EXERCISE 9

INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN
THINKING
Design Thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes
creativity, empathy, and iterative learning to develop innovative solutions. It integrates
elements of design, engineering, and user research. Design Thinking focuses on
understanding users' needs, reframing problems, and generating ideas that are both functional
and meaningful.

The process typically involves five stages: empathizing with users, defining the problem,
ideating potential solutions, prototyping, and testing. This iterative process encourages
experimentation, feedback, and continuous improvement, fostering an environment of
innovation.

Design Thinking is widely applied across industries, from product development to service
design, enabling teams to tackle ambiguity and create impactful outcomes. It is a dynamic
and collaborative methodology that empowers organizations to reimagine possibilities and
drive growth.

STAGES INOLVED IN DESIGN THINKING PROCESS :

1. Empathize:
Understand the users’ needs, experiences, and challenges through observation, interviews,
and research. This step involves immersing oneself in the users’ environment to gain deep
insights into their perspectives.

2. Define:
Analyze the findings from the empathy stage to clearly articulate the problem. This step
focuses on creating a problem statement or a "Point of View" that is human-centered,
actionable, and guides the ideation process.

3. Ideate:
Generate a wide range of creative solutions through brainstorming and other collaborative
techniques. Encourage free thinking and exploration of diverse ideas without immediate
judgment.

4. Prototype:
Develop simple and tangible representations of ideas to explore potential solutions.
Prototypes can be physical models, sketches, or digital simulations used to test concepts
quickly and affordably.

5. Test:
Evaluate prototypes with users to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
Testing is an iterative process, often leading to refining the prototype or revisiting earlier
stages to enhance the solution.

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 STAGE 1

DEFINE

AIM
Practice the evaluation of define phase .

DEFINITION OF DEFINE PHASE

The Define stage is the second stage in the design thinking process, where the design
team defines the problem they are trying to solve

• Focus and clarity

The Define stage helps the team understand the problem and ensure they are all working
towards the same solution.
• Empathy

The Define stage emphasizes understanding the user's needs and aspirations.
• Collaboration
Involving stakeholders early on can help the team create more effective solutions.
• Problem statement

The Define stage creates a problem statement, also known as a point-of-view (POV), that
summarizes the problem.
• Synthesis

The Define stage involves analyzing and synthesizing data from the previous Empathize
stage.

STEPS IN DEFINE PHASE

1. EMPATHY MAPPING RESULT

The empathy map gives the team a comprehensive view of their users' experiences,
allowing them to identify pain points and areas for improvement. By understanding what
users say, think, do, and feel, the team can prioritize these insights to enhance the app's
design.

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Name : Rithick Roshan Name : Tamil Selvan R
Class : Mechanical 3rd year Class : Mechanical 3rd year
Ph.no.:7305707178 Ph.no.: 6374080322

1. wind energy (solar with diode 1.wind energy

modification) 2.yes
2. yes 3.naturally efficient
3. inefficient(doping , bandwidth , 4.elevating technique
manufacturing cost reduction) 5.cloudy conditioning and fixed.
4. blackish contraction increases 6.rolling , sliding, etc .,
sunlight absorption. 7. SS
5. glass protection 8. sensor conditioning
6. transparent without reflection 9.auto or manual cleaning
7.SS 10.detachable
8.capacitor used
9.Regular cleaning
10.Fixed

Name : Vigesh Kumar k Name : Sriman D

Class : Mechanical 3rd year Class : Mechanical 3rd year
Ph.no.: 9486255642 Ph.no.: 9437665632

1.wind energy 1.solar energy

2.yes 2.yes
3. efficient 3.efficient
4. rolling technique 4.elevating technique
5. cloudy conditioning and fixed. 5.shadowness in diode
6. natural causes 6.natural causes
7.SS 7. SS
8.daily cleaning 8. regular cleaning
9.cleaning 9. solar panel maintainance
10.detachable 10.detachable

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Name : Suriya T Name : Bernard Joseph Samvel
Class : Mechanical 3rd year Class : EIE 3rd year
Ph.no.: 9487787953 Ph.no.: 9487787953

