Wednesday, August 26, 2009
project one: experience enrichment
Sewing can be a fun and enjoyable activity, however the need to unpick stitches, is not. Although not always aesthetically palatable or pleasurable to use, a seam unpicker is an essential item in any sewing kit. The majority seam unpickers on the market are comprised of flimsy plastic without the ability to gain a sturdy, comfortable grip; not to mention hideously plain. Why not turn a grisly task into a peachy experience?
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
This is neat! - Don Norman has cleverly narrowed down three ways good design makes you happy. Norman explores a triad of levels when it comes to connecting emotion and design.
The first category is Visceral; this level explores the way in which people like or dislike a certain item. Although this level is completely subconscious, we can intentionally control this in certain ways, i.e. choosing certain typefaces and colours to create a more pleasant compositions.
The Behavioural level is an automatic reaction and is all about feeling in control. When products have a certain heft and weight, we have a sense of being in control.
Reflective is the super ego, it's in the state of consciousness. It's the reason why people buy things simply because of the fact that they want it. It's the reason people buy cars we know don't work well; it's because they look impressive. It's the conscious decision of choosing a product for the sheer fact that it makes us happy.
These three levels of emotion are a skillful way of breaking down the design process. Awareness of these elements allows designers to identify ways to create good designs that make people happy:)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
video reflections - david kelley: human centred design
'Design is about humans now' - David Kelley is a forward thinking man, he has clearly illustrated this in his presentation on Human Centred Design. Uniting practicality and human needs into products provides the client with a fully customised design solution. Kelley's talk focuses on introducing behaviours and personality into products. By acknowledging the core of the client's needs, Kelley and his company IDEO have grown by leaps and bounds in the design industry. IDEO have formed a way of communicating the design process beyond the typical convention of 3D models and renderings with their concept of video production, giving it a more humanistic impression.
The work executed for Prada New York centres around customised technology. The shopping experience is enhanced through the use of interactive display screens to retrieve information on merchandise, lcd changing room doors with the ability to black out and clear with the click of a button, and a 'magic mirror'; a camera that enables the shopper to view their clothing from behind thanks to a 3 second delay. This incorporates interactivity in a practical way and emphasises designing for personable involvement.
Dilbert's Dream Cube really transforms an otherwise boring and dull office cubicle into an individualised space. The employee can work in a more home-like and relaxed atmosphere through the integration of natural elements such as a light that replicates the sun's movements throughout the day and a flower that slowly wilts as the day progresses. These subtle components alter the environment into a pleasant and more enjoyable work place.
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.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
task one: shape of a scent
Summertime, relaxation, floral, fruity; womanly. The scent transcended charming notes of citrus and blooming clusters of wildflowers. It was apparent the scent was a womanly fragrance, with this is mind I set out to create a 'shape', using plasticine, that exhibited its feminine inflections.
I placed emphasis on a curvaceous form, making the object smooth and shapely. My three attempts were, to say the least, very monotonous. I found it quite difficult to convey the essence of the enchanting fragrance in a simple shape (and it did not work in my favour that I had not read the brief thoroughly). My final effort, did not turn out as successful as I had hoped. Perhaps it is because I had invested too much attention on sculpting a curvilinear form, and less on creating a vessel.
Nevertheless, there are a myriad of elements I would alter if I were to redo my attempt.
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