This is all of the prototype describing information that I have provided throughout the year. I have added the information requested upon our prototype meeting. Any missing information (costs and cost breakdown) will be presented in our final assignment.

NYX is asking for the full 10% bonus with our information provided and the three prototypes as seen in the above photos and at the final pitch.

Dear Evan,

Please review the following for the NYX Resistance Prototype proposal.

Prototype Description:

As our prototype strategy is that of a ghetto mash up we have been and will continue to build the prototype in stages:

a. NYX met with Erin (a UofC Kinesiology Student) to compete our first prototype – this was a basic long sleeve cotton t-shirt that has written on it a mapping of muscle groups (please see blog for visual)

b. NYX advisor Barb and NYX teammate Casey met on a weekend to complete the first working prototype. This took over 5 hours to complete and can also be found on the blog. It has resistance properties and materials as well as moisture wicking and compression features.

c. The final prototype will be created within the next couple weeks. A due date will have to be discussed reviewed and communicated between NYX, Barb and yourself. This prototype will address issues from the last prototype. The prototype will be the last and the highest functioning prototype given the finances, tools and time available.

In my humble opinion I feel that working prototype 1 (bullet point 2) is worth at least 5%. The 5 hours to complete did not include designing the shirt, gathering the materials or the 3 hrs total travel time to Barb’s office location. NYX feels that a third and final prototype (bullet point 3) should easily give NYX a 10% bonus as a great deal of effort, money and time will be put into the prototype, especially considering that both NYX teammates and advisors have other priorities besides the creation of prototypes at this time.

All three prototypes can be brought in for examination at anytime and will be produced in time to meet the deadline. If a meeting is required to discuss this information further please provide NYX with times that will fit your schedule.

Sincerely,

Casey Stitt on behalf of NYX Resistance

Hi Evan,

Sorry for the delay in my response, I have been swamped with life lately.

The descriptions of the current prototype features are as follows:

1. Moisture wicking fabric

2. Compression fabric

3. High resistance fabrics targeting specific muscle groups

What I have learnt from designing and building this prototype:

a. What we used to create resistance was several layers of spandex. Although this created high resistance it turned out to be very heavy. It also decreased the moisture wicking functions of the shirt.

b. Cutting, measuring and sewing several layers of fabric is very time intensive. Realistically we could not mass produce this as effectively as another design.

c. The shirt we used as a base layer was not tight enough to offer the support required to target the muscles.

I will be altering the design of the shirt as well as the inputs for the final prototype. First of all, the shirt will be much tighter than the last. It will fit skin tight to our model and rep Ian. I will not be using spandex as resistance materials for the final model. I will instead be using elastic fabrics that offer high resistance without layering. I will also be adding a mesh fabric to the shirt to ensure that the shirt will be moisture wicking through the elastic fabric. Lastly, I will alter the visuals of the shirt. The last prototype was done to show the isolation of muscle groups. The final shirt will be an athletic shirt that will be visually pleasing.

I hope this clears things up. I will include another explanation of the features for the final prototype on the blog once I have created the shirt. This will be created to explain the prototype for the final 5% bonus.

On an unrelated topic, I was wondering if we are inviting the advisors to the finals on December 8^th. In my opinion the advisors may like to see the final works of students that they have supported this semester.

Thanks,

Casey and NYX Resistance

Dear Evan,

The final prototype has been created and the images have been posted on the blog. This is NYX’s final proposal for the remaining 5% bonus for this prototype.

