Assignment 3: Treasuring Time

This project was a very conceptual approach at design. It looked at the very essence of time, looking at capturing time, prolonging time, enjoying time etc etc. The project very much stressed the concept of the design rather than the actual object.

Time. My approach was to look at a very sensual time of the day, especially sunrise and sunset where conversation is present. Not just any conversation, but very emotive conversation that happens at that time. Normal conversation such as the usual 'hello, goodbye, how was your day' type was not what i was aiming at, but rather the deeper meaningful chat with your family or friends that usually happens at sunrise or sunset.

I approached this with the thought of designing a tea tray as at that time of day tea is usually there being sipped along with the chat. I then wanted to enhance the moment of time and perhaps prolong it by creating talking points in the form of interesting objects. This would have its place on the tray in the form of a space for every persons 'interesting' object.

I found myself very much trapped into the idea of a tea tray and am disappointed with myself at not exploring the idea further to realise that the tea set on the tray was not neccesary. I was only trying to promote conversation by bringing together interesting talking pieces. This could've have been done by designing an ornate box that brings these together.

Task 5: Week 10 reflection

Designing dream machines by Richard Burkes

This video was very long and so i will try to summarise it in a few words. This video follows the design process of three different projects. A modernised motorcycle (from a classic design), a motor scooter designed specificly for the indian conditions and people, and a range of kitchen appliances that are interchangeable and also have a 'futuristic feel'. The video goes through the processes of each of the three projects, and details the techniques used by the industrial designers as they develop the innovative solutions to the briefs of each of the three projects. It explains many things including brainstorming, researching, proposual, solution investigation, prototyping and most importantly evaluation of the project.

Assignment 2 : Postal presentations

The design brief basically stated: design a USEFUL object that can be flatpacked into a C4 (a4 size) envelope. This object would be a gift that would be sent in the mail. We were encouraged to use sheet materials as they flatpacked well.

After various failed ideas and brainstorms, i came up with an 'inbox' tray. This inbox tray would hold the things you would normally have in your pocket whilst you are at home or at the office. These things included wallet, keys, phone, loose change. i figured everyone in the world had these things, therefore this product would be useful to everyone.
















Above is an early paper model with 3 slots. There were many problems with this. The dividers were just mere slot-in pieces, making them very flimsy and easy to knock out. The sides were also very weak due to the flimsy divider pieces.















This is the final product after a couple prototypes. It consists of a main body piece, two side skirt, two edge pieces and a stable divider that uses fins to slot into the main piece holding it in place. The material used is Polypropelyene, a fairly durable plastic that bends well and is easy to use and cut.





















Above is the cutting diagrams for the pieces required to put together the inbox tray.



















The steps to put the pieces together are above in the four pictures.
In hindsight, the whole product was slightly more complicated to piece together than expected. The pieces could be simplified. Example being the edge pieces could have been from the same piece as the main body. thus saving cutting and also making it more simple in terms of construction. The tabs i used were simple triangle slot ins. This could also have been changed into a fishing hook type (the ones that, once go in, are harder to get out). All in all, this was an interesting product to work on and i have learnt much from this experience.

Task 4: Bad design

I have chosen a product that has a badly designed feature which
creates confusion when using the product. The comsumer then is lead
to mis-use the product which leads to frustration leading
to an unhappy consumer.

The product i have chosen is a sandwich press. The sandwhich press
consists of two press parts, a lever, 4 legs, cable and a latch used
for storage of the press. The latch closes the press and holds it in place
so that the press is easily stored and moved around without the whole thing
flapping around.

The picture above shows how the latching mechanism works. It is a
simple sliding device that 'latches' onto the bottom plate of the
sandwich press.

The problem comes when you are using the sandwhich press. When you
lift the sandwhich press lever up to insert the food stuff you want to be
pressed in the sandwhich press, the latch automatically slides down to the
'closed' position. This is often done un-noticed by the user who continues
to load the food in and press it down. Upon pressing down, the user is suddenly
stopped by the latch which is in closed position. This is a badly designed
latch as it did not take into account of what would happen when you
pulled the lever up.

I believe this would be most easily solved by replacing the sliding latch with
a swinging latch as shown in the picture above. This latch would be easily seen
and noticed when using the sandwich press.

This latch would be a simple swinging latch that is spring loaded to
stay in 'open' position during the use of the sandwich press. Upon finishing
using the sandwich press you would swing the latch down and it would catch on
the bottom using a simple catching mechanism. I believe this solves the problem
of the badly designed latch

Task 5: Week 7 Reflection

This weeks video was 'The story of stuff' by Annie Leonard. This video tells of how our products we buy. That is, our stuff, moves through a system. She initially explains this system as a linear path starting from extraction, going through production, distribution, consumption and disposal. She then breaks to us that the system is in crisis. Why? Because its a linear system in our finate world. We are then taken through all these steps and explained the problems with them. How we dont have enough resources, how we waste too much. How we put stupidly toxic chemicals into our everyday products. And how the government is being taken over by big corperations instead of taking care of the people. At the end of the runthrough of the 5 steps of the linear system, she explains that there is another way of dealing with stuff. To change our system in crisis into an effective system. Chaning the linear system into a circular one that utilises sustainability and equity. Using things like renewable energy to stem the waste on the planet and help alieviate the pressures on the world that come with chaning climate.
All in all, this was a very interesting and enlightening talk that opened my eyes and ears to the relative issues concerned with producing products and how to deal with them.