1.water energy 1.Wind energy

2.yes 2.yes
3. efficient 3. efficient
4. sliding technique 4. elevating technique
5. black meterial use 5. follow path of sunlight
6. shhadow distraction 6.cleaning
7.SS 7. SS
8. lamination 8. lamination
9. pre maintenance 9. pre maintenance
10.detachable 10.detachable
Name : sri sabarigiri Name : siva sankar
Class : Mechanical 3rd year Class : Mechanical 3rd year
Ph.no.: 9487765682 Ph.no.: 9239811123

1. water energy 1.water energy

2.yes 2.yes
3. efficient 3. efficient
4. sliding technique 4. sliding technique
5. black meterial use 5. black meterial use
6. shhadow distraction 6. shhadow distraction
7.SS 7.SS
8. lamination 8. lamination
9. pre maintenance 9. pre maintenance
10.detachable 10.detachable
Name : yagavi Name : sharweshwaran
Class : Mechanical 3rd year Class : Mechanical 3rd year
Ph.no.: 9423478765 Ph.no.: 8675091887

1.water energy 1.water energy

2.no 2.yes
3. efficient 3. efficient
4. sliding technique 4. sliding technique
5. black meterial use 5. black meterial use
6. shhadow distraction 6. shhadow distraction
7.SS 7.SS
8. lamination 8. lamination
9. pre maintenance 9. maintanance

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DEFINE A PROBLEM STATEMENT
Development of a non-electrical device for tracking the movement of
the sun for movement of the solar panels, increasing their efficiency.
Background: Solar panels are most efficient when they are directly
facing the sun. However, the sun’s position changes throughout the day and across seasons,
which can reduce the amount of sunlight that fixed solar panels receive. Description:
Traditional solar tracking systems often rely on electrical components and motors, which can
be costly and require maintenance. A non-electrical tracking system offers a sustainable and
low-maintenance alternative to enhance the efficiency of solar panels. Expected Solution:
The problem statement is to develop a cost-effective, non-electrical device that can accurately
track the sun’s movement and adjust the orientation of solar panels to maintain optimal
exposure. This device should be reliable, easy to install, and capable of operating without
external power sources.

WRITING THE SOLUTIONS

Solar panels can be more efficient if they face the sun perpendicularly
throughout the day .

• Motorless system
This system uses gravity to turn the tracker. It has canisters at either end of a pivot-able
frame, with a volatile fluid in the canisters and a conduit between them. When the sun is not
normal to the plane of the canisters, the near canister is shaded and the far canister is
exposed. The fluid moves from one canister to the other, reorienting the system.

• Refrigerant method
This passive system uses a refrigerant to track the panel. The refrigerant is stored in canisters,
and the panel tilts in the direction of the canister with the higher weight.
• Gear mechanism
This system uses a compact gear mechanism that works like a clock. A spiral spring is
attached to the gear mechanism, and the spring is wound using a key once a day before
sunrise.

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REFRIGERANT METHOD
➢ It is one of the efficient method .
➢ It is purely based on hydraulic systems .
➢ Ammonia (R717), Carbon dioxide (R744), R410A, R600a, n-Pentane, and R245fa is
the refrigerant used for the expansion of the fluid to get hydraulic system to lift or
oscillate .

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
➢ Single acting cylinder

A single-acting hydraulic cylinder includes just one port. This is

where the hydraulic fluid enters and forces the plunger out in one direction. A double-acting
cylinder includes two ports. One for the hydraulic fluid to enter and extend the plunger, and
the other for retracting the cylinder.

➢ Double acting double piston cylinder

A double acting cylinder alternates cycles of pressurized fluid to

both sides of the piston and creates extend and retract forces to move the piston rod,
permitting more control over the movement .

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 FOCUS SYSTEM

➢ A convex lens is used to focus sunlight and gather heat. For example, a magnifying
glass is a convex lens that can cause a fire by focusing the sun's rays onto a small
point.

➢ A heat-gathering solar generating set uses a convex lens to direct the sun's light
energy. The set also includes a heat absorber, a steam turbine, and an electric
generator.

RISK FACTORS

➢ Since it is based on the temperature of the refrigerant received , it is inefficient in

cloudy conditions .
➢ At very low temperatue the refrigerant won’t expand .
➢ Hence the maximum utilization of the solar energy is not possible in cloudy
conditions .

