Week 9: Creative Project

Hello, once again I am back and hard at work on this delightful project.  Since the last post I have continued with my experiments on weaving and started making it take shape into a 3D form.  One major change I have made is that I switched from the nylon cord to a polypropylene one.  Polypropylene has proven to be softer to the touch while still being easy to work with by melting when put to a flame, just like the nylon cord.  Also, it can easily become hollow by removing the fibers from within it.  This has become an important benefit because it allowed me to solve the issue of having a flimsy, collapsing form.  To fix this problem, I now string wire through it!  The cord encases the wire to make it friendly on the hands.  The wire allows me to create a weaving pattern with the cord but has the added benefit of being able to support itself.  Although, one issue I am concerned with is that if the wire goes through too much stress it becomes weak and can break, resulting in sharp edges.  Another fun thing I have recently added is some rings, both plastic and metal.  As of now I am just experimenting with what they can add to the overall form and how to integrate them in with the weaving patterns.  Results are soon to follow (in a week to be exact).

04.13.15 Creative Designs

CAMO – Simple yet effective, this table top looks as though its floating with its unconventional legs. http://www.internoitaliano.com/index~phppag,8_prod,37_pagefrom,4_cat,0_art,0_mat,0.html

LASA – Simple mechanics are at work in this metal serving tray.http://www.internoitaliano.com/index~phppag,8_prod,29_pagefrom,4_cat,0_art,0_mat,0.html

BARD – Support with a little bit of squish in this stone-like stepping stool. http://www.internoitaliano.com/index~phppag,8_prod,35_pagefrom,4_cat,0_art,0_mat,0.html

Boomerang – Adapting to the changes of people and time around it, this bench alters itself slightly to accommodate multiple people. http://www.designboom.com/design/anna-szonyi-boomerang-bench-dubai-design-days-district-04-11-2015/

Aeris – Science, nature, and design is combined in this re-imagined domestic air purifier. http://www.designboom.com/design/aeris-altrove-lab-fabrici-04-09-2015/

Lanesplitter – Looking like it’s straight out of a TRON movie, this futuristic vehicle splits into two motorcycles for double the mile coverage. http://www.designboom.com/technology/argodesign-lanesplitter-car-concept-splits-motorcycles-new-york-auto-show-04-09-2015/

Drop – Arne Jacobsen’s Drop Chair is coming back to life as if will be manufactured and sold after decades from its original release. http://design-milk.com/arne-jacobsens-drop-chair-comes-back-life/

Trobla – The speaker is comprised of interchangeable pieces to accommodate different smartphones for amplified music on the go. http://www.designboom.com/technology/wooden-tok-tok-trobla-interchangeable-smartphone-04-11-2015/

Subsea Coffee – Modeled after marine mechanics, this 3D printed coffee set hopes to help implement a social brewing time into the normal workday routine. http://www.designboom.com/design/3d-printed-subsea-coffee-maker-vera-kyte-saint-etienne-design-biennale-04-11-2015/

NOLI – Feed your fish right with freshly trimmed flowers in this lighthearted vase. http://www.internoitaliano.com/index~phppag,8_prod,15_pagefrom,4_cat,0_art,0_mat,0.html

Week 8: Creative Product

To continue on in this creative project journey, I felt as though the next stop along the way should be practiced research on how one goes about weaving.  Since I have never done it before, this was a learning experience.  I chose to buy a massive roll of nylon rope and just started going to town.  At first I did whatever made sense in my head in terms of weaving.  After that failed (it looked cool but was very flimsy), I decided to go on the good ‘ole Google to search up some patterns used on basketball nets and hammocks, as they were the true source of my inspiration.  These results proved to be more promising.

The overall look ended up being something that I can plan on using for my models.  It has an appealing look, a soft touch, and is a technique that is often overlooked.  However, there were some problems that I ran into.  For one, even with all of the knots and interlocking sections it still wouldn’t be strong enough to support weight while maintaining a desired form.  To move forward I think I will have to experiment with additional materials to form an underlying structure.  Also, I would like the model to be able to be played with, something that responded to the movement of hands.  How will this happen?  Good question.  Hopefully an answer will soon be available.  Possibly with the materials as well?  I’ll figure something out.

04.06.15 Creative Designs

Dune – Made from fiber cement, this modular outdoor seating takes a typical building material to be used by the artistic consumer. http://www.dezeen.com/2010/10/27/dune-by-rainer-mutsch/

Hanno – Take the intimidation factor out a razor sharp blade with this lighthearted case. http://serialthriller.com/post/30578666138/hanno

Curvy Chair – Designed with the idea that of the “animistic belief that every non-human form has a spiritual essence” this unique chair took shape.http://design-milk.com/curvy-chair-best-selling-writer-paulo-coelho/

Diamond – Wash up in this clean, diamond cut basin born out of the iconography of a typical gemstone. http://www.designboom.com/design/purapietra-diamond-washbasin-moreno-ratti-paolo-ulian-04-04-2015/

Manta – This handmade leather bag clings to your body perfectly as its non-bulky form has adjustable straps to be worn as a backpack or a shoulder bag. http://design-milk.com/manta-backpack-bag/

Buster Bulbs – Each of these LED bulbs is meant to make a statement and provide an ambient glow that it would be a shame to cover them with a shade. http://design-milk.com/buster-punch-led-buster-bulbs-look-great-naked/

SIVU – Adjust the illuminated area of this foldable table lamp by changing the angles to create a moody and soft ambiance. http://www.designboom.com/design/sivu-foldable-table-lamp-simo-lahtinen-04-05-2015/

Quirk – Rethink your storage with these off beat pieces that defy gravity. http://design-milk.com/family-quirky-cabinets-magenta-workshop/

Caruma – Two handmade techniques are seamlessly blended together in these one of a kind vases to form an example of ‘intercultural dialogue.’ http://design-milk.com/angolan-basket-weaving-meets-traditional-ceramics/

03.30.15 Creative Designs

Pallet – Lift up your beverage with this pallet coaster. http://serialthriller.com/post/19588666617/coaster

Faceless – Is it a watch? Is it a bracelet? No one will be able to tell with this LED faceless watch. http://serialthriller.com/post/22386966323/faceless-led-watch

Deep Tea Diver – Infuse your tea with this under the sea intruder. http://serialthriller.com/post/28063269248/deep-tea-diver

Balloon – Light up your life with this playful night light. http://creativitea.org/inspiration/product-design/crous-calogero-balloon/

Barky – Every tree-hugger needs their very own turntable to bring their vinyl tunes to the outdoors. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-games/973625.jsp?cm_mmc=CJ-_-Affiliates-_-rewardStyle-_-11292623&utm_medium=rewardStyle&utm_source=AFFILIATES&utm_content=rewardStyle#/

Concrete – Bring a block of concrete onto your kitchen counter with this beautifully unique espresso maker. http://serialthriller.com/post/18600526097/concrete-espresso-maker

Suspension – Create a halo-glow over your table with this floating light. http://serialthriller.com/post/74375585664

Fluid Rocker – The soft curves and ergonomic form of this chair make it as inviting to look at as it is to sit in. https://www.behance.net/gallery/Fluid-Rocker/246172

MacHook – Let your headphones hang with ease on your monitor with these minimal hook. http://serialthriller.com/post/20196036035/machook

03.23.15 Creative Designs

Urban Philosophy – Minimalism takes a new meaning in this trippy chair. https://www.behance.net/gallery/21426041/Urban-philosophy

Prism – With a simple see-saw motion, turn this nightlight on and off for no fumbling around in the dark. https://www.behance.net/gallery/14348851/Prism

SPIRITs – Rethink the typical patio furniture with these fun colors and unique shapes. https://www.behance.net/gallery/22339583/SPIRITs-

CLoverware – This line of cutlery sure is clever as the set snaps together to form multi-functional pieces for urban-dwelling outdoor enthusiasts. https://www.behance.net/gallery/24703843/Cloverware

Windy – Every shade of these tables and shelves form elegant and practical art pieces. https://www.behance.net/gallery/24760677/Windy

Rain – Who needs 90 degree angles when you have this sculptural bookshelf. https://www.behance.net/gallery/2610579/Rain-bookshelf

Alcove – Alcove lamps use illumination to highlight functional areas as well as providing small adaptable environments. https://www.behance.net/gallery/24725637/Alcove

OUTLINE – These ceramic and wood lamps take shape with simple geometric outlines. https://www.behance.net/gallery/24520211/OUTLINE-lamps

Cascada 34 – Sail in luxury with this sleek, ultra modern superyacht.https://www.behance.net/gallery/23914449/Cascada-34-Luxury-sailing-yacht

Mesa – Inspired by the American terrain, this set of occasional tables takes shape with the use of bent plywood. https://www.behance.net/gallery/24704061/Mesa

Week 7: Creative Project

After doing initial sketches, market research, and utilizing creative thinking techniques, I thought it would be best to establish design goals and opportunities for this project.

Objective:  Design a stationary item using creative thinking techniques.

Goals for the Final Design:

• Make a functional pen holder for a desk.
• Come up with a creative solution to aid in the organization of a work space.
• Create an object that inspires the user.
• Create an object that adds vibrancy and fun to the work space.

Design Opportunities:

• Use a material other than wood.  (Everything made in studio to date has been primarily a wooden product, however, the majority of commercial products are not wooden.)
• Learn a new technique of producing a 3D object.
• Consider touch, the tangible feeling of the object, as much as the visual aspect of the design.

The design goals and opportunities is a lot to ask out of a simple pen holder, but I don’t think it is impossible quite yet.  I am interested in testing new techniques for producing a 3D object in a material other than wood.

For example, I became inspired for producing a fun desk accessory after finding a foot hammock.  It easily clasps onto any table top and is a unique way to kick up your feet and relax.  The hammock part is what really inspired me.  It got me thinking about using cords or rope to weave an object together.  Cords can be very strong and durable, so a commercial product could be made using them.  This then made me to consider what other objects are woven together: baskets, basketball hoops, clothing, wire, chain link fences, etc.  Who knows, I could potentially use this method to produce some fun shapes.

Week 6: Creative Project

Why not do another week devoted to creative thinking about this project?  It worked out so well last time to help me consider aspects of the design that had I previously had not.

Personally, the ‘I wish…’ statements are my favorite.  I love when people are straight forward with me.  The I wish statements allow the user to realize that they can be in control of designs.  Design is meant to reflect a certain attitude.  It’s a reflection of the people that made them and of the people who use them.  The ‘I wish…’ statements help people to realize that something they use everyday may not work as well as they thought and they just choose to live with it.  We shouldn’t have to settle for poor design, yet we do everyday.

For my task of creating a pen holder, the useful vs. novel debate wasn’t too helpful for me.  The main function of a pen holder is simple: to hold pens.  Crazy I know.  Anything beyond that gets to be novel pretty quickly.  The negative brainstorming proved to be the same.  It didn’t expand my mind beyond what I had already considered.

03.16.15 Creative Designs

Blub Uno – You’ll never want to stop checking the time in this retro-looking clock that hides modern day technology. http://design-milk.com/blub-uno-clock-youll-never-want-stop-checking/

Helix – The titanium helix folding bike efficiently compacts to its wheel size to make it perfect for commuting, excursions, and traveling. http://www.designboom.com:8080/design/titanium-helix-folding-bike-compact-wheels-02-25-2015/

Spring Hole – This outdoor furniture collection captures an organic hole in the moment as it connects the environment with furniture.https://www.behance.net/gallery/22520907/Spring-hole-furniture

Fire Vase – Perfect for gardens and terraces, these high-temp ceramic vases provide a little extra heat to a night of stargazing. http://www.designboom.com/design/fire-vase-martin-azua-marc-vidal-03-15-2015/

The Level – Be active at work with this motion deck that detects subtle movement in the body as well as increasing heartrate. http://design-milk.com/surf-work-better-health/

Perch – Made from a bentwood frame, Perch opens up the space and improves accessibility as it is determined to unclutter the modern public workspace. https://www.behance.net/gallery/22969737/Perch

Bean – Inspired by the natural geometry of a coffee bean, mahogany was CNC-cut into slabs to showcase its distinctive brown tones in this beautifully crafted table. https://www.behance.net/gallery/18355841/Coffee-Bean-Table-

Power Saddle – Suited to both men’s and women’s anatomies, this Specialized bike seat is made for a versatile, more comfortable ride. https://www.behance.net/gallery/24402017/Specialized-Power-Saddle

Trempel – Made from recycled materials, these once cardboard tubes are transformed into elegant clothes hangers. https://www.behance.net/gallery/24387743/TREMPEL-are-made-of-cardboard-tubes

Reptile – Increased motor power, decreased weight, and anti-shock suspension seats make for speeds up to 50 knots in this jet capsule.http://www.designboom.com/design/jet-capsule-reptile-03-13-2015/

03.09.15 Creative Designs

Taking a different approach for the week, I decided to focus on finding creative packaging designs and learning how they can dramatically benefit the products they hold.

Menzo – Heavy duty and over top, this soap will boost the ego of any manly man. https://www.behance.net/gallery/22969827/Menzo

Gris 12 – Every designer knows what these numbers and letters mean. Why can’t the tools that we design with also be beautiful? Just another reminder that everyone deserves good design in their everyday life. http://designhey.com/gris-12-pencil-package-design-student-work/

Proactiv – Sub minimal messaging is utilized in this student packaging for a twist on the common face cleanser. http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2013/08/proactiv-packaging-student-project.html

Fire Fighter – Precautionary measures are taken in this bottle, to make sure you “use in case of party.” http://www.packagingoftheworld.com/2012/07/fire-fighter-vodka-concept.html

Soap Stones – Simple and clean is just what you get from the packaging of the beautiful Pelle soap stones. http://www.thedieline.com/blog/2014/4/23/pelle-soap-stones

BEEloved – Drawing from nature, the honeycomb inspiration makes for a luxurious, simple, clean, and effective packaging. https://www.behance.net/gallery/7297839/BEEloved-honey

Naked – Make sure to be gentle with this shy, intimate care product as it pinks-up and forms to your hand. https://www.behance.net/gallery/21385367/Naked

Butcher’s – In case you aren’t sure of what you are buying, this packaging makes it very clear. http://www.fromupnorth.com/packaging-inspiration-958/

LH2O – Made to resemble molecules of water, these bottles of water uniquely stack together. http://www.fromupnorth.com/packaging-inspiration-958/

Diamond – Aqua Carpatica is the purest water, showcased as it glistens as every drop of its precious water is like a diamond.https://www.behance.net/gallery/Diamond/594769