Prototype number three is the last stage of ghetto mash up and makes the connection between experiment and the sales ready prototype. The features of this prototype are as follows:

The Hades Model:

· The base layer fits next to skin to ensure compressive and moisture wicking properties

· Mesh venting to ensure that moisture wicking is still possible through thicker layers of fabrics, especially around the resistance zones

· New elasto-resistant fabric (elastane) to ensure a lighter shirt, higher resistance, fewer layers and a more focused/targeted muscle working surface

· Sticky lining along the bottom of shirt to ensure that there is no slip so that the shirt is continually working the body

· Visually appealing design, NYX branding, logo branding and focus has shifted slightly away from technical to visual

· Elaboration of previous point: much of the resistance materials have been hidden and/or placed within the shirt to add to visual appeal

Inputs:

Shirt, thread, elastic, needles, sticky lining, mesh fabrics, labour, transportation, design hours

Justification:

This final prototype is worth the final 5% because it takes into account the issues of the previous working prototype. This shirt is lighter, tighter, more moisture wicking and it is a simpler design. The issues addressed for the first 5% have been solved and fixed for this prototype.

This prototype is more prepared for sale aesthetically speaking since care and time has been put into the visual components of the shirt. There is a large change in the physical features of the shirt. Much of the resistance material has been placed on the inside of the shirt to hide the functional design and aid in the aesthetics. The use of color and design has added a finished quality to the final design. Additionally, a logo has been designed and created can be seen on the shirt. Our brand name, NYX is also visible and ready to advertise for us.

The venting and different use of materials has created a lighter, sturdier shirt that is just as functional. Another feature that has been added is the stick grip elastic on the bottom of the shirt to keep it in place. It is a tighter fit to make sure we are meeting the bare minimum requirement for the market (compression and moisture wicking).

The inputs of this shirt have been more costly. Gathering inputs, the creation and building of the shirt has taken more time and resources. Visually, financially and physically this shirt has been more challenging than the last by a large shot. The improvements are measurable by the written information above as well as a physical examination of the shirt itself. This shirt took 11.5 hours to build as opposed to 5. The costs of the inputs more than tripled and this does not include the hypothetical cost of labour involved (the first shirt cost just over 20 dollars). The three hour trip to Barb Stitt’s location we still made (aka: transportation). Lastly, the difficulty of this design and build has more than doubled. This effort deserves the additional 5% bonus grade. As always, the shirts can be seen for examination at any point, so let’s set up a meeting!

Thanks Evan! Enjoy your weekend.

Casey and the NYX Team

Competitive Advantages:

Several patents covering several designs will ensure that the competition will have to work to copy our product. The first model, The Hades, is one of several that will be created and sold.

Endorsements will also play a role in keeping NYX competitive. Professional athletes will use NYX products because they will see improvements in their game. Paid endorsements along with word of mouth communication filtering down from the pros will keep gossip focused on NYX.

In the first year we will be manufacturing in house. As we will be Canadian born and manufactured this will encourage clientele to purchase local goods. When it comes down for Canadians to choose what product to purchase this may be a deciding factor.

In the second year we will be moving our manufacturing overseas to reduce costs. If competition breaks out into a price war NYX may be able to keep costs low due to this change. This will ensure that NYX will be able to still compete for a piece of the market.

Risk Management:

Risk management will be handled through extensive testing. The human performance lab will test out all of the functions that each design will have. Any mistakes or possible injuries will be identified before sales.

Business and liability insurance will be purchased to protect NYX against any claims or lawsuits that may arise above and beyond testing.

Source: TedTalks, Joe Sabia: The Technology of Storytelling

Website: http://www.ted.com/talks/joe_sabia_the_technology_of_storytelling.html

This Tedtalk goes through the story of telling stories through the use of technology. Although it is an entertaining performance, I found myself wondering continually for most of the four minute presentation what the point of this presentation was. Once it had finished I realized that it must have been a pitch for the new IPad.

I chose this as an infobit because this is a representation of a pitch that is against the grain. We are continually taught to pitch using a formula; explain problem, present solution, etc. An interesting conclusion is that entrepreneurship is about creativity and recognizing new methods for business but we continually pitch in the same formal manner. It’s actually kind of ironic that in an industry that is built upon innovation we use a traditional format.

As Apple is known as an innovative company, a pitch such as this turned out to be very appropriate as well as refreshing. You do not expect to be pitched to in a style that does not fit into the usual format. As up and coming entrepreneurs that will be consistently pitching our new ideas it may be something for us to consider to have an innovative pitch that complements our innovative businesses.

