OLLY
Entrepreneurship Venture
Introduction & goal
The Olly Practice Skateboard is an invention meant to make skateboarding safer and more enjoyable for skaters with all levels of skill. My team and I set out to solve perceived problems of beginner skaters who feel uncomfortable practicing tricks outside on concrete while also feeling judged by onlookers. In addition, we discovered that the more skilled skateboarders wanted a way to practice inside on days with poor weather conditions.
Process & Experience
This project required much trial and error. Producing a visual and functional prototype within our minimal budget allowance proved extremely difficult, as we could not find large format 3D printing providers that would work with our timing and budget. It fell on me to design, engineer, and prototype the board. This encompassed things that I was relatively unfamiliar with at the time. I created the design considering input from other people along with my own experience in skateboarding. We interviewed a selection of skateboarders with varying skill levels to conceptualize our initial design.
Experience
Using CAD software, I developed a 3D model and sectioned it into 5 parts so a visual, full-scale prototype could be fabricated. I used the woodshop to create some first edition wood models that my team used to test our product. After surveying and testing these prototypes, we were met with astounding approval from anyone that used or heard about our product.
The Outcome
Our three-person team was selected ahead of over 40 others to compete in the
Bi-Annual U of M CPGO competition in hopes of securing funding from investors.
We were one of five finalists who presented and feedback was very positive. Though we did not win this competition, our participation granted us an A+ in the class and gave us the confidence we needed to realize that our idea was a worthwhile one.
Credits
Main Designer/Engineer - Chaz Dunselman