The Innovation Space Experience: Developing "ago"

During the Innovation Space program, my team and I (which included graphic design, industrial design, engineering, and business majors) created a product that solves a problem posed by our sponsor Johnson & Johnson. This year long project involved researching biological aggressors, specifically mosquitoes, brainstorming over sixty ideas, developing a business plan for the final 3 ideas ("ago", "WANDELAR", & "FIL"), and eventually pursing and finalizing the final idea chosen. We chose to further develop "ago", a stroller seat insert that creates an air barrier between the child in the seat and any insects flying nearby. This portable seat fits in most strollers and also cools the child's back so they don't overheat while outside. The team created a design book, design model, and prototype of "ago" including the seat, fan, and hose. As the business member of the group, I developed three business plans, a final business plan, and conducted primary research by surveying our target market, parents. This business plan included customer research and validation efforts, cost structure, entry market, competition, and other crucial information required to sell "ago". Along with the final presentation of our product to our sponsors, I also completed a reflection paper about my experience working on an interdisciplinary team and the similarities and differences I found the Innovation Space program has to a real world product development team. I also included how my experience in Barrett and W.P. Carey contributed to my success in the program as well as any personal takeaways I had from the program.