RESULT

From this we learnt how to empathize and design the solar tracking device
without using any electricity or electrical components .

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 STAGE 2
EMPATHIZE

DEFINITION OF EMATHIZE STAGE

Empathize means to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's the
ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and imagine how they're feeling.
Empathyis about connecting with others on an emotional level, and trying to see
things from theirperspective.

Empathizing involves:

1. Active listening: Paying attention to what the person is saying, both verbally and
non-verbally.
2. Perspective-taking: Trying to see things from the other person's point of view.

3. Emotional understanding: Recognizing and understanding the emotions the

person isexperiencing.

4. Compassion: Showing kindness, care, and concern for the person's well-being.

Empathizing is an important skill in building strong relationships,

communicatingeffectively, and providing support to those in need.

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STEPS IN EMPATHIZE PHASE

➢ Question preparation

1. Suggest the best clean and green technology to produce high energy with reliable cost.

2. Would you think that the initial cost of the solar panel setup is high ?

3. Did you accept the solar panel energy receiver is the efficient method ?(If not

givesome idea)

4. How can absorb the sun's energy to increase panel's potential? a)sliding

b)rollingc)elevating

5. what are the barriers preventing from capturing more sunglight?

6. how to overcome from those barriers?

7. what type of material is used to design a setup for panel ?

8. How can be protected from environmental factors like dust , rain and
extremetemperatures etc ; that reduce efficiency?(Give suggestion)

9. what kind of maintenance is required to ensure optimal performance?

10. what is the best assembly for the those setup? a)fixed b)detachable

➢ Data collection and

segregationSAYS

WIND ENERGY IS THE BEST AND EFFICIENT CLEAN AND

GREEN

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 COST OF INITIAL SETUP FOR SOLAR PANEL IS VERY
HIGH ,ELEVATING TECHNIQUE IS EFFICIENT.

SINCE BANDGAP OF SEMICONDUCTOR IS HIGH , THE ELECTRON

CONDUCTION BETWEEN THE VALENCE BAND AND CONDUCTION IS
VERYLOW CAUSES LESS POWER GENERATION.

MATERIALS USED FOR OVERALL CONSTRUCTION

SUGGESTED IS‘STAINLESS STEEL’ .

REGULAR CLEANING OF PANEL AND MAINTANANCE IN

IT’SCONDITION INCREASE IT’S EFFICIENCY.

SOME OF THEM WANTED FIXED TYPE SOAR SOLAR PANEL

ANDMOST OF THEM LIKE DETACHABILITY.

CLOUDY CONDITIONS REDUCED IT’S EFFICIENCY. FEELS

REDUCTION IN BAND GAP WILL INCREASE IT’S EFFICIENCY.

SINCE IT IS COSTY IT WILL BE USED IN SMALL SCALES SUCH

ASHOUSEHOLD USAGE , HEATER ETC ,.

OVERALL SETUP IS COSTLY DUE TO MATERIALS USED SUCH

ASSTAINLESS STEEL.

MAINTIANANCE IS VERY DIFFICULT .

NEED OF GIVING EXTRA POWER TO THE SYSTEM.

DOES

IN LARGE SCALES , LARGE NUMBER OF SOLAR

PANEL ISCONSTRUCTED .

IN SMALL SCALES , IT IS USED FOR HOUSEHOLD USAGES SUCH

ASELECTRICITY GENERATION FOR FARMYARDS AND AS HEATERS.

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 TO INCREASE THE POWER GENERATION , THEY TURING OR
SLIDINGTHE PANEL MANUALLY.

LARGER AREA IS OCCUPIED FOR SETTING UP THE MULTIPE

NUMBEROF SOLAR PANEL.

TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY , LAMINATION IS USED TO

PREVENTFROM DUST CONDITIONS.

FEELS

REDUCTION IN BAND GAP WILL INCREASE IT’S EFFICIENCY.

SINCE IT IS COSTY IT WILL BE USED IN SMALL SCALES SUCH

AS
HOUSEHOLD USAGE , HEATER ETC ,.

OVERALL SETUP IS COSTLY DUE TO MATERIALS USED SUCH

ASSTAINLESS STEEL.

MAINTIANANCE IS VERY DIFFICULT .

