SNAT (Shelter Not a Tent)
Project Background:
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Over the Summer of 2018 I participated in a Dialogue of Civilizations (Northeastern's term for summer semester abroad) focused on outdoor experience and product design.
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The final project for the course was to design a novel outdoor product in a team of 6 people.
Project Summary:
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Design and prototype a modular shelter for ultralight backpackers and weekend park-goers alike.
Final SNAT Prototype with Design Team
Design Steps:
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Performed background research on existing solutions for both ultralight backpackers and the casual outdoorsman.
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Performed multiple rounds of ideation and initial prototyping, employing techniques such as a morphological charts, experience maps, and personas.
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Developed two full scale prototypes and executed user testing for feedback.
Challenges:
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We set strict constraints to have the final product weigh less than 2.5 lbs while taking one person less than 10 minutes to set up. Balancing these constraints with the need to fit a variety of individuals comfortably proved to be a challenging balancing act.
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Developing an effective mechanism for securing the SNAT to widely varied tree diameters.
Results:
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Successfully developed a modular shelter that met all of our constraints, even with the prototype made of tarp.
Final SNAT Prototype with Rain Flaps
Rolled up SNAT on Backpack