Andy Gao's 2013 Industrial Design Portfolio

ANDY GAO

PORTFOLIO 2012

773 701 1992 7542 N. ROCKWELL ST CHICAGO, IL 60645

SONY SB

Stabilized single serve blender

A single serve blender designer with the philosophy and visual brand language of Sony.

3.5 weeks, personal project

Goal to understand the visual brand language of Sony and to embody the brand’s identity and philosophy into another product.

The Sony brand has continuously pushed the boundaries of technology, while emphasizing functionality through form. "to do away with excessive ornamentation and accentuate a powerful, high performance, professional feel through the use of simple, cool colors and materials."

BALANCE The strong vibrations from the motor cause the blender to shake, forcing the user to hold onto it to balance it.

SPACE Traditional blenders usually take up a large amount of space on the countertop, making it inconvenient to move around.

CONFUSION Out of the array of buttons available on most blenders, most users only ever use one or two of them

Brainstorming Exploring possible solutions.

Space Single-serve blenders reduce the amount of countertop space used.

Balance The TomTom GPS mount features a beveled ring that creates a tighter

suction for extra stability.

Confusion The small size of single serve blenders allow for only one blending option, reducing confusion.

Visual Cues Several Sony products were used as inspiration in the final form.

Colors Sony has a consistent product line using simple, cool colors and materials.

Detail Sony’s electronics have a subtle LED light to reassure users that the product is on and working.

Form Sony’s sa ns300 speakers have a sturdy and balanced conical shape, which translated well over to the shape of the blender’s base.

Materials Sony is notable for their high performance products not only through their technology, but through their materials as well.

Tritan is a strong copolyester that is BPA free, chemical resistant, and sustainable, perfect for the container.

Polycarbonate is a strong thermoplastic polymer that is easily molded to create the base of the blender.

Stainless steel blades ensure long lasting corrosion resistance.

Features The SONY SB includes many features to make the drink blending experience easier.

Threaded lid

Beveled ring

Suction

creates an airtight seal with the container.

is twisted to secure the suction underneath the base.

underneath the blender secures the blender on the countertop.

LED ring

Removable cord

Offset blades

is bright and vivid to indicate that the blender is on.

with a magnetic end makes it easy to move blender around.

create a thoroughly blended drink.

Locking process The suction feature utilizes the same fundamentals as the Tomtom window mounts.

Place

Lock

Blend

Make sure the countertop is clean and free of debris when placing blender ontop.

Rotate the beveled ring to secure the suction in place. The rotation pulls the suction cup upward, creating a tighter suction.

Once secured, you are ready to use your blender.

SONY SB The SONY SB is a perfect fit for any home that wants to make fresh, delicious mixed drinks with a touch of a button.

ACURA OPX

Orbital sander inspired by the Acura brand

An orbital sander designed with the philosophy and visual brand language of Acura.

4 weeks, group project with 3 other members.

Goal To design a line of power tools that embody the essence of Acura Design.

Philosophy Acura has pushed the boundaries of innovation and engineering, emphasizing refined aesthetics and precise manufacturing.

Introduced with he slogan “Acura. Precision crafted performance.�

Visual Cues Taking inspiration from Acura aesthetics.

Edges From afar, the edges seem sharp and angular in appearance, but up close the details reveal a soft radius.

Ventilation The ventilation geometry should reflect the ventilation found throughout the Acura car line and provide a contrasting detail element in the overall organic form.

Grips The rounded form is an understated detail that reflects the approachability of Acura.

Targer User Acura’s latest models have targeted a younger audience. In the same efforts, our target users are young ambitious adults with a substantial income who may have just purchased their first home and are looking for tools to help them renovate.

Target User

Age: 25-35 User Classification: Introductory DIYers Need for tools: Not professionally, but necessary.

Uninformed

Novice

DIYers

Experienced Enthusiasts

Professional

Think they need tools

Will use the tool

Informed buyers

Favor performance over value

Demand reliability

Unlikely to actually use

Inexperienced

High level of ambition

Prefer versatility

Technically knowledgable

Highly driven by familarity

Desire value Appreciate professional level

Understand their specific needs

User Lifestyle The target user of our power tools have a standard 9-5 job which will allow them have some time after work to plan their household projects.

