team
Leader: Matthew Pearson
o
Secretary:
Kalvyn Rasquinha
o
Webmaster:
William Prost
In addition, the team is divided into the following
sub-teams:
o
Planning
& Business Committee: Matthew Pearson, William Prost, Kunal Shah
o
Technical
Team 1: Kalvyn Rasquinha, Scott Waicekauskas, Jathurshun Sivaloganathan
o
Technical
Team 2: Graham Nadig, Jingying Hu, Thomas DaSilva
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