INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

For Submission
Creativity and Innovation (BM006-3.5-2)

(BM006-3.5-2)

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Executive Summary
Umbrella is not only used during rain its also used on a daily basis in
countries which has hot weather. While using the umbrella in hot weather it
still does not give you comfort around the surrounding heat condition. In this
assignment I have come up with an umbrella with an embedded fan in it
where it will give a constant breeze to the user. This breeze will let the users
walk around with umbrella with much more comfort regardless the heat
around them.
By using a solar powered fan which store energy in AAA batteries I thought
why not use that extra energy for some other use. So I came up with the idea
of a implementing a USB port within the handle which can be used for
charging.
When you have a USB port it open doors to other options as well. There are
lot of devices which are powered by USB these days like the USB Cooler or
USB Warmer which is already in the market.
This lead to increase in price of the base product. Which is why I came up
with the idea to make the umbrella modular. So it can fit everyones needs.
So it became an umbrella which can customized to the users needs.
The main target of this product will be warm weather countries and as well
technological interested people.

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Table of Contents
Executive Summary.........................................................................................2
Part 1...............................................................................................................5
Problem Statement.......................................................................................5
Competitor Analysis......................................................................................5
Objective Statement.....................................................................................6
Part 2...............................................................................................................6
Mind Map......................................................................................................6
Force Fitting Trigger......................................................................................8
Advantages...................................................................................................9
Disadvantages..............................................................................................9
Attribute Listing............................................................................................9
Advantages.................................................................................................10
Disadvantages............................................................................................10
Part 3.............................................................................................................11
Product concept description.......................................................................11
Product Description....................................................................................12
Availability of Purchase...............................................................................12
Features......................................................................................................12
Functions....................................................................................................13
Frequency of Use........................................................................................13
Price............................................................................................................14
Technologies...............................................................................................14
Part 4.............................................................................................................15

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Market Analysis..........................................................................................15
Part 5.............................................................................................................16
Force Field Analysis.....................................................................................16
Outcome.....................................................................................................16
Recommendations for Improvement..........................................................17
Conclusion.....................................................................................................18
References.....................................................................................................19
Part 6.............................................................................................................21
Appendices....................................................................................................21

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Part 1
Problem Statement

People use umbrellas to get shelter from rain and as well as the hot sun. In a
hot day even though you are carrying an umbrella and if there is no nice
breeze it will still makes you sweat and feel the heat waves coming from the
roads and the surroundings.

Competitor Analysis

The 2 companies Yanko Designs and Shiu Yuk Yuen are competitor for my
product since both uses uniqueness and technologies in their umbrella. The
umbrella are available to buy from online.
Compan

YANKO DESIGNS

SHIU YUK YUEN

Air Umbrella

Eco Brolly

y
Name :
Product

(Park, 2010)

(Yuen, 2008)

Uniquen

Battery Powered

Use Recycle paper or

ess

Portable

plastic

User Air to Protect from

Portable

Rain
TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Technol

High Speed air pumping

Light weight

ogy

Battery powered

Environment Friendly

Limitati

Need to be charged

Lightweight

on

aluminum

Objective Statement

The purpose of the umbrella is to provide user with a technological umbrella

where the user can have a nice breeze while walking in the sun as well as
use it to satisfy other need.

Part 2
Mind Map

Mind map is thinking technique which helps you to analyze, synthesize,

comprehend and generate new ideas in a structured form (litemind.com,
2013)

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

18 0 RM

200 RM

43 Inch

35 Inch

10 0 RM
Pr ice

Size

So lar

40 In ch

Ba ttery

Power

Hot Co untrie s
Alu minum
T it animum

M ateria l

F an Um brealla

Mar ket

Water Proof
Polyeste r Fa bric

Geeks
Youn g

Plastic

White

Colou rs

Mod ules

Fan

Design

Squa r

Black
Coo le r
Blu e

Pin k

M p3
Charg er

Oval

Round

Outcomes

Outcome 1: Aluminium+RM180+40inch+battery+hot countries + oval +

charger + blue
Outcome 2: Pink + Polyester Fabric+ RM180+
35Inc+Battery+Young+Squar+Mp3
Outcome 3: Black + Polyester Fabric+ RM200 + 43Inch + Solar + Hot
Countries + Round + Fan
Outcome 4: White + Aluminum + RM200 + 40 Inch + Solar + Geeks +
Square + cooler

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Evaluation
The best outcome from the above design techniques is outcome 3. It will
create a Black colored umbrella with round shape and water proof polyester
fabric which will cost about RM180. As a power source using solar panel to
power the fan and can be targeted for Hot Countries where the sun is shining
bright. These feature are a reliable and a realistic implemented umbrella

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Disadvantages

Easy to organize your thoughts

For logical thinking people difficult

Easy to recall more information

to understand
Not suitable for recording more
messy forms of creative idea due to

Easy to Examine your ideas.

its structure
those who didnt took part in the
creation of a mind map find it
difficult to understand

Help you make a better decision easily

Force Fitting Trigger

Force fitting trigger is a technique which users people minds to spark off
ideas. By using unrelated object to the problem. To do this technique a user

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

is required to get pictures or drawing of well-known object and take down
notes on which each picture or object represents. (Proctor, 2009)

Camel

Sun
Heat
Travel
Sand
Water

Flex Keyboard

Rubix Cube

Technology
USB
Flexible
Portable
Unique

Complex
Colorful
Module
Toy
Speed

Outcomes
Outcome 1: Water + Unique + Toy
Outcome 2: Travel + Technology + Module
Outcome 3: Heat + Portable + Colorful
Outcome 4: Travel + USB + Complex

Evaluation

The best outcome from the above design techniques is outcome 2. An

umbrella which is able to use while travelling which is combined with
technology and modules which helps you on the way in more ways than 1.
TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

Disadvantages

Use different unrelated pictures to

Not all triggered ideas are usable

trigger new ideas

Different types of attributes can be

Attributes of each picture is limited

combined
Hard to get attributes related

Attribute Listing

Attribute listing is technique which focus ones mind on the main attributes
or the problem of an object and brainstorm on these main attributes or
problems to creates its different outcomes (Godar & Ferris, 2004)
Features
Fan
Cooler
USB Charge

Power Source
AAA Battery
Solar Panel
Lithium

Connectivity
USB
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi

Shape
Square
Oval
Round

Weight
500g
800g
900g

Battery

Outcomes

Outcome 1: Fan + Solar Panel + Round + 800g = An Umbrella with a fan

which is solar powered round shape with a weight of 800g
Outcome 2: Cooler + AAA Battery + Square + 500g = An Umbrella with
cooling feature which is powered by AAA battery square shaped with a
weight of 500g
TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

10

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Outcome 3: USB Charger + Lithium Battery + USB = An Umbrella with USB
Charger which is powered by Lithium Battery connectivity with USB

Evaluation

The best outcome for the above is outcome 1. Which is an umbrella which
has the feature of a fan to cool you when the weather is hot and powered by
sun using solar panel so no extra charging is required with a round shape or
round which umbrellas normally have and a weight of 800g. All these feature
fit for a daily use umbrella.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages
Easy to improvement over

Disadvantages
Amount of time required

complicated products
Good technique to be combined with Limited creative thinking
other methods like brainstorming.
Useful with physical objects

Wen doing in teams people get

easily bored due to time consuming

Highly balanced style

Part 3
Product concept description

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

11

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

12

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Product Description

This unique umbrellas is designed to give a nice breeze while walking in the
sun. The shade itself does not give you a breeze while walking in the sun
with an umbrella. So I have designed an umbrella with solar powered so that
no recharge is required. And also if there is a power source why not use it for
other functions as well. The power source also eliminates some of the
limitation of the competitive umbrellas which uses rechargeable batteries to
be charged frequently. By using solar panel it also considered as an
environmental friendly product. The weight of the umbrella will be balanced
and if the fan is on the user will feel that the umbrella is a bit light while
caring it. Some of the key function and feature are listed below.