Source: www.sciencedaily.com, Compression Clothing has little impact on athletic performance, study suggests

Website: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100603140955.htm

This article explains the results of two studies held to determine the impact of compression materials on athletes. Approximately 50 athletes partook in the research. Each athlete was instructed to wear compressive bottoms while performing specific exercises. The testers measured both the mechanics and economies of the athlete’s outputs.

The results from both experiments were consistent. Compression fabrics do little to nothing to improve the results of athletic pursuits of the athletes wearing the garments. This led to the conclusion that compression fabrics do not assist the body in achieving higher performance.

This infobit is important for NYX to consider because one of the functions of our prototype is compression. It is difficult to decide whether or not to partake in a fashionable trend such as compression fabric in this industry. It seems like that if you are not offering this fabric you are not equal with the market, even if the fabric is not functional.

Not only is there little function behind compression fabrics, there is also a negative rumour amongst some crowds. This rumour is that compression fabric can actually cause injury if used improperly. The thought behind this is that compression fabric weakens muscles. This can cause injury because the muscles come to rely on the compression and when it is removed they can become strained.

NYX must understand the needs and wants of the athletic clothing market and decide what we stand for and how we will participate in this market.

Date: November 25, 2011

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Location: EB 2110

Attending:

Advisory Board Members:

- Erik

- Jonathon

Team Members:

- Ian (Facilitator)

- Colby

- Matt

- Christa

- Casey (Administration)

Agenda:

1. Introduction

2. Supply Chain

3. Cash Flows

4. Address previous action items

a. Fabric swatches displayed

b. Final Prototype development explained

5. Address the parking lot

a. Flat lock sewing machines

b. Prototype update – how we are getting our 10% bonus

6. Explanation of the next two weeks

a. Business Plan

b. Prototype Development

c. Final Pitches

7. Final Conclusion, exchange of contact information and Thank you to Advisors

Action Items:

1. Final Prototype Development

2. Business Plan

3. Pitch Development for Finals

Summary:

After introductions, Ian opened up with an explanation of the supply chain assignment. As a group we discussed realistic assumptions around timing as well as manufacturing. The availability of suppliers and their shipping schedules was discussed at length. Matt documented the group decisions to help to finish the assignment during our next NYX team meeting.

Along with the basic inputs and outputs of our supply chain we discussed Key Value Events as well as Key Performance Indicators for NYX and the distribution of the final product. The final decisions are below:

The Key Value Events are:

- Market validation – having the first working prototype validated by the market

- Empirical results – having a finished prototype that provides actual results from studies in the human performance lab

The Key Performance Indicators are:

- Perfect order rate

- Average days on hand

- Backorder rate

- Forecast accuracy and seasonality

- Number of loading time per vehicle

- Labour Productivity

- Cash Flow

- Efficiency of Assets

The next item on the agenda was cash flows. A brief description of this assignment was provided to the board. Upon discussing the requirements we decided that a connection with Jim and Barb may provide more insight towards this project. If we require assistance with this assignment we will email them with specific questions to help finish the project.

Casey took time to explain the final prototype and its properties. She outlined the email sent out explaining how NYX intends to get a full 10% bonus grade on the prototype development. She then outlined the final prototype; the inputs and expected expenses for NYX to incur. A flat lock sewing machine will be used to create the last prototypes. The final prototype will be created during the week of December, 01 2011.

Ian concluded the meeting by outlining the next two weeks of the Model the Start class and what NYX’s requirements are.

This week we had an advisory meeting. In this meeting we wanted to cover electronic design of the prototype as well as webpage development. Jonathan has expertise in both categories so we decided that it would make sense to include his expertise in the advisory meeting and focus hard on technology content. For these reasons Jonathan was our only advisor at the advisory meeting this week.