Rationale: Project One - Experience Enrichment.

'Twist' Salt and Pepper Dispenser.

Target Market:

- Early twenties to late thirties.

- Young people looking for an interesting alternative for the Salt and Pepper dispenser.

- People who buy unique things for thier homes.

- People who value the objects in the kitchen.

- People who want to lighten up the dining area.


How it enriches the experience:

Salt and Pepper. Two important things to put on a dining table. The traditional salt and pepper dispensers were the glass bottle with metal cap types which were ridiculously small that made them hard to find and easy to lose. There was not much joy from using one, if any at all.




















The Twist Salt and pepper dispenser is a two in one dispenser featuring, as the name would suggest, a twist action to release the pepper unit from the salt unit. Larger in size and easy to hold, this dispenser is also made with colour, bringing colour to the dining table.

Its egg-like form features a round bottom which allows it to be used easily and handled effectively, giving the user staisfaction and a sense of purpose. The round bottom also serves to give the unit a lower center of gravity hence preventing spills. The twist action is a novelty one, but also functional as the twisting action seals the pepper unit.

The unique shape, colour and size would bring a new 'thing' to the dining table which would provide conversation, and add some new colour to the table. This would in turn give a much more positive vibe in the room and hence enrich the experience.

Task 5: Week 5 reflection

This weeks talk was from Paul Bennet based on designing things from the target markets point of view to have maximum effect and efficiency.

Paul really emphasised the point of 'bringing people into the process of creating things'. He started with the hopsital example where the hospital staff wanted to know how to enhance the patient experience. They were then forced to watch a 10 minute long video of thier ceiling inside the hospital. The instant realisation hit as they realised being a patient would mean staring at the ceiling, they realised that small things would have huge effect on the patient. This was successful as they were able to put themselves in the patiente shoes and various changes took place such as decorations and art on the ceiling, having social commucation white board walls so family and friends could leave messages etc.

One of Pauls main points were that 'tiny things could have huge impact'. He comes up with various examples one being how one day, some designer was walking his dog, and came back with bristles stuck on his socks. From this he designed velcro! Amazing how small things could become such huge successes. Paul really emphasised 'seeing things afresh and using them for opportunities' and has made the viewers realise that they MUST put themselves in the consumers shoe to really succesfully design products for them.

Task 5: Week 4 Reflection

This weeks talk was from Yves Behar on how objects tell stories. He starts the talk off with his childhood memories and explains to us that these memories from our childhood are everlasting. He recalls these crazy carpets with graphics and a huge towering shelf. Yves belives the humans have experiences with objects, and thus we need to design to match the human need. Objects bring value to the user, and so we have to create the right values.

Through looking at his past projects we are able to undertand his take on design. The first one, the leaf lamp was designed so that the user would have a whole new experience with a light. The leaf lamp was designed with two light settings; a glowy relaxed yellow, and an intense work white light. This really inspired me as this object matched human cycles so well, work and rest. He then moved on to Jaw bone; a bluetooth headset which he had designed to suit the human face shape which was very facinating. The Y water was the next project which was designed from the foundation of wanting to make a healthy fun alternative to the now standard soda's and soft drinks that children have now. He then moved onto the One laptop per child project, the XO laptop. This laptop was designed for children in poor countries so that they could learn effectively with new technology. It was designed to be low cost and durable as well as fun and interesting for the children, the story of how it was designed really touched me.

All in all this was a great talk reminding us to keep in mind the value of work we do. He also left me with a quote to remember:

"Advertising is the price companies pay for being un-original".

Task 3: Sketches

"Boomerang Coffee Table" - Robert Klippel 1955
This table is an elegant synthesis of boomerang and 1950's scientific imagerary. It connects the subatomic building blocks of matter with one of the oldest living cultures tools, the boomerang. I found this table quite interesting as it captures the australian side as well as the scientific imagerary and turns out quite well. Also extremely well built out of painted wood and glass it inspires me.
















"Car of the Future" - Charles Frederick Beavais 1936
This car was designed by one of the first streamline stylists and it looks extremely different from the cars of the time (1930's) which had rigid lines and shapes. Based on a teardrop shape, this car had a rear engine and sported great aero dynamics. This car inspires me not because of its actual design, but the theory behind it. Streamlining and using a tear drop as a basis of its shape, this car was way ahead of its times. The teardrop shape is still seen in cars today!
















