Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Video Reflection 4: The Power & Beauty of Organic Design - Ross Lovegrove

Ross Lovegrove looks upon nature for design cues and inspiration for his products. His extensive use of fractal geometry and curvilinear lines create an almost alien experience for the average observer, but the funny thing about that is, these shapes and forms occur everywhere in our world, we just can't see them.

He exploits technology in vast ways to produce his creations. Whether it be analyzing the cell membrane of a leaf and using it for a chair, or using advanced bio-polymers to create products that would be impossible to reproduce with conventional manufacturing methods and materials. His take on design is bold and enlightening, albeit shrouded in his arrogance and ego.

Image sourced from:
http://www.designboom.com/eng/interview/lovegrove/dbportrait.jpg

Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWqkKYwvTNw

Video Reflection 6: Designing Dream Machines - Richard Seymour & Dick Powell

This video gives us an almost candid view of how this particular design firm & its team operate. From the initial brainstorming, to prototype design and all the way through to product presentation & demonstration. This video differs from the others in that rather than imparting onto us a philosophy or style, it instead demonstrates a practical exploration of what its like to work as a designer.

Many aspects of this video reflect what we are being taught and how we are being raised to operate as designers in our studio classes. I find this quite relieving, to be honest. If this is what the work place will be like once I graduate then I should, hopefully, be comfortable in this environment. These professionals experience the same things we are already experiencing in our studio classes. The same trials, frustrations & epiphanies we gain working with classmates and our tutors. From frustrated meetings with clients to last minute deadline rushes, it is almost comforting and yet almost disconcerting that this is what this career path will lead to, and the fact that this pattern may not change even while working in a design firm.

I see the same sense of accomplishment in them, that I feel when I finally submit an assignment. The only difference is they get paid for it.

Image sourced from:
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/DCImages/About%20Design/Resources%20for%20teachers%20and%20students/Teaching%20and%20learning%20resources%20for%20schools/R_Seymour_&_D_Powell_Med.jpg

Video Reflection 5: The Story of Stuff - Annie Leonard

"We only have 1 world".

You know, I've heard that phrase repeated so many times its desensitized its impact on me. It just doesn't incite the same sense of urgency it once did when I was growing up watching Captain Planet. Its sad, really, and to be honest, I'm quite ashamed of myself for not caring as much as I used to.

Annie Leonard explains this video as plainly and simply as possible, with the purpose of reaching out to anyone & everyone, because the message is a truly global affair. While the video may not have the seriousness of other shock tactic documentary style videos, it does possess an honestly urgent message, and one most people, myself included, turn a blind eye over.

In the video she targets consumerism as the primary cause of the global degradation of resources and the declining state of the environment. I agree with her. She also outs the governments & corporations to be the main contributors and source of these problems. Again, I agree with her. While her enthusiasm is what I like to describe as borderline hippie, its hard to disregard the impacts of our current use of linear production systems and their devastating effects on not only our planet, but our culture, society & way of life, especially when faced with the figures she demonstrated.

Video Reflection 3: Creating Objects That Tell Stories - Yves Behar

Yves Behar strives for greater human interaction with products. He has made it his personal mission to create objects that not only look nice, but interact with the user in a natural and provoking manner. He mentions that 'the design is never finished', this ethos illustrates his effort and the amount of thought he brings forth through his designs.

Behar says 'he did not want to be a stylist' and instead wishes to 'design things from the inside out'. This is very clear in the designs he demonstrated in the video. The Jawbone & Leaf Lamp projects in particular were involving concepts which saw his design team not only change the way we interact with the products, but develop the technology alongside to create a synergy within the product itself. The Leaf Lamp imparts a closer user interaction with an otherwise mundane object, while the Jawbone has been sexified to make it more appealing to the fashion conscious consumer.

Image sourced from:
http://www.metropolismag.com/webimages/183/YvesBehar_t346.jpg

Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGn8F4j6pH8

Video Reflection 2: Emotional Design - Don Norman

Don Norman gives us an insight into the three carnal human reactions to design. He explains how we respond to designs on a subconscious level, drawing from feelings seeded in our biology, personal experiences and social acceptances.

This video was quite fascinating. His dissection of the three levels of design (visceral, behavioral & reflective) was interesting in that he makes it seem as we have no control over the experience we receive from a particular product. It draws great importance to the forethought the designer has impregnated into his/her design and imparts a great deal of responsibility, I believe, onto the designer.

The fact that a product does not have to be entirely practical to invoke happiness is another fascinating point. Phillipe Starck's juicer, for example, and the way Norman only uses it as an ornament is great testament to something having a greater emotional bearing on our subconscious than just simply being a tool.

Image sourced from:
http://www.sd.polyu.edu.hk/de2008/images/nite_images/don_norman.jpg

Video Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlQEoJaLQRA

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Upcycling Unwanteds - Geared Up!

Despite having a love for cars, motorbikes & all things fuel driven & ozone destroying, I actually have a deep concern for the environment and the devastating impact the human race has encroached onto it. Contradicting, I know, but that's a whole different argument.

For this particular assignment I set personal goals that I wanted to achieve with my product:
  1. Visual Impact.
  2. Strong, Long Life.
  3. Easy to Reproduce.
  4. Help People (Either through the manufacturing process or the product itself).
Before brainstorming product possibilities, I set out to obtain a suitable material. Once I had found this material I was determined to find a purpose for it. I chose discarded motorcycle & car parts primarily because they were appropriate for what I wanted to achieve, particularly my 4th goal which I will go into later. These parts are also relevant to my interests & I enjoy spending time at wreckers & junk yards, thus enriching my own experience for this project.


The Cause

One of the things that inspired me throughout this project is the ability for upcycled products to create employment for the underprivileged in developing and poverty stricken countries and areas. Because of this, I wanted to create a product using a material that was relevant to these countries & their people. India, China, Brazil & a lot of South East Asian countries in particular all have densely populated cities, rife with poverty. What I had discovered, however, was within these cities, the most preferred mode of personal transport was the motorcycle or motorized scooter. I had this idealistic vision for my product, the underprivileged would be hired, trained & paid to manufacture my table.

Vietnam - A Sea of Motorbikes & Scooters


The Material

Once I had established my material source, I had to narrow down my choice & decide what specific parts I wanted to use. I chose the sprockets & chains for a number of reasons.
  • They were a logical choice in terms of their material capabilities.
  • These parts are strong & the chain has unique properties that allow it to be formed and mated with the sprocket.
  • They are a common, replaceable part on a motorbike, thus making them readily available.

Motorcycle chain & sprocket

It seems like such a waste for someone to throw these away, the chain in particular, but once they wear past a certain point they become unsafe on the vehicle & must be discarded. The chain & sprockets themselves, as a whole, are still strong, but the sprocket teeth may be overly worn or the chain stretched past safe tolerances, thus ending up in junk yards (or my backyard).

The chain isn't an easy product to recycle either. It can't simply be melted down for its raw material. Chains are usually covered with lubricant or grease, differing grades of steel are used for the different parts of the chain & the rubber O-Rings make it a very exhaustive process to recycle.


The Design

I had some difficulty during this stage of development. I wanted a design that expressed and exploited the physical attributes of the materials, whilst still maintaining the character from its previous life. Mating the two parts together and using them in unison seemed like the answer, as it was a direct reflection of how they were used on the vehicle, but still maintained the strength I wanted in the tabletop. The chains are not completly welded to the sprocket either, its not necessary, only specific chain links have been permanantly attached to the sprocket, the rest are free to move around and make noise, again emphasising the strength of the two materials in harmony.

I used non matching parts, each sprocket and chain is a different design and is unique on its own. This, again, expresses that these parts are in fact collected scraps, and I believe add an interesting dimension to the overall design. Heavy duty road bike chains were used on the outer perimiter of the table for strength, while dirtbike chains were used in the centres to support the legs. No waste of material was created from the manufacturing process. I altered the length of the chain using a chain breaker and have used the broken link segments from that to reinforce the leg supports. If these were to be mass manufactered I would want to maintain that no two tables are the same and perhaps a certificate will be supplied to certify its uniqueness.


I wanted the table to have a polished finish, but through the welding process (or my lack thereof) the metal became tarnished. Sandblasting was out of my budget and hand polishing was too time consuming so I decided to paint it instead. I used a common hammertone paint and applied it using an air compressor & airbrush, avoiding the aerosol can option.

I used this paint because:
  • It provides a tough, wear resitant finish.
  • Protects against corrosion as well as rectifying any rust that was already on the metal.
  • It gave an attractive textured finish.

Time to end my rambling


Final Product Poster

I believe I have achieved a satisfactory result for the effort I have put in. There are some aspects that I would have & should have put more time in (the legs...), but I think I achieved what I originally aimed for and that this table, maybe with some alteration, could in fact make a difference and can sell quite well should it go into production.

It probably works better as a stool rather than a table at the moment...



Peer Comments
- Gleb Lebazine
- Kiran Kashyap
- Sussana Li
- Charmaine Chen
- Lucinda Waters

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Postal Presents - The ROADIE!

I wanted to design a container that could be durable, easily stored, have a second purpose & can easily fit into a guitar case. I decided to develop a container that also held several picks on top, for easy access. The intention was that the guitarist would use velcro to stick it onto his amp for convenience, then pack it up in his case then move to the next gig. I felt, however that this concept alone was not strong enough, so I designed some accompanying accessories, such as a pick holder which wraps around the headstock of the guitar, as well as some cable ties.

My intention for this product is that it be sent to musicians or enthusiasts as a gift and kept nearby as a handy emergency item. It is totally possible for this product to be used as band or corporate merchandising and would be a fun & functional way of advertising.


The Target:
  • Rock/Metal Genre
  • Electric Guitar/Bass Players
I decided to target a specific niche of the guitar playing community for my particular design, so I could have a consistent theme running through all of my designs & posters etc. This was a personal decision, as I feel it helps develop unity between the product & its associated packaging.

It's called the 'Roadie!' because that is its purpose. It serves as the personal road crew (people who carry & pack up all the equipment during a gig) for the guitarist. It helps keep everything organized and tidy, so that they're ready for the next time they're used. The product has to be durable enough to use a multitude of times and withstand abuse & the rigours of touring, much like a real roadie.

Poster advertising the product.


After finding my target I went about designing the product itself. By incorporating cliche's & common themes surrounding my target, I decided upon a dark & sharp form, that was rigid & appeared almost contorted if the light hits it just right.



The material selected was polypropylene. Primarily because it was a very durable material, but it also wouldn't damage or scratch guitars or picks when cut into shape. I would've like to have used metal, but for that reason it was inappropriate for my use. My design also lends towards the strengths of polypropylene. The container takes advantage of the rigid qualities of the plastic, while the straps celebrate its elasticity. Another advantage for polypropylene is that it comes in a myriad of colours and levels of opacity, thus diversifying the appeal of the product should it be applied to different markets.





Peer Comments:
- Sam Whipp
- Rob Cervetto
- Stephen Mesa
- Gabriel Ly
- Greg Shar