Caregiving

The problem

After much research & interviews I found a problem in firearm safety that needed to be addressed. The problem was clear and the need for a solution was evident, but how to solve the problem proved to be very difficult.

The frustration

After over 20 prototypes, many interviews and feedback sessions along with testing…I had to face the hard fact that…I would have to change the form factor. The current form factor was easier to sell, people liked how it felt and felt good to use BUT….the success rate of the product (regarding safety) was not 100%. That was a problem, because the product NEEDS to be 100% accurate and safe all the time otherwise…it should never see the light of day.

The learnings

How this project change my mind & changed how I viewed problems was this…If the product doesn’t truly solve the problem, or doesn’t fully solve the problem maybe it shouldn’t exist and this could actually be good for the user and the business if you think of downstream ramifications. Also, that a good feeling & looking form factor that does not perform should be replaced without that is “less attractive” but solves the problem.