Product Design and Feasibility of a Cellular

¶ … product design and feasibility of a cellular phone with tracking capabilities. It uses the technology of LoJack tracking system and aims at integrating the same, in a cellular phone to design a handy, durable and affordable device for children so that their parents can keep track of them at all times.

TECHNICAL MAKE-UP AND PRODUCT MECHANISM

The product mechanism comprises of a LoJack tracking system device which includes a small radio frequency transceiver integrated into a microchip. Each chip can be given a unique code for recognition. When accessed via the Global Recognition System or similar software from a personal computer, the intended unique LoJack can be activated; it then emits inaudible signals and can thus be located.

This devise can be integrated in the common cellular telephone which is a detachable option and can be replaced by the standard battery of the phone. Lo-jack technology, formerly used in stolen vehicle recovery can in this way be used to track down individuals via their cell phones. The intended product aims at designing a low priced cell phone with a LoJack tracking system for kids. This will enable the customer to track down their children, spouses and relatives. The technical make-up of such a product could be a permanently fitted microchip in the normal cellular telephone that would send an encrypted signal to the customer's home computer via the cellular service provider. A computer can be loaded with software having capabilities to catch those encrypted signals. This software may be of similar layout as that used in the Global Recognition System used for vehicle security. This will allow an individual to log on anytime on their and see the comprehensive map where the owner of the LoJack cellular phone may be. This may provide parents the security to know where their child is at all times of the day. Such an innovation and creativity of the product intended may mark a new chapter in accessibility by the help of technology. What must be carefully planned is the affordability, accuracy and durability of the product in order to cater the intended market i.e. children so that maximum consumer satisfaction can be ensured upon launching. The cellular phone may be sold in a fashion similar to that adopted by the GPS sellers with a promise of security never offered before. Also as the cellular service provider facilitates this process, it may charge the user for the service provided.

PRODUCT DESIGN

The intended product is a cellular phone with tracking capabilities especially designed to track children down by their parents. Thus it may have all the necessary durability capabilities for instance, rubber skins and G-shock outlook of a cellular phone. Due to the added LoJack circuitry the cellular phone may be slightly larger but small enough to fit in the existing phone cases and clips available for standard size cellular phones in the market. Even though the LoJack option can be detached and replaced by the standard battery of a phone. But to make a fool proof product the LoJack microchip needs to be permanently integrated in the circuitry of the cellular phone so that the child cannot detach and/or replace it. Alongside the intended product should come in bright and attractive colors for children and efforts must be made to make it more compact. Also while adding on attractive features like browsing capabilities, built-in camera, mobile games and File Transfer Protocols (FTP), care should be taken about the affordability and the intended market. Under these considerations attractive features that could be added are mobile games, colored LCD display, and an infrared or Bluetooth FTP. Slim, comical and handy outlooks may be designed by the product artists. A survey could be carried out among the students in order to find out their preferences in the design of a cellular phone. Also the most acceptable designs in the market could be analyzed.

TARGET CUSTOMERS