Morning

Midday

Evening

Gets up from bed bright and

Gets dressed, makes breakfast,

Drives to work in their Acura and

Returns home from work and

Has the confidence and skills to

early.

and gets ready for the day.

begins their workday.

plans their household projects.

use their powertools to work on their own projects.

Form Studies

Final Group Rendering The line of power tools inspired by the Acura brand include an orbital sander, a hand vacuum, a chainsaw and an impact driver. This line of power tools is geared towards young, first-time homeowners who are ready to tackle on their first household project with confidence.

Aesthetics The Acura OPX draws inspiration from Acura’s subtle edges, contrasting vents, and understated grips in order to bring together a cohesive design.

Simplicity The power button of the OPX is simple, making the sander more intuitive and approachable for users.

Acura OPX Orbital Sander inspired by Acura’s product line.

Simple, powerful, intuitive design to help you with your household projects with confidence from start to finish.

ACESCO

Assistive walking device

A walker that relieves wrist and upper extremity pains.

6 weeks, personal project

Goal To redesign the traditional walker in order to promote usage and to relieve upper extremity pains caused by traditional walkers.

Assistive walking devices used by people in the US (in millions) Based on studies conducted by the American Congress of of Rehabilitation.

Canes

4 Walkers

1.5 Crutches

1.2

30-50%

abandon their device soon after receiving it* *http://www.usuhs.mil/med/geriatrics/ AssistiveDevicesforBalanceandMobility.pdf

Gathering insight Learning why 30-50% of individuals abandon their device from professionals through interviews.

Stephanie & Rebecca, Physical Therapists “Environment should be clutter free, avoid rugs.. Generally do not like using walkers because they don’t like being seen walking around with one.

Dr. Ho, Physician “Floors should be uncarpeted as wheelchairs and uneven surfaces make wheelchair access difficult.” Prefer “furniture walkers” which can be dangerous because the furniture may not be stable.”

!

What I learned: There is a problem with maneuverability in walkers.

There is a stigma with using walkers, deterring usage.

Current issues Addressing the problems based on research* and interviews.

Pain The upper extremeties have extra load bearing due to all of the weight being placed on the elbows and wrists.

Difficulty of use Reports have found that the difficulty of use deters recommended patients from using their walkers.

Stigma Interviews from professionals have indicated that there is a medical stigma from using traditional walkers.

Movability Reports and interviews show that movability across carpets and through rooms is difficult. *https://www.premierinc.com/safety/topics/falls/downloads/2-JAGS-Falls.pdf

Drawing Inspiration Finding products that addressed the issues of pain, difficulty of use, stigma, or movability in their design.

The Aid by Egle Ugintaite The Aid is a concept design for the year 2050, meant to break away from the ‘medical’ aesthetics and to look more like an art piece.

Cane by Michael Graves Inconspicuous design in order to steer away from the ‘medical’ stigma of walking devices while still maintaining form and function.

Takano Heartworks Redesigns the folding process for walkers and canes, creating a smooth and balanced experience for the users.

Form Studies

This is Charles...

Charles is turning 67 soon.

He likes to take early morning walks through the park.

However, his legs aren’t what they used to be.

He would feel more comfortable holding onto something, but his walker is causing wrist pains.

Charles wants to stay active, but what should he do?

Maneuverability The large diameter wheels allow for easy maneuverability over carpet or bumps.

Height Adjustability The height is adjustable from 2-6 inches in difference by simply pressing the locks on the side and sliding the aluminum legs down.

Dispersed Weight Acesco is unique from traditional walkers because it takes the upper body weight of the user and spreads it out across the arm instead of focusing it all on the wrist and elbow joints. The dispersed weight reduces upper extremety pains and injuries.

Accessories Included in the design of the walker are bag hooks located on the lower brace, which allow users to carry personal belongings or groceries with them without having to hold onto them.

Structure The body of the walker is made from aluminum extrustions in order to stay lightweight yet strong. In order to avoid medical ‘grey tubing’ that traditional walkers have, the aluminum is painted white.