As the class continues our roles as members of the NYX team become more specialized. Personally I will be responsible for an upgraded prototype design in the coming weeks. I will be addressing issues like weight, cost, fabrics and the function ability of these changes. Additionally I will be creating a written document arguing the grading structure of the NYX prototype overall.

This week Barb and I worked on the prototype together. It was a lot of work and I could not have done it without her.

Our ghetto mash up strategy was a good decision for our prototype development. I learned a lot about the design and requirements of the shirt by building it. There is a lot of redesign to do for the next and final prototype.

One of the first issues of the shirt is its weight. We needed several layers of fabric to ensure the tension would be enough to create strong resistance. We did create resistance but also a heavy shirt. The layers will also deter from any moisture wicking properties that we need to stay competitive in the athletic clothing market. We need to find a material or design that will create resistance while still staying breathable and light. Ian and I have not had a chance to meet up with Freddie’s connection but hopefully this connection will have feedback and suggestions for the fabric we need.

In our next meeting NYX will decide on how much time and money we are going to invest into our last prototype in order to help lay guidelines for Barb and I to create the final prototype around.

This week we had the opportunity to see the prototype that Barb and Casey developed. They did an amazing job! It looks really good and feels like it has a lot of resistance. Ian is going to play a game of hockey in it, and report back on how it felt, if there was increased resistance or more sore then normal.

We also moved forward with the development of our website by purchasing the IP address www.nyxresistance.com from GoDaddy.com for a year. This was an inexpensive purchase that we thought would help increase both our personal investment in the venture as well as showing dedication to the class. Matt is the most apt at developing websites and most computer things. We have also been able to rely on Jon (advisory board member) to help us with any issues that arise. He has experience developing website, blogs and marketing campaigns.

We have also decided to have a very specific board meeting this coming week. We have had little development within the last two weeks, and we need to focus website and marketing development. So we are going to work specifically with Jon and Erik to develop various aspects of Nyx.

Date: October 27, 2011

Time: 9:30-11:00 am

Where: EB 2061

Attending:

Erik (Advisory Board Member)

Jonathan (Advisory Board Member)

Barb (Advisory Board Member)

Jim (Advisory Board Member)

Freddie (Advisory Board Member)

Christa (Team Member)

Casey (Team Member)

Ian (Team Member)

Matt (Team Member)

Colby (Team Member)

Agenda:

1. Blog Tutorial

2. Advisor Expectations:

3. What NYX has been up to:

a. Prototype development and strategy

i. Erin’s assistance

ii. Ghetto mash up -> Minimally working -> Concierge

iii. Where we are now

b. Demand Creation Plan:

i. Trainer conferences

4. Parking Lot:

a. Distribution strategy

b. Flat seam sewing machines

c. Will the prototype function?

5. What NYX is up to:

a. Costs

b. Distribution

c. Key Partners and resources

d. Prototype Development

6. Open up to discussion and feedback

7. Conclusion

Action Items:

- Further development of prototype (Casey)

-Determine objectives for the end of the semester (Team)

-Put course outline and research paper under new tap on blog for advisors (Matt and Colby)

-Talk to trainers about demand creation plan (Team)

-Bring in fabric swatches (Casey)

Summary:

Matt delivered a quick explanation on how the advisors could use the blog effectively and efficiently. It was decided that there would be a new tab put onto the blog so the advisors had some additional information that would help them assist us. We then discussed what we expected from the advisors, explaining we wanted their expertise and experience. Jim expressed concern about what was hypothetical and we were actually expected to do. The team expressed that we too were struggling with this, and will try harder to communicate.

We showed the board the first prototype design that was developed with the help of Erin, our U of C kinesiology contact. As well a giving a brief description of our types of prototype (Ghetto mashup and minimally working). We then discussed our demand creation plan and our new development of focusing on trainers of elite athletes.

We discussed the items that we had put into the "parking lot" last meeting. Freddie told us about a flat seam sewing machine that a contact has, but we must have a "solid" working prototype. This will be helpful in the future. We discussed that we will be working on our costs very soon and be able to bring the advisors numbers.

