AB Portfolio
About Me I am currently in the second year of studying BA Furniture and Product Design at Nottingham Trent University and am an enthusiastic and hardworking student. I enjoy designing a wide variety of products, furniture, packaging and conceptual pieces. One of my main inspirations is material investigation and research and then application of a new material to my work. I am especially interested in sustainable materials that have unique and innovative qualities. For this portfolio I have selected highlights of my work from a broad range of design briefs completed in my foundation, first and second years.
Skills
Education
Hobbies
Contents Designing for Production Living on Wheels PDP - Narrative in Design Donkey Evolution Product Development PDP Part B Online Furniture Retail
Designing for Production The Brief: Using findings from our cultural trip, explore the commercial homeware market developing a product or small range of products specifically for wood fabrication. Relevant research must be conducted to gain an understanding on the appropriate target market of Heals as well as relevant materials and manufacturing techniques.
Living on Wheels The Brief:To review and develop solutions for the current industry standard three-fold bed action. Explore new and innovative ways but achieving with the same requirements within the current space and price restrictions. Awareness of user experience and the environment of use is essential. Alongside the development of a new and improved bed action you are also tasked to design a new two seater sofa for one of the user profiles provided. Group collaboration with Naomi Jones.
Narrative in Design The Brief:To design and develop a collection of products to bring people together at lunch time. With our busy lives we often eat our lunch on the go or whilst doing work or eat alone whilst on the phone. The collection of products should enable the user to sit down, stop working and increase social interaction whilst eating lunch. The aim is to take a break from work and rushing around and sit down, talk to others and enjoy lunch time.
Donkey Evolution The Brief: To design and manufacture a high quality prototype; a portable freestanding piece of furniture – as typified by the Penguin Donkey by Isokon Plus. The design must also be produced through CNC routing. Focussed research must be undertaken into the Isokon brand, relevant materials and manufacturing techniques, as well as appropriate target markets and user scenarios.
Model Development
By taking the brief literally I decided to develop an actual ‘Donkey’; a child’s seated storage. With sketch models, it allowed me to develop the concept widely. Changing the structure at full scale, it helped establish the correct proportions so that A4 books could be stored and a child has enough room to sit.
I developed the face of the Donkey multiple times trying to make it Bull like and so it would also suit the structure of the storage compartments. By producing a full scale model in cardboard it helps understand how the product will potentially be used before going into manufacture.
Concept Animal shaped children’s storage Donkey, that allows a child or children to sit on the Donkey whilst reading their book or playing. There are several compartments to store several various sized books and magazines and children’s toys. It is made from 9mm and 12mm thick Plywood sheets that are fixed together with housing joints. The face and back of the Donkey are painted with black chalkboard to allow the child to customize their Donkey to suit their personal preference; drawing a face, writing notes etc.
Final Prototype
Product Development The Brief: To design an innovative, complementary product for one of three brands. By identifying the brand, deep understanding of the target market, profiling of this brand, analysing current trends and evaluating competing companies needs to be conducted. Followed by development of initial ideas to create a final product.
Sketch and Model Development From my initial and development sketches, I explored different designs with some sketch models made from cardboard and other various materials. This helped me gain an understanding of how a design would look, work, feel, sit on a models head and see if it is the correct proportion.
Sketch models don’t take long and various mock-ups of designs can be generated quickly thus helping to produce a final concept and design.
With the cardboard models I created a full scale bluefoam model (brief requirement). I did have some difficulties getting the desired shape due to the texture of the blue foam but with practice and development I produced a final outcome. The headband is attached with aluminium rods, which hold the structure together with split paper fasteners.
BEOPLAY
S1
Introducing the S1 in Aqua. A new slimmer wireless headphone with added comfort and grip. 20 hours of wireless playback.
£299
PDP Part B The Brief: PDP Part A involved researching into emerging sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and products. Using the research, design a new piece of furniture or collection of furniture or product range for a selected brand. End result must consist of at least one material researched. (A first year project)
Sketch Development
Beginning with initial sketches, I focused on my research and the structure of a mushroom, which influenced my initial ideas. To develop my ideas and sketches further I explored different shapes, heights and widths. With developing the final design, I needed to decide on the correct shape, design, colour and that it is in the correct proportion.
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Front Elevation Side Elevation Cross Section Plan Elevation Detail 1
Storyboard
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The mixture left bag The mixture is left inisa bag for in fouradays to for four days to and grow grow to produce a white fluffy to textured material. produce a white fluffy textured material.
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To the light, a bulb and cord also Tocreate create the light, a will bulb need be purchased. andtocord will also need to
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Once thethe light islight done itis candone be hungitup Once and be used in any cancanbe hung updesired androom. be
mushroom mixture.
shaped into the desired object.
flour.
be purchased.
more flour before it is transferred to a mould.
used in any desired room.
Online Furniture Retail The Brief: Research the online market and choose a brand to be a client. Considering the market, price point, manufacture capabilities, current ranges of products. To design a new piece of furniture, or collection of furniture or product range for selected brand. (A first year project)
Sketch Development
Beginning with initial sketches, I focused on geometric chairs and stools. To develop my ideas and sketches further I explored different shapes and sizes. When finalising my idea I explored where the arm rest will be placed and leg types.
Light Flow Bar
Dimensions
Height 1250mm Seat Height 810mm Width 480mm Depth 450mm
Materials & Finishes Seat made from 10mm thick blue fluorescent Perspex and 20mm diameter brushed steel rod legs.
A fluorescent light passing bar stool with contrasting textures. From shinny Perspex to brushed steel, its transparent qualities allow light to pass through and highlight the blue Perspex. It is suited to a variety of surroundings, including cafes, restaurants, bars and the home.
ÂŁ270
Contacts Thank you for taking the time to view my portfolio.
Amy Buchanan Email: amybuchanan@blueyonder.co.uk amybuchanandesign Adobe certified associate in Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop