Prateek Agarwal- PGP13173

How well does Platter's concept meet the user's needs? Where does it not? Are these
critical features?

Platter's concept for a portable water filter device was developed with a focus on meeting the
needs of outdoor enthusiasts, particularly backpackers, hikers, climbers, and campers.

Meeting User Needs:

● Ergonomics and Ease of Use: His redesign of the pump aimed to address the
ergonomic problems, making the device more user-friendly. This addresses a critical
user need for a device that is easy to operate during outdoor activities.
● Filtration Performance: Platter's design incorporated a labyrinth depth-filter made of
borosilicate glass fibers, which could trap materials down to 0.5 microns. This level of
filtration aimed to remove the major types of waterborne bacteria and protozoa as well
as visible contaminants.
● Portability: Platter's design focused on creating a device that was lightweight and less
susceptible to breakage compared to existing ceramic filters.
● Cost: Platter and Aldred aimed for a target retail price point of $40 to $50, which was
more affordable compared to the expensive Pocket Filter. This pricing strategy aimed to
provide users with good value for their money, which is a critical consideration for many
outdoor enthusiasts.

Areas of Potential Improvement:

● Taste and Chemical Removal: His design included activated charcoal to work with the
filter to remove additional impurities that affect water taste. However, it's not clear how
effective this feature would be in completely eliminating unpleasant tastes or chemicals.
● Durability: While his design addressed some durability issues of existing devices, it's
important to ensure that the device can withstand rugged outdoor use.

Critical Features:

The critical features of Platter's concept that meet users' needs are the improved ergonomics,
filtration performance, portability, and affordability. These aspects directly address the pain
points and requirements of outdoor enthusiasts who rely on portable water filter devices for safe
drinking water during their adventures.

However, the effectiveness of taste and chemical removal, as well as the device's overall
durability, are also critical features that need to be considered to fully meet users' needs. These
aspects can significantly impact user satisfaction and the device's success in the market.