Wednesday, August 26, 2009
project one: experience enrichment
The base of my idea originates from the frustration of having to unpick stitches with the standard feeble tools available. This redesigned seam unpicker makes the job more bearable with its sturdy yet lightweight frame. Not only does this seam unpicker have an ergonomic shape for a comfortable grip for either left or right-handed users, but also it has the added feature of a needle threader at its base. This dual function tool eliminates the need to have both a seam ripper and needle threader in one sewing kit, freeing up space for other items. The design of the exterior is whimsical and cute with its playful yellow and black striped pattern resembling a honeybee.
Ideally, this product would be made of plastic for its lightweight properties. The product would not only be available in a range of patterns, i.e. ladybird print, butterfly pattern, etc. but it could be made in a broad range of plain colours to appeal to a wider market. For this particular design, the product is aimed at 35 - 50 year old housewives that enjoy making cute crafts and sewing projects.
Overall, this delightful product enhances the user's experience because it's simple to use, has a dual function, and is a fresh change of pace from the standard devices available.
Mood board:
Original concept:
Technical drawing:
Sunday, August 23, 2009
video reflections - yves béhar: creating objects that tell stories
"Together... maybe we can change the world" - Yves Béhar has been strongly influenced by story telling; he elucidates in creating objects that tell stories. After finishing design school, Béhar started working for a consultancy where he began questioning the true needs of people. He then branched out into designing on his own and focused on what was important to him - the human experience and matching human needs with functionality.
Y Water is a perfect example of taking an everyday object and launching it to another level. Taking a simple product such a water bottle and turning it into a healthy and organic drink for kids, epitomizes transformation in design. The bottles themselves are entirely symmetrical and have the ability to fit together and create a fun game for children to play with. Whilst looking at the shape, it unintentionally led to the development of its name - Y. 'Why' being one of the most important question children ask.
The XO '$100 Laptop' combines education and technology, the mission of 'one laptop per child' was the start of the of the XO story. The XO Laptop provides the world's poorest children with a low-cost, wifi connected computer, which is designed to promote education and learning through a fun and colourful medium. This product is inspiring, and knowing that children in less fortunate countries now have the opportunity to develop in ways they previously may not have had the chance to is heart-warming.
As Béhar exclaims, "Design is never done" - this statement perfectly encapsulates why designers need to constantly grow and adapt to current changes. As designers we have to think about how we can create a unique relationship between our work and the world.
Image source: http://www.designboom.com/eng/interview/behar/1.jpg
Sunday, August 16, 2009
video reflections - don norman: emotional design
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
video reflections - david kelley: human centred design
Approtec is a prime example of designing to benefit humanity. The production of water pumps benefits communities by generating jobs for the population and providing year round commerce, which inevitably boosts the economy concurrently.
It is imperative for industrial designers to view such videos to get a sound understanding of the importance of fusing human needs and progressive problem solving. Remaining well educated in new discoveries is crucial in evolving a contemporary vision. Such developments not only inform, but inspire designers to think in a new light.