Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)

Faculty of Business Studies (FBS)

Group Assignment: Product Design

Course Name: Production Planning and Inventory Management
Course Code: SCM8608(EMBA)

Submitted to
Mohammad Rajib Uddin
Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)

Submitted by: Group 01

Name Roll No
Habib Ahmed 19020003
Kh. Harun Or Rashid 19020013
Sohanur Rahaman Sohan 19020037
Shafayet Rabbi 19020041
Israt Jahan 19020057
Shah Moazzem Hossain 19020083

Major: SCM, Batch: 20

Program: MBA (Professional)
Date of Submission: 30th November 2020

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 Executive summary
The purpose of this study was to develop a textile-based posture correction brace modifying typical
posture corrector available to wear in the market which will straighten and balance a person’s back
and neck posture. The experimental product is referred to as the “SlouchProof”. This product will
be used as a risk minimizer of injuries people commonly affected with while working long time
sitting at a same manner and to increase productivity in daily work. We have designed the
SlouchProof after analyzing some factors such as usability, expenses of existing products,
resources available in the locality. We collected data, analyzed it, and presented the results in this
paper. Then we explored the ground of designing a comfortable, wearable and most importantly
cheap product that aligns posture using textile correction forces strategically placed in the material.
A reverse engineering approach was used in designing the product using the inspiration of
commercially available wearable braces. This study signifies that the inherent properties of textiles
(compression and tensile force from stretch) can be maneuvered in various ways as well as
designing a cheap posture corrector to modify posture.

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 Chapter 1: Introduction
Product Design is ordinarily characterized as the comprehensive methodology of building another
item beginning to end. The best approach to viable thing setup is an appreciation of the end
customer, the person for whom the thing is being made. Thing organizers attempt to deal with
authentic issues for certifiable people by using both compassion and data on their approaching
customers' affinities, rehearses, disappointments, needs, and wants.

A proper product design has following steps:

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The target of this arrangement is to make and sort out helpfulness that may pass on a motivating
force to customers in correspondence with the thing's communicated reason, or to change that
communicated reason when no such value has sufficient potential. Thing arrangement
demonstrates which materials are to be used. It chooses estimations and strengths, describes the
presence of the thing and set standard for displays. A practical arrangement measure coordinates
thing or organization credits with customer essentials, ensure that customer necessities are met in
the most effortless and least excessive manner, diminishes the time expected to design another
thing or organization and limits the adjustments imperative to make arrangement utilitarian.

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 Chapter2: Design Sprint
Idea Generation
Technology helped us in numerous ways to make our lives easier and make our time efficient.
Without technology we cannot think a single day. On the other hand, technology drove us to a
point where physical activity getting less priority hence, we are facing various physical
complexity. In our daily life we are Infront of some kind of digital display almost our whole day
long – it could be a mobile phone, laptop or desktop.
In recent time over the period of pandemic COVID-19 at 2020 we all are adopting technology as
the key to define new normal situation. All over the world we found some term pretty common
Home office, online class, online conference, online meeting. This pandemic forced us to be on
that digital displays constantly, we all know it is eye straining and technology gone ahead to reduce
the blue-light on the display. However, one of the important things often get neglected which is
about the base of our body – the spine. Incorrect position while sitting is a common problem among
desk workers which becomes gradually more wide-spread in today’s world after the strike of
covid-19 pandemic. Bad posture can renovate short- and long-term pain in the back and neck areas,
and has further been associated with some other psychological problems, inefficiency at work and
personal life.
We often catch ourselves in positions where our head leans forward – in our daily desk job, online
meeting, online class, or home office etc. to notice what happening on the display in front of us.
This posture for long time gives birth to a posture which is generally known as Forward Head
Posture (FHP) also called slouching. It also makes our shoulders rounded.

Source: Dr. C. Chae Tracy

Chiropractic Care, Chiropractor Dripping Springs

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Forward Head Posture creates long term health issues, it creates the risk of disk herniation/slip
disk, arthritis, also the reason behind constipation, incontinence. FHP in general creates tension on
neck muscle which leads to muscle spasm. It makes our cervical spine vulnerable to injuries.
Interaction with screen is most common phenomena that led to slouching position or hitched
posture. Our standing and walking can also be affected due to poor posture of seating position.
Our body anatomical memory plays an important role being used to unpleasant posture. Thus, for
a healthy gesture, a correct position of the body and back has to be practiced and maintained in
order to avoid aforementioned risk. Wearable bends or garments can be a means of achieving this
objective of correcting and maintain posture for common people.

How to get rid of Slouching/ FHP?

There is no other way to maintain healthy body without physical activity, slouching can be
prevented and corrected with regular exercises and regular habit. Doing chin tucks, chest stretching
exercises, standing upright, Set up workspace ergonomically, and Sleep on orthopedic pillow. In
our busy life maintaining the routine of habits and regular exercise got no space. Thought this
project work, a simple concept of textile-based posture corrector is developed in counter of exiting
high priced products. Existing posture correcting bands are available in two different categories.
Such as,
1. Made with garments focused on physical changes using rigid materials
2. Undergarments which are typically familiar as shape ware.
The narrative feature of our idea is that posture is corrected with the inherent technology of some
especial kind of fabrics. It is the base of our idea that, the fabrics and supporting materials used in
our product has certain elastic point, while the body bends when one slouches, the fabrics property
tends to return in its previous position.to prevent the slouching/FHP happening we conceptualize
a product which will support our cervical spine stay upright and will prevent our shoulder to get
rounded. We named the product as “SlouchProof”.

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Feasibility Study

Feasibility Study consists of market analysis, economic analysis and strategical analysis. To
determine the reliable data, survey is the best option. A survey with specific and close ended
questions is conducted which represents the aspects of feasibility. The results including questions
are given below

▪ Is there a need for “SlouchProof”- Posture Corrector?

▪ Do you use Posture Correctors in general?

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▪ After production are you willing to buy a SlouchProof -posture corrector?

▪ Will SlouchProof satisfy the market?

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▪ Can SlouchProof be commercially manufactured?

▪ Is the product differentiations bring a competitive edge?

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▪ How much time do you spend at your desk every day for which you might need a posture
corrector?

▪ Can SlouchProof -posture correctors bring adequate return?

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 ▪ Is the risk related marketing acceptable?

From the feasibility study, following points are evident,

1. Customer are really looking for this product with a good price
2. Customers realize that posture correctors are so important for the sake of long-term health.
3. A good number of people are already using different branded posture correctors which are
competitively high in price and experience is not user friendly.
4. A good quality product with a good price and comfortable design can easily satisfy posture
correctors’ users.

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Preliminary design: Form design.
Functional Design
There are several variant of posture correctors each of which has some user experience
information, there are mixed expressions on posture corrector based on the reviews of users shared
on their experiences we conceptualized product which will be durable and also functional for
everyday use there are several ways SlouchProof functions better in terms of quality and
performance.
Basic Functionality: The basic function of any posture corrector is to support the spine efficiently
by ensuring the comfort. In SlouchProof the aim is the same. Where the mid-section of the product
will create a constant tension based on the belt adjustment on each user’s preference while two
comfortable shoulder straps will hold it on position stretching the shoulders behind. Keeping the
shoulders stretched backward and with pressure point on the cervical SlouchProof keeps our head
on base and prevent the slouch.

a. Back View b. Side View c. Front View

Conceptual Design: In most posture corrector it is often found that the posture support has been
provided from cervical to lumber spine with thick material which cannot be used for regular use
and the use of the product comes only when the user having aches or spine related discomfort
where if we can prevent the slouching problem the overall bad posture can be rectified. Therefore,
the product is only aimed at cervical support that made the product compact and can be used under
regular use.

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 While thinking of the regular use one more
concern comes to mind if the product can be
used in summer or a typical warm day.
Therefore, the product has to be made with
breathable fabrics which will sustain in rain as
well as in sweat too.
The mid portion of the product which will be
the support for the cervical has to be solid yet
comfortable for the user which can be done by
the thick clothing (buckram) base inside
wrapping with a foam-based padding for
comfortable use while leaning on the back on
a surface.
The thin strap should be strong as used in
rucksack which will be adjustable by pair of
stainless steel small durable gates, with each
strap having crepes at the end can be attached
on the larger shoulder straps so they do not
hang outside. The large straps which will go
around the shoulder have to be with such
material which will not create any mark on
the shoulder while on straps are tight and the
user should not feel any pain while long time
use.

Why SlouchProof?

• SlouchProof will help us to work with full potential while not getting any neck pain or
discomfort on spine
• Long term health: As stated before slouching causes many long-term issues like arthritis
and disk herniation, using SlouchProof will make sure our spine remains upright and will
prevent happening slouching for long time.
• The design is compact and can be used with regular clothing.
• Adjustable strap will work on any user preferred stretch on the neck.
• Easy to use design will save time in respective to other available posture corrector.

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Material Chart

Functional Concept Actual Material Needed

Breathable Fabrics Neoprene Fabric

Solid cervical Support Buckram

Padding (Shoulder straps & Mid-Support) Expanded Polystyrene
Adjustable gate Durable small stainless-steel gate
The compression belt Bag straps
Fittings Sewing Thread

Product Design
Neoprene Fabrics
Neoprene also known as scuba knit is a synthetic rubber often used to make wetsuits. It has become
increasingly popular for using and wearing because of its general durability and also for stain
resistance.
1. Neoprene will not catch stain from sweat.
2. Will be fine in under rain or water cleaning.
3. The fabric will not constrict air flow, which will not create itchiness or discomfort.
4. Light stretchability of the fabric will give comfort.
5. Durable than regular fabrics.

Buckram for solid back support

Buckram is a stiff cotton cloth with a loose weave, often muslin. The fabric is soaked in a sizing
agent such as wheat starch paste, glue, or pyroxylin, then dried. When rewetted or warmed, it can
be shaped to create durable firm fabric for book covers, hats, and elements of clothing.
Expanded Polystyrene foam as padding
This insulation is a lightweight, rigid, closed cell insulation. EPS is available in several
compressive strengths to withstand load and back-fill forces. This closed-cell structure provides
minimal water absorption and low vapor permanence.

