Element H
In this element, testing of the most recent prototype from Element G will be conducted. Testing procedures will have to be thorough and complete. Tests may be as simple as “pass/fail” or a measurable data may be collected for use in future prototypes. Every test will be documented through the use of pictures and videos. After each test is complete, regardless of the outcome, an analysis including, but not limited to, “What went well? What went wrong? What exactly happened to cause this outcome?” etc. After each test is complete and approved by peers (teacher), a date will be noted for when each testing procedure has been approved.
Testing Procedures
Testing Procedure #1 Performance Testing Date: 3/7/23-3/8/23 Testing Location: HHS Campus Grounds and in the Huntley public area Purpose: The Toaster should be able to be picked up by the user and said user should understand how to use the Toaster in 1-2 minutes or less. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. Materials Needed: Some stopwatch or time keeping device is needed to keep track of time an individual spends using, understanding, and learning the Toaster, a chromebook or notepad is also needed in order to record the time it took for the individual to understand the Toaster and to record their thoughts about it. Test Criteria: Pass: Someone must be able to take possession of the Toaster and know how it works in 1-2 minutes or less Fail: Someone does not learn how to use the Toaster and takes more than 2 minutes. Procedure: Walk up to an individual who know nothing about the Toaster Give them the Toaster and inform them of the test by saying, “We are testing to see if people can understand how our product works. Do you think you understand how this works?” Once the transition has been completed, start the stopwatch Wait for the individual to figure out how the Toaster functions Record how much time it took them to figure the Toaster Record information that the aforementioned individual stated, such as things they enjoyed about the Toaster and things they didn’t like Repeat steps 2-6 for the other 24 individuals Safety: The Toaster is not permitted to be used by any individual under the age of 5 years old for fear of choking hazards. Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: Overall this sounds like a great procedure! I recommend changing the time for the subject to understand the product use down to 5 minutes or so. Data:
Testing Procedure #2 Ergonomics Part 1 Testing Date: 3/6/23 Testing Location: W1317 Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine if the tiny toaster prototype is comfortable and satisfying for most users by having smooth tight moving parts Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. Materials Needed: Need a working and functioning prototype and dial calipers to measure mechanical play of the Toast pieces moving side to side Criteria: Pass: Mechanical play of Toast pieces is less than 1/3mm Fail: Mechanical play of Toast pieces is more than 1/3mm Procedure: Test one-mechanical play: measure moving parts to determine if they move more or less than ⅓ mm. If the moving parts move more than the maximum value, the product fails this test. Safety: Do not give the product to anyone under five years old Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: I agree and approve of this procedure. Data: Results pass/fail
Testing Procedure #2 Ergonomics Part 2 Testing Date: 2/28/23 Testing Location: Room W1317 Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine if the tiny toaster prototype is able to be used in many different ways to allow users flexibility. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order and a space such as a table to test the product. Materials Needed: To complete the test a working prototype is required. Criteria: Pass: The Toaster is able to be used in all manners specified in the procedure. Fail: The Toaster is not able to be used in all manners specified in the procedure. Procedure: Place the Toaster on a table Attempt to use the Toaster with your hands, then record if the Toaster passes the test or fails the test and explain why Remove the Toaster off the table and put it on the floor Attempt to use the Toaster with your foot and record the pass/fail data Pick the Toaster back up and place it back on the original table Attempt to use the Toaster with your elbow and record the pass/fail data Expert Feedback: Email: gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: I agree and approve of this procedure. Safety: Do not give the product to anyone under five years old. Data & Analysis:
Testing Procedure #2 Ergonomics Part 3 Testing Date: 3/2/23 Testing Location: Room W1317 Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine if the Tiny Toaster prototype is non disruptive to others in the general vicinity of the Toaster Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. The test room must be relatively quiet such as an empty classroom or a bedroom/bathroom. Materials Needed: Agreed upon prototype product, timer, quiet test environment, tester with working hearing. Criteria: Pass: The Toaster passes the test if the Toaster’s noise level is measured as qualitatively low audibility or barely audible Fail: The Toaster fails the test is the toaster’s noise level is NOT qualitatively barely audible Procedure: Start test in a relatively quiet room Use the product at around 120 cycles per minute on a table (one cycle consists of one toast piece going down and back up again) Qualitatively judge the pitch and volume of the noise and record the assessment in the data section Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: I agree with this procedure however I would not test in the bathroom to avoid privacy issues and excessive bacteria. Safety: Do not give the product to anyone under five years old Data: All results pass/fail