Availability of Purchase

This umbrella will be available to the Middle East countries and the countries
with hot climate around the world. The first launch of this product can be in
India and Sri Lanka were a lots of people carry umbrellas to be covered from
sun due to the heat. If the product is a good success can be expanded to
other countries with hot climate like Maldives, Malaysia and countries which
are near the equator. Additional modules will be added depending on the
Market needs. And also this umbrella will target most of the technical gadget
lovers. Different modules can be available for different regions depending on
the cultural requirements.

Features
Default features with the basic purchase is as below

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

13

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

-

Foldable flexible fan which can be foldable

Solar powered
USB port to charge Phone
AAA rechargeable battery to store solar power
Safety net from the fan

Extended modules are sold separate due to the price increase of the base
product. These include the following features
-

Cup holder
Cup cooler/heater
Mp3 support
Types of handles
Self-stand or hand module for the top
Backup version

Additional modules can be created with the customers feedback and

requirements.

Functions

The basic function of the umbrella will be the foldable flexible fan which
gives the nice breeze like a USB table fan which is commonly used with the
computer. The safety net will provide safety from the rotating fan for
accidently touching the blades whiles its spinning. Dont need to recharge
since its can use the power solar power to be recharged. But if needed be
that all batteries are drained out user have the option to charge with a
charger or replace the battery with new batteries. Phones iPod or other USB
devices can be recharged with the implemented USB port which is in the
handles. This will be using the solar energy.

Frequency of Use

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

14

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

This umbrella can be used during hot weather and rain as well. So the
umbrella will be used very common during afternoons and rainy days.

Price

Price is calculated by dividing the umbrella common parts like solar fabric,
canopy, fan, frame and the batteries.
Cost of the canopy and the frame will be estimated at RM40, AAA
Rechargeable battery set around RM20, Flexible solar panel cost is around
RM60, Flexible fan cost is around RM20 and the cost of production per
umbrella will be around another RM30.
So the total cost of basic umbrella will be estimated around RM150-190.
Addition modules will be sold and charged separately.
Cooler/Warmer estimated at RM80
Self-stand modules estimated at RM20
MP3 Module estimated at RM10-60 depending on how much storage needed.
Backpack handle estimated at RM30
Different shapes of handle estimated at RM10-50 depending on the style.

Technologies

The main technologies used in the umbrella will be the solar powered fan
and also the rechargeable batteries which are charged from the solar as well.
TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

15

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

The other technology used will be the USB port one of the most commonly
used port in Technological fields. By using this port and function future
expansion can be implemented in the umbrella. The modular function allows
the technical users to be more creative and allows them to innovate the
umbrella even further for their own requirements.

Part 4
Market Analysis
Gender

Male and Female

Product is designed for male and female
since technology is not only loved by a
specific gender
Between 18-40 years old
This product will be popular among young

Age Group

people since it has MP3 and cooler fan

technologically can be expended over
time with new modules
RM4000 and above

Purchasing Power (RM)

The recommended range is because of

the technologies included its relatively

Occupation

expense compared to normal umbrella

This product is for adults and people with
technology interest
Geographically is mostly recommended
with countries with hot climates. Mostly

Country

all the countries which is near the

equators like (Maldives, India, Africa, Arab
Countries and Malaysia)

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

16

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

17

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Part 5
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis is a technique that shows entire view of restricting
factors and derives factors for idea.