NEED OF GIVING EXTRA POWER TO THE SYSTEM.

THINGS

TO INCREASE IT’S EFFICIENCY , PANEL HAS TO FOLLOW THE

PATHOF SUNLIGHT.

THREE TECHNIQUES TO FOLLOW THE PATHS ARE

• ROLLING

• SLIDING

• ELEVATING

REGULAR CLEANING AND MAINTAINENCE IS VERY DIFFICULT

TOMAKE SUCCESSIVELY.

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 DECREASE IN AREA OCCUPIED IS USED FOR SOME OTHER PURPOSES.

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS CAUSES THE PANEL TO RECEIVE LESS

AMOUNT OF ENERGY HAS TO BE INCREASED BY SOME
MODIFICATIONS.

➢ EMPATHY MAPPING

An “empathy map” is a visual tool used to better understand a user’s perspective by capturing
theirthoughts, feelings, actions, and stated needs, essentially allowing you to “step into their
shoes” andgain deeper insights into their experience, often used in design thinking and user-
centered

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approaches to design products or services that truly meet their needs.

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RESULT

Empathy mapping can help you understand your customers' thoughts,

feelings,and behaviors, which can lead to better decision-making and more effective
communication.

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 STAGE 3
IDEATION
Ideation is the third step in the design-thinking process, which is a user-focused
method of solving problems. During this step, a team can host an ideation session or
workshop to create a structured process in which a facilitator can guide participants through
exercises to come up with ideas for the situation they want to solve or the product they want
to develop. People often use ideation techniques to create a list of as many solutions as
possible, which they can then narrow to the most viable options.

1. Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a well-known technique that leverages the interaction between a group of
people to create solutions by building on one another's ideas. For more effective
brainstorming, use this technique with a group of about five to seven participants. Having a
smaller group and limiting your brainstorming session to 20 minutes helps keep the
conversation focused. Try to include participants from a variety of backgrounds or
perspectives to generate more diverse ideas.To set up a brainstorming session, you need a
facilitator who can make sure all voices are heard and guide the conversation. They should
establish an environment that embraces all ideas and discourages negative feedback.
Participants need to raise ideas, listen to one another, then build upon and discuss them as a
group.

2. Analogies
An analogy is a comparison between two items or concepts, which you can use to generate

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compare your situation to a situation familiar to everyone. As a group, you can use a template
like this: If [x] is true for that situation, how can we make it true for ours For example, a
marketing team might say their industry is a lot like fishing. A fisherman needs to understand
what type of fish he wants to catch and what bait attracts them, much like a marketing
campaign has a target audience that they want to attract. Now they start generating ideas on
what type of "bait" they need to focus on or what strategies will lead to quicker customer
acquisitions.

3. SCAMPER
SCAMPER represents seven ways to look at a problem or project, enabling you to come up
with ideas from a variety of perspectives. This technique works well when working with an
existing product or service to determine how you can improve it or use it as a starting point to
develop a new offering. Ask yourself questions based on the SCAMPER elements, and
determine whether your answers represent viable solutions. By looking at the product or
services from these different angles, you may find solutions you would not think of
otherwise.Here is what SCAMPER stands for, and an example question for each element:
• Substitute: What features of this product or service can be substituted or swapped for
something else?
• Combine: How can we combine this product or service with another product or
service to improve it?
• Adapt: How could we adapt this product or service to another audience?
• Modify: What component of this product or service can we modify to improve it?
• Put to another use: What is another use for this product or service that we have not

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 • Eliminate: What unnecessary elements can we eliminate from this product or service
to streamline it?
• Reverse: What would happen if we reversed our process or reorganized this product?

RESULT
The result of ideation is a collection of ideas that can be evaluated and narrowed
down to the best ones. The goal of ideation is to generate as many ideas as possible, without
judgment, and to prioritize quantity over quality

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 STAGE 4
PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT

PROTOTYPE
A prototype is a product built to test ideas and changes until it resembles the final
product. You can mock-up every feature and interaction in your prototype as in your fully
developed product, check if your idea works, and verify the overall user-experience (UX)
strategy.

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RESULT
From the prototype testing the analysed design is worth for receiving the maximum amount of
energy from the sunlight to increase the efficiency of the solar panel .

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