Universe-in-a-Box

Universe-in-a-Box Product Development

Project Aim

Establishing a framework for the production and distribution of a

UNAWE product concept:

Universe-in-a-Box

Product Development Flow

Idea Generation

Idea Screening

Concept Development and

Testing

Business Analysis

Technical Implementation Plan

Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Theoretical Deepening (Project & Product)

Market Definition and Demand Forecast

Production & Distribution Model Evaluation

Prototype Development and Testing

Production & Distribution Planning

Financial Analyses

Output Documentation

Project Plan Overview

Theoretical Deepening

Educational Goals

Didactic learning tool

Cultural and Earth

perspectives

Inter-disciplinary

focus

• Module 1: Earth-Moon-Sun

• Module 2: The Planets

• Module 3: The World of Constellations

The Modules

The Handbook

• Activity plan with learning outcome

• Astronomy background information

• Suggestions for interdisciplinary activities

• Suggestions for further reading and experimentation

• Photocopiable craft templates

• Guide in loose-leaf folder format

Success among educators in Germany for 2 years!

Product Features

Didactic Modular Interdisciplinary

Cultural & Earth perspective

Low-cost materials

Easy to reproduce

Market Definition and Demand Forecast

• Schools / Teachers

• Playgroups and Activity Centres

• Science Centres, Planetariums, Museums

• Amateur Astronomer Associations

• Outreach Programs

• Independent Educators

1 box | 45 Countries | 3 years

Market Definition

Demand Forecast

• Survey among UNAWE Project Managers (in progress)

• Methodology on how to determine demand among educators (ideas welcome!)

Production and Distribution Model Evaluation

Production and Distribution Options

Centralized Regional

Local

• Comparative study of material and manufacturing costs between Germany and India

• Shipping cost analysis by geographical distance with India as a production centre

Two Studies

Why?

> Materials are less expensive in India

> Overheads will be less expensive in India

Materials Cost Analysis

Germany

€200

India

€25

• Centralized from India to World: Brazil (€52), Netherlands (€36), UK (€36), Colombia (€52), Poland (€29), Indonesia (€17)

• Regional from India to Neighbors: Bangladesh (€14), China (€19), Indonesia (€20)

Shipping Cost Analysis (4 kg)

• Regional production is preferred (bulk shipping options to be explored)

• Target weight of the box should be 3 kg • DIY Country kit for countries not linked to a

region Note: Local production out because of scarcity of human resources (time and motivation) in development

Some Conclusions

• IAU Office for Astronomy Development (OAD) Regional Nodes to be used for production

– Nodes to be determined by April 2012

– Production expected to start by late 2012 or early 2013

• DIY Individual / Country Kits

Solution!

Prototype Development and Testing

Considerations

• Itemwise analysis for changes and recommendations

• Translation and Localization needs (language and hemisphere)

• Design requirements: Logo, Handbook, Box

• 5 well distributed test markets: Netherlands, Poland, Colombia, UK, South Africa

Coming up…

• Web page with project details and order and sample request forms

• Developing 20 prototypes for distribution and testing to test markets with localization

• Test marketing at UNAWE workshop

External • OAD Regional Node Manufacturing

and Distribution Toolkit • DIY Individual + Country Toolkits • Project Handover

Internal • Report: Astronomy Educational

Review • Presentation: Lunch Talk – Leiden

Observatory • Report + Presentation: SBB

Internship

Output Documentation

Credit List Concept: Cecilia Scorza (EU-UNAWE Germany/House of Astronomy) Project Management: Pedro Russo (UNAWE/Leiden University) Educational Development: Cecilia Scorza and Natalie Fischer (EU-UNAWE Germany/House of Astronomy) Business Development: Jaya Ramchandani (UNAWE/Leiden University) Educational Support: Sara Khalafinejad (UNAWE/Leiden University) Partners House of Astronomy, Heidelberg, Germany Leiden Observatory, Leiden University