Testing Procedure #2 Ergonomics Part 4 Testing Date: 3/2/23 Testing Location: HHS Campus Grounds, Huntley public area, HHS common areas Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine if the tiny toaster prototype is comfortable for most users. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. Materials Needed: To complete this test the agreed upon prototype and test subjects are required Criteria: Pass: The compliant test subject determines if the prototype is comfortable to hold after giving them the opportunity to use it Fail: The compliant test subject determines if the prototype is comfortable to hold after giving them the opportunity to use it Procedure: Ask a person who is unfamiliar with the Tiny Toaster if they would like to participate in a short test. If they agree to participate, give them the Toaster Explain the specific Test by saying, “We are testing to see if people are comfortable with holding and/or using our prototype” Give them 10 seconds to examine the product, if they get confused give them a brief explanation of the product. Ask them to evaluate (determine) if the product is either comfortable or uncomfortable to hold and use. Record results Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: I agree and approve of this procedure. Safety: Do not give the product to anyone under five years old Data:
Testing Procedure #3 Aesthetics Testing Date: 2/27/23 Testing Location: Room W1317 Purpose: 70-80% of the Toaster must be empty space on the outside surface area of the Toaster to help deviate distractions from the user. Said empty space must allow for creativity of the user and must be able to be painted as the user pleases. There also must be space available for the included company logo. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. Materials Used/Needed: Current agreed upon Toaster prototype, calculator, ruler or dial calipers. Test Criteria: Pass: The Toaster has 70-80% blank space and is able to be painted Fail: The Toaster has less than 70% blank space and or paint can be rubbed off or cracks in use of Toaster Procedure: Grab the Toaster and a ruler or measuring tape Disassemble the Toaster without losing any of the pieces and grab the case (part h) Measure the housing while avoiding the space that is not empty Complete this step for all the sides until you have a total blank surface area We will divide the empty space by the total space and multiply by 100 to get the percentage Safety: There are no safety considerations for this specific test. Data:
Testing Procedure #4 Materials Testing Date: 3/3/23 Testing Location: HHS Weightroom Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine the strength of the Toaster in the event of the buyer accidentally causing immense amounts of weight to be applied to the Toaster. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must be undamaged during the start of this test to provide the most accurate testing results. Materials Needed: The most recent prototype of the Toaster will be needed, along with weight to place on the Toaster, and a calculator to add up the total weight being applied Test Criteria: Pass: The Toaster can withstand 150 lbs of force while still being functionable and must have a 3D print infill of at least 40%. Fail: The Toaster has a catastrophic failure (it breaks (meaning no longer functional)) or if it can harm the intended user. The Toaster also fails if it has a less than 40% infill. Procedure: Start the test by placing the Toaster on its side, then place 50 lbs on top of the Toaster. Right after the weight is applied, start the stopwatch; the Toaster should hold the specified weight for at least 5 seconds, while a tester is assisting the weight from the side to make sure it does not fall and injure someone. If the Toaster survives (is not damaged in any way), take off previous weight and increase the weight by 10 lbs and start the stopwatch again until 5 seconds are up or if the Toaster fails the test (depending on what happens first) Continue to remove the previous weight and increase the weight by 10 lbs and have the Toaster hold that weight for 5 seconds or until the Toaster fails. Continue this process until the weight cannot be increased further without causing harm to the testers or bystanders. Check for damage on the Toaster after each 5 second increments are complete. Record all observations about the Toaster after each test until the Toaster passes all tests or fails In the event of the weight not being able to be increased in a safe manner, withdraw all operations for this test Safety: Every tester is to wear safety goggles in case of catastrophic failure of the Toaster (incase of shrapnel from it breaking). Also anyone participating in the testing process has to be at least 1 ½ ft away from the Toaster while weight is being applied for fear of the weight falling on someone. Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: I think this is a great way to test the amount of stress the product can withstand and 5 seconds is the perfect amount of time. Make sure to do this test at the very beginning so the rest of the tests (documents 1-3,5-10) are valid if it does not pass. Data & Analysis:
Testing Procedure #5 Portability Testing Date: 2/27/23 Testing Location: Room W1317 or HHS campus grounds Purpose: The purpose of this test is to ensure that the Toaster can comfortably move around with the user. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. Materials Needed: To complete the testing we need one working completed prototype, scale to weigh prototype, and a ruler to measure the prototype Criteria: Pass: The Toaster is smaller than 6”x4”x1.5” and weighs less than 1.5lbs. Fail: The Toaster is larger than 6”x4”x1.5” and or weighs more than 1.5lbs Procedure: Measure the toaster with a ruler Weigh the toaster on a scale If the weight or the size exceed any of the restrictions referred in the criteria it fails the whole test Record data and analyze the results Safety: Do not allow people under the age of 5 to use the product Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: I agree and approve this procedure. Data:
Testing Procedure #6 Durability Testing Date: 2/24/23 and 2/28/23 Testing Location: HHS (In the hallway of room W1317 and in the room W1317) Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine whether or not there will be any visual damage or functional damage internally to the Toaster if it is dropped from 4ft. This is to simulate the Toaster falling from someone’s pocket or hand while they are using the Toaster. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The prototype also must be undamaged before the test or all prior damage needs to be assessed, marked, and documented for fear of it altering the results of this test. Materials Needed: Tape measure is needed, the Toaster, tape (preferably masking tape) and tile and/or carpet is also needed for the Toaster to fall upon. Test Criteria: Pass: The Toaster passes the test if it has no visual damage or functional damage internally after 5 complete 4ft drops and 5 complete 5ft drops Fail: The Toaster will fail the test if there is visible damage or functional damage internally after beginning testing Procedure: One tester will measure out 4 feet from the ground/surface with the tape measure Another tester will place tape on the wall at the 4 foot mark to ensure the test proceeds from the same height Measure the tape again to ensure the height is correct Place the Toaster at the top of the tape line and let go of the Toaster Once the Toaster stops moving, analyze damages on the Toaster Continue steps 4 and 5 until the Toaster passes or fails the test If the Toaster passes all tests, increase the height of the test to 5 feet from the ground Measure out 5 feet from the ground and place a tape marker at the 5 foot mark on the wall Measure out 5 feet again to make sure the tape line is accurate Place the Toaster at the 5 foot mark and release it Once the Toaster stops moving, analyze damages on the Toaster Continue steps 10 and 11 until the Toaster passes or fails the test Safety: The people conducting the test should not put their head any closer than 2 feet away from the Toaster when the Toaster makes contact with the ground (surface). This is incase of the Toaster bouncing in various directions. Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: This is a great idea. If this procedure passes I recommend doing this same test at various heights to represent the various heights from person to person. This way you know that a 6’ tall person or taller can still use the product without fear of damage. Data:
Testing Procedure #7 Safety Testing Date: 3/2/23 Testing Location: W1317 Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine the product is safe for users above the age of 5 Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. Materials Needed: One completed agreed upon prototype and a list of materials used, along with computer access to research toxic chemicals that may be found within the Toaster Criteria: Pass: The Toaster passes if it is not a choking hazard and is safe for people above the ages of 5 Fail: The Toaster fails if it is a choking hazard and is not safe for people above the ages of 5 Procedure: Use the device with internet access to research all materials used in the prototype to make sure nothing used contains toxic chemicals or would be considered a safety hazard. Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: It is a great idea to research if there are toxic chemicals in the product. I recommend that you research the regulations of choking hazards due to some small internal pieces if accidentally disassembled. It may be that 5 years old is not old enough to use the product. I also recommend looking into this article for toy safety: https://www.qima.com/testing/toy-safety/toy-safety-checklist?lang=en&xtor=sec-5&matchType=p&kw=toy%20safety%20standards&device=m&loc=1028087&network=g&placement=toys&campaign=toys&serviceType=lab-testing&campaignid=16784603510&adgroupid=140913190931&sc=ppc&creative=596474954069&mkwid=&slid=&kwid=kwd-341216888379&locint=&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6LyfBhC3ARIsAG4gkF_GlYdwU4VaVOb3sg7SORWwu0f-dGGFTMLv26dUATSA81SQNx_TvvYaAiW_EALw_wcB Here is another one. https://www.cpsc.gov/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Toy-Safety-Business-Guidance-and-Small-Entity-Compliance-Guide#:~:text=Yes.,complies%20with%20the%20toy%20standard. (I also recommend that all chemicals used in this product should be labeled/ come with a warning for the manufacturers. -if relevant) Data:
Testing Procedure #8 Maintenance Testing Date: 3/3/23-3/6/23 Testing Location: HHS Campus Grounds and in the Huntley public area Purpose: The Toaster must have replacement parts available if anything were to break. Additionally, the Toaster must be put back together within 10 mins by average people. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must be undamaged during the start of this test and must include instructions on how to assemble the Toaster. Materials Needed: The Toaster is needed, along with a stopwatch, and a set of instructions on how to put the Toaster together, are needed. Test Criteria: Pass: The test is a pass if someone is able to put the Toaster together in 10 minutes or less. Fail: The test is a fail if someone takes longer than 10 minutes to put the Toaster together. Procedure: Ask someone if they would like to participate in this test Once someone has agreed to help, give them the product to use for around one minute Next, they will be shown a video of the disassembly process Then, the individual will be asked disassemble the Toaster and fix what is wrong with it Once all the necessary materials have been distributed, begin the stopwatch Only stop the stopwatch when the Toaster is fully completed and functioning Record the time it took for the individual to completely assemble the Toaster and ask them if they would like to provide any feedback, if yes, record the feedback Repeat all steps until 10 different individuals have completely assembled the Toaster (Does not have to pass the test to be recorded) Safety: All pieces of the Toaster must not hurt anyone if they are doing what is intended of the Toaster or if they invoke the right to repair. Make sure everyone participating in this test is above the age of 5 years old for fear of choking hazards due to small parts. Expert Feedback: Email:gordusnicole@sau.edu Nicole Gordus: I agree and approve of this procedure. If they are unable to pass this test I recommend showing them an already fully assembled 2nd toaster as an example so they know what it is supposed to look like. I also recommend that if the test is supposed to simulate how easy the product is to be put back together after breaking, try allowing the test subject to use the object first (for roughly 1 minute) so they are familiar with how it should function. Then let them take it apart and put it back together while using the instructions. This will simulate a real consumer experience and you will understand how they think and if they get frustrated during this process. Data & Analysis:
Testing Procedure #9 Lifespan Testing Date: 3/6/2023 Testing Location: HHS Campus Grounds Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine if the product will last 3 years without needing to be repaired Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. Materials Needed: The prototype is needed, a phone with a camera, and a volunteer tester to test the prototype for the school day Criteria: Pass: The Toaster passes if it doesn’t show any signs of damage or wear and tear over the school day of use Fail: The Toaster fails if it breaks of shows signs of damage or wear and tear Procedure: Record mechanical play in object Record a short video of product being used Take close up photos of all surfaces of product Assign one person to the product for about a school day Assess the damage at the end of the testing period If there is any damage to the product which is not cosmetic only damage it fails the test. Cosmetic damage; scratches in the finish Functional damage, large cracks, small cracks, change in feel of mechanical components, increase in mechanical play (parts grinding each other down) The test will be terminated if the product naturally fails after a school week The test will be terminated if unnatural circumstances lead to the product being destroyed such as being crushed by a machine. The test will be delayed or terminated if the product is found to have defective parts not believed to be the fault of the design, such as a part being improperly manufactured. Safety: Individuals above the age of 5 should have possession of the Toaster. The Toaster is not permitted to be used by any individual under the age of 5 years old for fear of choking hazards. Expert Feedback: Email: gordusnicole@sau.edu. Nicole Gordus: This is a great way to test the longevity of this product. I recommend changing the test date from 5 years to 1. Data:
Testing Procedure #10 Cost Testing Date: 3/6/23 Testing Location: Room W1317 Purpose: The purpose of this test is to determine the cost of the product and make sure that the product is high enough quality while also not being too expensive to manufacture so a profit is made. Initial Conditions: The most recent, agreed upon, completed prototype needs to be used during the whole duration of this test. The Toaster must also function properly and in a working order. Materials Needed: A calculator is needed, along with a computer, and scale to weight the Toaster Criteria: Pass: The Toaster costs double the production price and material costs less than $50. Fail: The Toaster costs less than double the production price and or material costs more than $50. Procedure: Weigh the Toaster on a scale, in grams, for all materials that can be calculated price by weight Multiply weight by price per gram Add costs of other materials Safety: There are no safety concerns for this test. Expert Feedback: Email: gordusnicole@sau.edu. Nicole Gordus: I agree and approve of this procedure. If you would like to learn more about production and manufacturing costs or if you need formulas please reference this article: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/manufacturing-cost Data:
Conclusion
This element focuses on creating a template for the test to be completed. Each criteria listed in Element C was tested and in this element, each testing procedure was outlined in this element to be completed in Element I. Each testing template required the same format, date, data, criteria, analysis, safety, purpose, initial conditions, etc.