"Wiggle Chair" - Frank Gehry 1972
This chair was a highly scupltual struture made from, if u can believe it, corrugated cardboard. It was strong and extremely environmentally sustainable and friendly. This chair really touched me as its shape was very modern even though it was made in the 1970's. Such a great looking chair made from such a simple and easy to obtain material is a great design.














"Dates all Australian mop bucket" - Design Lab, E.D.Oates pty Ltd 1988
This was one of the first of the plastic mop buckets, and a great step forward from the old metal mop buckets. It was a one foot wringer at the centre of gravity allowing it to be used with only one foot! This was amazing compared to the old metal buckets where you had to struggle with two feet to keep the thing still and wring the mop at the same time.
















Colgate toothbrush - Colgate 1990's?
This toothbrush was made from the theory that the toothbrush could be a reusable item. Its known the the bristles of a toothbrush wear out, but the handle remains usable. Thusly colgate designed a toothbrush with a changable head, saving material and being environmentally friendly.

Task 5: Week 3 Reflection

"From can touch peoples soul and emotion". This was by far the most spiritual hippy-style design video ive ever watched, but was made humourous by Ross Lovegrove.

Ross has three conditions that he designs by. Dubbed DNA by himself, these are Design, Nature and Art. Most of his inspirations come from natural found materials and objects which he describes as devoid of everything unneccesary and full of what is needed, of which i agree with. He observes how nature grows things, natures groth pattern and uses it as inspiration to design pretty much everything. He designs intelligent form through trusting instict. A very 'to soul' approach to design of which i very much admire because if i could think of half the things he can come up with, i may very well pass this course with flying colours.

This video has touched my own design theory very much. Id never have thought of designing with nature inmind nor getting inspiration from such a source.

Task 5: Week 2 Reflection

One of the major take-home message from this video was the integration of 'Human-centered design' into successful design. This video outlined various ways of how designs have been more human centered. Examples being how they tried to 'humanise' the workspace cubicle by putting home style touches inside.

This video has made me aware of the rapid speed of technological advance in the role of design as well as the major role of human centered design. It has inspired me and left me in awe at some of the new projects accomplished by the designers.

Task 1: Shape of a scent

Task 2: Good Design

The O-Grill 3000

Designer: Elite Design Company (Taiwan)


Bronze, Industrial Design Excellence Awards 2000


The O-Grill 3000 is a light weight portable grill designed for outdoor use. Weighing less than 11.34 kg (25 lbs) and sporting a 225 square inch 9450 BTU stainless steel burner, this grill has features that rival its heavier, more cumborsome and expensive models. This portable grill also comes in 6 different colours allowing the buyer to have a colourful eye-catching but yet functional lightweight grill. The O-Grill 3000 also comes with retractable legs and a detachable storage compartment which also enchance its function.

The O-Grill 3000 is great for camping, tailgating, RVs, picnics , beach parties, apartment decks / balconies and even the extra grill for those backyard parties.


Specifications:*
Portable LP Gas Grill that uses standard propane gas cylinders and features a clam shell design, retractable legs, and a handle for easy transportation. The grill includes a storage case with optional detachable light with a durable PL lamp and is ANSI Z21.89 a-2006 / CSA 1.18a-2006 test approved.
Fuel: 14.1 oz / 17.4 oz propane gas cylinders
Body: Stamped sheet metal with integral grease pan
Heat Output: 9450 BTU
Run Time: 4 hours (14.1 oz cylinder)
Cooking Surface: 225 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast-iron grid
Weight: 24 lbs
Dimensions: 20.5"x8.5"x23" (525x215x580 mm)


Visual Analysis

6 Eye catching colours

Open view of Grill






Various features of Grill

LINE: Friendly, gentle lines created by simple shapes which give the unit a nice welcoming feel.
BALANCE: Grill is symetrical and easily distinguised by the large oval shape
CONTRAST: Bright primary colours contrasting against light/dark greys. This contrast defines the cooking area from the stand and other various attachments.

FORM: Simple and clean. Bulb like shape of grill seems very clean and gives it a fun and outgoing personality. Stand and other attachments also personify the object giving it 'legs' and a 'back'. Ergonomically shaped handle allows easy carrying.
COLOUR: Strong primary colours along with silver and black options allow product to be targeted not only to younger buyers, but even more mature buyers.
TEXTURE: Lightly textured polymer giving it a soft look.
PROPORTION: Large grill oval shape dominates the object giving it authority.

References:
http://www.idsa.org/IDEA_Awards/gallery/2008/award_details.asp?ID=617
http://www.pro-iroda.com/ogrill.htm

*Specifcations taken from
http://www.pro-iroda.com/ogrillorder.asp
All images taken from IDSA.org or pro-iroda.com