[hophead]

Here's something that'll make you think twice before your next bike purchase

Not a chance.

[SUX VR40 Rider]

While this is a solution to a problem that does not exist I do not think that is the point of this invention. I think these students did this as a matter of thinking outside the box.

If you were the hiring manager of a design and engineering firm which inexperienced fresh out of college student would you hire for the same amount of money?

Before you answer here are their stats:
Both students got excellent grades. Both passed with honors. Each went to a differant school. They do not know each other. They graduated top of their class.

The final project for one student was a simple design of a mechanical device. He showed an adaptation to conformity and protocol. Got an A on the project. This student will certainly follow protocol, design standards and easily conform to policy and procedures.

The other student's final design was something like this bike. Sure the bicycle has been a working machine for a long time and did not need to be reinvented or even improved upon, but that was not the point of the exercise. The point was for the student to hink outside the box while understanding that he will need to be able to conform to the engineering firms policies and procedures. But at the same time has shown an excellent ability to think on his feet and adapt when no one is around to give him the answer.

So which would you hire?

Though both are well qualified for the job, I would hire the student who designed something like this bike. To me this studnet is someone who's not afraid to take chances and get noticed.

[Industry_Hack]

That totally makes sense. Unless you were after someone to design products that you wanted to actually produce and sell. You probably have no idea who gets the final say on most things produced in the US these days.

[SUX VR40 Rider]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

That totally makes sense. Unless you were after someone to design products that you wanted to actually produce and sell. You probably have no idea who gets the final say on most things produced in the US these days.

Coming from a design and engineering back ground I do have an idea. It depends on the product being designed. Typically the end user has something to do with it as does the company designing, engineering and producing it.

One company I worked for the end users were farmers, plant engineers/workers, mechanics, car wash employees/managers, etc. The company manfuactures pressure washers. Anything from small portable cold water units to large industrial size multi line units that are not portable.

Another company I worked for designs and installs large scale turn key industrial refrigeration systems that you find at packing plants. The end users are the plants themselves. The design of such systems are set by industry standards, OSHA, etc.

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by Freemason Cyclist

Coming from a design and engineering back ground I do have an idea. It depends on the product being designed. Typically the end user has something to do with it as does the company designing, engineering and producing it.

One company I worked for the end users were farmers, plant engineers/workers, mechanics, car wash employees/managers, etc. The company manfuactures pressure washers. Anything from small portable cold water units to large industrial size multi line units that are not portable.

Another company I worked for designs and installs large scale turn key industrial refrigeration systems that you find at packing plants. The end users are the plants themselves. The design of such systems are set by industry standards, OSHA, etc.

You have no idea who gets the final say on most things produced in the US these days.

[SUX VR40 Rider]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

You have no idea who gets the final say on most things produced in the US these days.

Alright then, who does?

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by Freemason Cyclist

Alright then, who does?

Accountants. If it can't be manufactured to meet a certain price point, and sold with the necessary margin, it's not going to happen. Doesn't matter what kind of design talent you have.

That kind of "thinking outside the box" is great for useless design exercises that impress the clueless CEO (AKA Pointy Haired Boss). The CFO is going to look for someone that can translate materials or processes into something of value.

[SUX VR40 Rider]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

Accountants. If it can't be manufactured to meet a certain price point, and sold with the necessary margin, it's not going to happen. Doesn't matter what kind of design talent you have.

That kind of "thinking outside the box" is great for useless design exercises that impress the clueless CEO (AKA Pointy Haired Boss). The CFO is going to look for someone that can translate materials or processes into something of value.

I think the owner of the pressure washer manufacturing company I worked for would disagree with you. So would the firms who design and install ammonia refrigeration systems. When it comes to anyhydrous ammonia custting costs, costs lives and puts people's safety at risk. My wife is a project designer for such a company. The accountant, who is one of the co-owners, knows this all too well. They purchase the best equipment and supplies they need to build a refrigeration system for their clients. An ammonia leak is a huge issue and can and has killed.

[TxCyclist]

Anyone read about these concept tires that came out for cars? I personally thought it would be a revolution.

[fleeter]

Originally Posted by Dean

Anyone read about these concept tires that came out for cars? I personally thought it would be a revolution.

wow... i've never seen that before... is that real?