Carbon fibre-reinforced sled made of bio-based Polymer
The Huzl app is a decentralized financial (deFi) mobile application that helps Africans leverage on the power of blockchain to perform day to day financial transactions without technical experience.
01
Material study
The project is based on an innovative bio-based polymer developed by a Japanese industrial company. A demonstrator should be developed to present the material‘s properties at fairs, exhibitions, etc. The polymer made of castor oil is characterised by its resistance to moisture, chemical resistance and stiffness. The use of reinforcement fibres and TFP process increases the stiffness even more.
02
Design Process and Solution
Mood boards were used to evaluate potential areas of application:
the toboggan sled quickly turned out to be a suitable object, as winter sports are relevant in Japan, the geometry is suitable for the TFP process and the material trumps in humid areas of use. The aesthetic and constructive development was carried out using traditional sled shapes, the influence of generative design methods and software supported topology optimisation like the FEM/FEA process.
03
Competitive Analysis
I conducted a competitive analysis of existing products some of which are Binance and Xend Finance, two of the top players in the African market.
Strengths
Binance has deep pockets and can provide liquidity to its DeFi projects,
Low transaction fees
Established reputation and user base
Weaknesses
It can be overwhelming for new users, with a lot of features and options that may be difficult to navigate
Confusing terminology and jargon
Finally, Binance's customer support can be slow to respond, which can be frustrating for users who need help with issues.
04
Result
The user flow highlights the different pathways a user can take when trying to navigate Huzl app. The app employs a simple and straightforward navigation system that allows users to move effortlessly between different sections and features, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience.