The below presentation shows my business proposition as recorded in 2022.

Charter

In 2022 I set out to create a business model using Dr. Keith Brown’s work automating the testing of compliant mechanisms. The goal of my project was to commercialize his research in a way that would allow a company or Dr. Brown himself to make money from his technological innovation. See below for the official project charter.

Design

I decided the best way to commercialize Dr. Brown’s compliant mechanisms was to make customizable seat cushions out of them. His research tested the strength, buckle point, and durability of different polymers and structures and as such had amassed a database of their properties and performance. This database and the automated system he used to test said polymer structures could be repurposed to create cushions designed for niche customers like the elderly, people with back pain, and those recovering from surgery.

I completed a market assessment and analyzed data from similar companies to estimate the market size, validate the product value, and find effective market entrance strategies. I also took advantage of the late mover effect by finding what elements of a cushion design customers are willing to pay a premium for and how much more customizable product is worth compared to the base model.

The design I settled on and created a proof of concept for is diagramed below.

Final Products

My business model below details the problem, the solution, my market assessment, business strategy, financial forecast, and the investment proposition.

Documentation

Thank you to Dr. Brown for sponsoring my research project and to Professor Little, Professor Gupta, and the BUild Lab staff for your assistance and feedback.