Before recommendation

Derived

Restricting

Factors

Factors
weight (-5)
Cannot leave at

Fan Umbrella

any place (-3)

Price (-2)
warranty (-2)
Not Feasible for
Thunder storms (2)

Uses a solar fabric

(+3)
Automatically
recharge with solar
(+4)
Additional Modules
available (+5)
Easy to use (+2)
Can charge phones
(+2)

Outcome
Restricting Factor: - 5 - 3 - 2 - 2 - 2 = -14
Derived Factor: 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 14
Total Score of the Diagram = 0

After doing FFA the products gets a total score of 0.

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

18

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Recommendations for Improvement

After conducting interview with lectures a few recommendation were

made.
1- Is to reduce weight of the umbrella while carrying.
2- Include warranty on the product since it has electronics.
Addressing the above limitation to reduce the weigh while carrying
the umbrella, I have included a RPM (Rotation per minute)
adjustable button for the fan. This can control the speed which the
fan can rotate. This will not be much reduction on weight but still the
user will feel a bit lightweight while carrying the umbrella with a
higher RPM.
Initially umbrella has no warranty so as per recommendation I have
decided to sell the umbrella with 2 years of warranty.

After recommendation

Restricting

Derived

Factors

Factors

weight (-3)
Cannot leave at
any place (-3)
Price (-2)
warranty (+2)
Not Feasible for
Thunder storms (2)
TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

Fan Umbrella

Uses a solar fabric

(+3)
Automatically
recharge with solar
(+4)
Additional Modules
available (+5)
Easy to use (+2)
Can charge phones
19
(+2)

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Outcome
Restricting Factor: - 3 - 3 - 2 + 2 - 2 = -8
Derived Factor: 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 14
Total Score of the Diagram = + 6
After making the recommended changes the value of weigh and warranty
has changed. Now the total FFA score for the product is a + 6.

Conclusion
The Umbrella is unique in feature and design. An umbrella with a fan will be
acceptable with the societies with hot weather very easily. The competitors
will have a hard time competing with a product that can evolve with new
technologies and new design which may come into the market.

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

20

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

References
courseware change2 IT, 2010. Disadvantages of Mind Mapping. [Online]
Available at: http://multitrain.fhjoanneum.at/courses/mod3/modul_3.3_T09.html
[Accessed 20 July 2013].
Godar, S. H. & Ferris, S. P., 2004. Virtual and Collaborative Teams: Process,
Technologies and Practice. - ed. United States of America: Idea Group
Publishing.
HubPages Inc, 2013. 4 Advantages of Mind Mapping. [Online]
Available at: http://troym.hubpages.com/hub/4-Advantages-of-Mind-Mapping
[Accessed 01 August 2013].
litemind.com, 2013. What is Mind Mapping?. [Online]
Available at: http://litemind.com/what-is-mind-mapping/
[Accessed 1 August 2013].
Morgan, M., 1993. Creating Workforce Innovation: Turning Individual
Creativity Into Organizational Innovation. illustrated ed. Sydney: Allen &
Unwin, Limited.
Park, J. S., 2010. Try Air To Stay Dry. [Online]
Available at: http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/01/12/try-air-to-stay-dry/
[Accessed 20 July 2013].
Proctor, T., 2009. Creative Problem Solving for Managers: Developing skills
for decision making and innovation. 3rd Edition ed. Canada: Routledge.
Rawlinson, G. & Straker, D., 2011. How to Invent (Almost) Anything. - ed.
s.l.:David Straker and Graham Rawlinson.
Treffinger, D. J., 2008. Educational Leadership. [Online]
Available at: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

21

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

leadership/summer08/vol65/num09/Preparing-Creative-and-CriticalThinkers.aspx#toolbox
[Accessed 20 July 2013].
Yuen, S. Y., 2008. SHIUDESIGN. [Online]
Available at: http://shiuyukyuen.com/eco%20brolly.html
[Accessed 20 July 2013].

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

22

CREATIVITY AND INOVATION FAN UMBRELLA

Part 6

Appendices

TP03177 - IBRAHIM IRUFAN

23