Overall the meeting was good at identifying what is required from all stakeholders.

Source: Ted Talks: Suzanne Lee: Grow your own clothes

Website: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/suzanne_lee_grow_your_own_clothes.html

Suzanne Lee has created a new “fabric” from micro organisms and bacteria. Although it is not a complete recipe and there are issues with the fabric such as unable to be waterproofed, there are many attractive qualities.

There is no waste and the leftovers are biodegradable. Treatment and coloring is very easy and does not require chemical treatment. This is an environmentally friendly product and offers a sustainable solution to the current textiles market. Besides the sustainability characteristics the biggest feature is the ability to manipulate the fabric. Suzanne suggests that this fabric will not always have a fashion focus and that it may be altered to fit other purposes like furniture, housing and automobiles.

This is relevant to NYX not because I would choose this fabric as something to build athletic clothing from but as an example to how important innovation is even within an established industry. If this fabric became a popular and important material we might require designers to work with this process and create our own line to stay competitive. Trend analysis will keep an elite brand like NYX in the elite market.

This week we worked on our key resources and partnerships. It became apparent that there are stages of development throughout NYX’s start-up phase that will need different partners. We decided to take a current and future approach to help us focus on what is important now.

This week I will be meeting with Barb to further design and create a minimally working prototype. This prototype will target the muscles we are focusing on and will be a great stepping stone for further development of the prototype. Although this prototype will be basic it will be important in the development of NYX and our testing and learning process and we move into the minimally working prototype stage.

This week we met with the advisory board. The meeting went well and thank you to our advisors for your support.

Next week Ian and I are looking to meet with a connection that our advisor Freddie has suggested. This individual has experience in the athletic fabrics industry and we are hoping to get some feedback for our prototype. This will hopefully also help to develop a realistic cost plan in the future.

I will be facilitating the meeting next week so this week I am preparing to address the advisors. I will be covering what we have done, where we are going and outlining in what ways we would like the advisors to help the NYX team. This includes a description of the blog, how they are to use the blog and an outline of NYX’s expectations.

I am beginning to build the prototype and am still currently in the design process. Ian will be our model and initial customer for the shirt. I will be measuring him for fit and noting the muscles we are targeting. I will use this information to create a hand drawn sketch to build upon. We are currently exploring our options for a computer designed prototype. We would use a computer based prototype to help explain our product to individuals who cannot see the physical prototype.

This week has been much more productive then last. We had our second Advisory meeting, a week later then we were supposed to but we felt like we needed that time to get organized and make greater strides with our prototype. The meeting was very productive, especially to make it more explicit of what we want from them. It was also interesting to see the dynamic of the different advisory board members grow and to see some of the become more confident. Although no issues arouse I feel like we are starting to move past the storming phase of a team development on to a norming phase.

The greatest thing I got out of the meeting is very clearly determining our objectives and set very explicit rules of what is real and what is hypothetical. This point was brought by Jim. Jim has a lot of hands on experience with starting businesses and was having a hard time determining what was real and what was not. He felt if this was a real venture the first issue we would have to address would be financing. Although this is not how we will be facing this project it is a very important thing to be aware of when I do start my own business.

This week has not been very productive. This is due to many different things. It is mid-term season and at least three of us had a major finance midterm on Wednesday. We have all been a little distracted and not having as much focus on our project as we should have. For our weekly meeting all four of us had either appointments, car troubles or just unexpected things come up, so we didn't end up meeting. As well we are stuck on making the prototype, but really we should be moving forward with other factors that are important. Such as contacting the University of Calgary’s Human Performance Lab. I also heard someone mention that Mount Royal is opening a human performance lab, I am hoping to use my various connections at Mount Royal to set up a meeting, if it even exists. This week has taught me that there will be weeks that not are not very productive, but you can’t let that stop you from moving forward. Life will always have hurdles that will come up, you just need to power though and keep moving forward.