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 Size Chest Fit
Small 20-30 inch

Medium 30-40 inch

Large 40-60 inch

The cutout of the SlouchProof – posture corrector will be from a chunk of neoprene fabrics which
will comes in regular small, medium and large size. But for the deployment we will choose the
size Medium as standard which is more common in overall. For that we will be in need of 1-meter
of neoprene fabrics. Where the center part will be double layered of the neoprene sewed by holding
the layered buckram in between with the padding of Expanded Polystyrene.

1. 1-meter neoprene will be used to produce 1 SlouchProof back support posture corrector.
For medium size we will need two shoulder straps for that we need 2 straps neoprene of 4-
inch width and 20-inch height for each shoulder and for the cervical supporting we need to
have 2 straps of neoprene of 4-inch width and 14-inch height.

2. The mid support of the design will hold a solid buckram with the padding of Expanded
Polystyrene and the fabric will then be stitched together in one solid yet comfortable.

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3. Shoulder straps will get sewed with the center support with double overlock and also
crisscross sewing for durability.

4. Stainless steel gates, 4 gates, two each side will be attached with the support strap basing
separate fabric.

5. On this phase each shoulder straps will get attached with weight carrying thin straps by
strong stitches and each end of the thin strap will come with crepes at the end to be attached
with shoulder straps

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Strap/belt Adjustment:

User will guide each end of the thin strap through the stainless-steel gates and wrapping one gate
from above the strap will go under another strap which is general mechanism of weight carrying
rucksack or normal school bag. After that the stripe can be pulled to tighten the shoulder straps
and creating pressure on the cervical spine (as per user preference) and finally creped the thin
straps on the wide shoulder straps for not hanging down.

Financial Aspects
Break even analysis is a financial apparatus which is utilized to decide the cost structure of an
organization or the quantity of units should be offered to take care of the expense. Equal the
initial investment is where an organization neither makes a benefit nor misfortune, however
recuperates all the cash spent. BEP calculation is utilized to analyze the connection between the
fixed cost, variable expense, and income. Normally, an association with low fixed cost will have
a low make back the initial investment retail location
Here we have tried to focus the necessary parts and information for the understanding of our
project.

Cost of project
Before start production we have to calculate the cost & Break-even point. It shows a clear
forecast. The following data shows the overall cost related to our project:
Fixed cost:
▪ Admin cost: 20k
▪ House rent: 15k

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Variable cost:
Labor cost = 30k (total 3 operator)
Machine Cost:
▪ sewing machine - 50k
▪ packing machine - 40 k

Raw materials cost

❖ Neoprene 1meter = 340 BDT
❖ Per product neoprene cost = 103 BDT (1 feet)
❖ Small Stainless-steel gate (4) = 80 BDT
❖ Per product crepe cost = 10 BDT (2 pcs)
❖ Buckram = 100 BDT
❖ Padding = 50 BDT
❖ sewing threads = 10 BDT
❖ Capacity = 100 pcs per day

Total cost calculation:

Fixed Cost Monthly Yearly Monthly Annually

No of Units 1 500 6000

Admin Cost 20,000 240,000

Annual Fixed Cost

Rental Cost 15,000 180,000 825,000 825,000 825,000

Variable Cost/unit
Direct Labor 30,000 360,000 353 176,500 2,118,000

Revenue/unit
sewing machine 2,083 25,000 500 250,000 3,000,000

packing Total Cost

825,353 1,001,500 2,943,000
machine 1,667 20,000

Total Fixed Cost 68,750 825,000

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Break Even Analysis

Total Revenue: BDT. 2,806,500. Break Even Point (BEP) = 5613.We assume that we reach
at Breakeven at 1 years of the business.

Break Even Chart

4000000
3500000
3000000
Cost (BDT)

2500000
2000000
1500000
1000000
500000
0
1153

3073

6337
1
193
385
577
769
961

1345
1537
1729
1921
2113
2305
2497
2689
2881

3265
3457
3649
3841
4033
4225
4417
4609
4801
4993
5185
5377
5569
5761
5953
6145

6529
No of Units

No of Units Fixed Cost Variable Cost Total Cost Revenue

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Conclusion
This project work demonstrates the development of a textile based soft support or wearable bend
to prevent poor posture with an ambition of providing mass people a cheap and effective posture
corrector which named as Slouchproof. This Slouchproof is simple and wearable as well as cost
of manufacturing hit a very low charge. As the product is developed and designed with breathable
lightweight fabrics with elastic properties, it allows the user to wear long time without any
discomfort. In terms of serviceability, the Slouchproof functioning as expected. The availability
of different size and adjustable feature permit this to cover all age range. Simple design keeps
Slouchproof very user friendly. Using latest and more features can make this product more
functional. We keep this as a future research opportunity.

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