Neutrino Wand

Summary

As part of our class project, we were asked to re-imagine a Ghostbusters-themed object. We decided to explore an advanced version of the proton pack. We explored various options on sourcing the physical prototype, including 3D-printing and we realized that it was cheaper to get actual gun parts. We found that in addition to it being cheaper, it was realistic too. We came up with various design ideas, did usability testing and then prototyped it.

Background

We had a class project on making a Ghostbusters object. As someone who wanted to explore physical prototyping, I asked the professor if it was okay to make a prototype gun, and we were permitted to do it.

Considerations

Laws

The topic of Guns is a contentious one. We had to explore the laws of the USA, the state of Maryland, and our local laws to see if it was actually legal to even make something like a gun. Fortunately, we were permitted to carry rifles.

University

However, an obstacle was the University is paranoid about guns. So we had to find ways to conceal our gun. We did so, by carrying it around disassembled. There have been cases where people were detained for bring BB guns.

Threat lists

We had the permission of the instructor to do this in writing, which helped us avoid potential trouble with law enforcement.

Cost

We wanted to make it as realistic as possible at the least cost. We explored 3D printing but found it to be too expensive and weak for our purposes. Surprisingly, buying the real parts were cheaper. We settled on Chinese-made riflescopes and lasers, as this was a prototype.

Specifications

We initially bought parts without regard for any specification, and then realized that we needed welding skills. As a result of that, we settled on standardized parts.

Design

We used an existing design of the AR15 assault rifle, and modified it for our prototype. We focused on making it look futuristic.

Challenges

We had to make it look like a gun, but not look too much like a gun. This was a conundrum. One solution was to put a brightly-colored orange cap on the tip, but it distracted too much from the look of the gun.

Feel

We chose the materials to be mil-spec aluminum to have the heavy feel. We got a good AR15 extender, as we considered it crucial to how it felt.

Mounting

We initially settled on an actual gun stock. But after seeing our professor freak out, we changed the design to be hand-mounted.

Viewfinder

We settled on a phone as a camera, to be used as a viewfinder. We explored using AR, but we ultimately decided against it. We also have a riflescope, to be used as a backup. In our original design, the camera would help to see ghosts in the dark. Since ghosts don't exist, it was hard to actually implement it.

Bag

We got a cardboard box and added sheet metal to it. We used backpack straps to strap it onto a person.

User Interviews

We got many users to use it and provide feedback on the product. Our users included non-gun users as well as gun-users. We got valuable feedback on the ergonomics of our device.

Conclusion

We had a lot of fun designing this prototype. For more information, read the report.