# Use Cases & First Principles

**URL:** <https://diyrvforum.com/t/use-cases-first-principles/120>\
**Category:** Planning, Layout\
**Tags:** use-case, first-principles\
**Created:** [July 2, 2023, 2:38pm UTC](https://diyrvforum.com/t/use-cases-first-principles/120 "2023-07-02T14:38:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Matt](https://diyrvforum.com/user_avatar/diyrvforum.com/matt/32/14_2.png) [@Matt](https://diyrvforum.com/u/Matt)\
**Post date:** [July 2, 2023, 2:38pm UTC](https://diyrvforum.com/t/use-cases-first-principles/120/1 "2023-07-02T14:38:44Z")

</div>

The aim here is to establish a basis for addressing the ‘Why’ questions and reaching the [First Principles](https://makermattdesign.com/t/what-are-first-principles/389). The level of detail is adequate to justify existing requirements and specific enough to define future ones.

> “Question your constraints — they are probably wrong.” — Elon Musk

## Use Cases

In the context of RV design, a _use case_ is a specific scenario describing how an individual or group might use the RV, considering factors like travel, accommodation, activities, and utilities, to guide design and functionality decisions.

_First principles_ are fundamental, unchanging truths used to derive requirements.

### Camping

- Travel to rural destinations
- Provide overnight accommodation suitable for all weather conditions
- Ability to go completely off-grid or use shore power
- Typical use involves frequent local trips of 1-3 nights, and less-frequent non-local trips of 2-3 weeks.
- Facilitate outdoor activities like using a fire pit, cooking, hiking, fishing, boating
- Provide camp chairs and tables
- Charge batteries via solar or shore power

### Touring

- Accommodate long-distance driving, including meals and bathroom breaks on the road
- Allow for street-level parking
- Provide air conditioning for pets
- Include security video and remote security features
- Charge batteries while on the move

### Boondocking

- Enable stealth street and parking lot camping
- Offer off-grid, self-contained, secure, and safe accommodation
- Suitable for all weather and noise conditions

### Day Trips

- Ensure ease of parking
- Provide a comfortable environment for pets during the day
- Include remote security features when away from the RV 3-4 hours
- Use the van as a secure storage space

### Ski Trips

- Similar to camping but with additional cold weather and ski storage considerations
- Wet boots and clothing

### Basecamp Support

- Serve as a support vehicle for teams, similar to hospital team support
- Not the central focus but a rest area
- Provide Internet access via WiFi
- Useful for road races, bike events, and rocket launch observations
- Like camping, provide camp chairs and tables

### Office on Wheels

- Include a deployable Lagun table and swivel seats
- Ability to entertain customers or business partners
- Include multimedia for presentations
- Include motion detection security features
- Include Internet WiFi
- Laptop and cell phone charging
- Portable inkjet printer

### Hospital Support Team

- Consider parking garage height challenges
- Stealth camping required
- Provide a place to eat or take a nap
- Private location for meetings and phone calls