Simple Folding The large, easy to push button located in the center of the crossbar allows for a smoother experience when storing the walker away in a closet, car trunk, etc.

Acesco Acesco is a redesigned walker that relieves wrist and upper extremity pains. It allows users to be independent by worrying less about injury and more about excercise and freedom.

GLACIA

Self cleaning public mouse

A self cleaning mouse designed for public spaces to reduce the spread of bacterial contamination in public environments.

2.5 weeks, group project with 1 other member.

Currently in the final rounds of judging for the Red Dot Design Awards.

Goal to redesign the public computer mouse in order to better combat bacterial infection.

Computer Mouses

are the second most highly bacteria-infested items in a list of commonly touched objects, yet people do not clean them as often as they should due to inconvenience

CFU (Colony Forming Units) per sq cm Samples were taken and measured on commonly touched public items.

72hours

=

amount of time bacteria can stay alive.

Based on research controlled samples of the computer mouse at home, office, and public spaces showed different levels of contamination.

home

public spaces

office

91%

91%

100%

High traffic computer mouse usage occurs at...

Schools

Hospitals

Libraries

Cyber Cafes

Meet Cliff and Ashley

Cliff is very sick. Ashley is healthy!

80%

of infections are spread through hand contact with hands and other objects.

HIGH INTENSITY NARROW SPECTRUM (HINS) A narrow band of visible-light wavelengths centered on 405 nm which decontaminates the air and all visible surfaces, regardless of accessibility, through direct and reflected exposure to HINS-light within the treated environment.

The HINS-light is being developed for use in hospital overhead lights and is not harmful to humans.

HINS-light can make a significant impact towards bacterial decontamination in public environments.* * http://www.gizmag.com/light-decontamination-hospital-superbugs/16941/

60%

more effective than cleaning and disinfection.

86%

reduction in surface bacterial levels

Reduced Contact Area The removed area in the center of the mouse reduces the amount of touch points that the user's hand has with the surface. The less surface area for the hand to touch, the less bacteria there is to spread.

Interval Cleaning The mouse cycles through the HINS light every hour for 30 seconds to ensure thorough cleaning, convenient for hourinterval reservations at libraries and cyber cafes.

Manual Cleaning When lifted off of a surface, the HINS light turns on and can be used manually to clean other objects, extending the functionality of the mouse.

Idle Cleaning By pressing the button in the center, the mouse is raised revealing the HINS light. In this idle cleaning mode, users who leave for prolonged periods can have a peace of mind knowing their desks will be sanitized.

Glacia The Glacia is a self cleaning mouse designed for public spaces to reduce the spread of bacterial contamination in public environments.

ANDY GAO

gao.designs@gmail.com 773 701 1992 7542 N. Rockwell St Chicao, IL 60645

Education

Activities and Honors

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design August 2009 - May 2013 (expected) Cumulative GPA: 3.45/4.00

Industrial Designers Society of America, Student member

Work Experience UIUC Art+Design Building, 3D Lab Technician January 2011 - present Oversaw and operated the lab’s laser cutter and 3D printer for students.

January 2011 - present

Pillsbury Scholar, Recipient Fall 2011 - present

Red Dot Design Awards, Entry currently in final judging Spring 2012

UIUC Link Gallery ID Exhibition, Participant Spring 2011

Coca-Cola Art of Recycling, Third place winner Spring 2011

UIUC Art+Design Building, Workshop Technician

Roland Realty T-Shirt Design, First place winner

January 2011 - present

Spring 2011

Maintain safe work environment for students while assisting students with projects and tools.

UIUC Link Gallery Foundation Exhibition, Participant

H Design, Freelancer November 2011 - December 2011

Qualifications

Prototyping detailed product models with low to high density foam.

Analog Creative thinking and problem solving.

Interdisciplinary collaboration in team projects.

Quick at learning new skills and techniques.

Illini Prosthetic Technologies, Volunteer Fall 2011

Assisted with the assembly of prosthetic limbs.

Spring 2010

Digital Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign Autodesk Inventor and Sketchbook Pro Solidworks 3D printing knowledge Luxion Keyshot Microsoft Office Word, Powerpoint, and Excel Wacom Intuos and Cintiq sketching

Thank you for your time.