BRIT LEEK
2014 PORTFOLIO
BRITLEEK@ GMAIL.COM | 24 8.622.1666
MY NAME IS BRIT LEEK.
ABOUT ME
I CAN OFFER A NEW PERSPECTIVE
WORK EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
ThinkLabs [Product Design Intern]
College for Creative Studies BFA Product Design Class of 2014 May Graduate | with Honors
February 2014-Present
I’M BURSTING WITH NEW IDEAS
HMS Mfg. [Product Design Intern] September 2013-January 2013
LUNAR Design [Product Design Intern] May 2013-August 2013
I LOVE BEING PART OF A TEAM
PTI Design [Product Design Intern] August 2012-May 2013
Wayne State University Interior Design 2003-2005
META VACUUM PROJECT Innovating upon the traditional vacuuming experience by making the vacuum conformable to a variety of flooring surfaces and shapes. We designed a vacuum that could better adapt to consumers needs. Team Members: Brit Leek + Ellise Smolenyak
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RESEARCH Consumer review conclusions. -A stick vacuum should be as powerful as a full size -Lightweight is better -Long power cord -Maneuverability is very important -Should have easy canister open and empty -Needs adjustable motor-driven brush bar -Should have easy assembly -Attachments should be easily accessible and secure -Exhaust should be away from vacuum target -Filters should be reusable and easy to clean
6% 10% 10% 20% 11% 8% 6% 15% 6% 8%
GOALS -To create a better solution for optimal maneuverability. -To find a better way to integrate attachments. -To make it as versatile as possible.
Is this the best shape for a vacuum head?
CONCEPT What is the best shape for a vacuum head? - O n carpet a wide suction path and motorized brush bar, to agitate dirt from deep within carpet fibers, is necessary. - O n hard surface flooring a “V� shaped head works best to direct dirt and debris towards the center where there is greater suction. - A two-part head could conform to corners and around furniture, as well as adapt to the best shape to clean various flooring surfaces. - M ore one-pass-paths would make cleaning faster and easier.
IDEATE By separating the vacuum head into two pieces it can rotate into new positions. Also, by combining attachment pieces onto the design of the wand we eliminate the need for individual accessory attachments.
INNOVATIONS Adaptable vacuum head The Meta Vacuum features a redesigned articulating vacuum head, consisting of two wings that pivot along a center circular track. Each wing of the vacuum head can independently move to fit into corners, rotate to move past obstacles, and spring to the most effective position for either bare or carpeted floors.
INNOVATIONS Integrated multi-use attachment The Meta vacuum design tackles the issue of easily lost and hard-to-secure attachments by eliminating the accessory attachments all together, and integrating the wand and attachment pieces into the design of the upright vacuum itself.
META HAND PROJECT
Meta Hand is a product designed to be a complimentary item to the full-sized Meta Vacuum. It follows the theme of adaptability to better fit the spaces in which it is being used. Team Members: Brit Leek + Ellise Smolenyak
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RESEARCH The fixed size nozzle of a traditional hand vacuum does not adapt well to the variety of surfaces it is generally used to clean: -It is often too wide to fit into crevices. - Not wide enough to effectively clean other surfaces without making many cumbersome passes.
GOALS - A wide suction path and ability to fit into tight crevices without using accessories. -Cordless for maximum portability. -Multi-surface versatility.
IDEATION GOALS Meta product family look – Easy view and empty canister. – Rechargeable battery. – Adaptable nozzle movement.
CONCEPT The adaptable nozzle opens down its center with the aid of electromagnets, which can be engaged and disengaged via the trigger in the handle. Retractable bristles allow it to clean upholstery with ease.
ADAPTABLE NOZZLE CLEANING Meta Hand vacuum features an adaptable nozzle tip, which allows it to open for wider passes along surfaces, or close to fit into tight crevices.
PORTABLE CARDIAC MONITORING
This project aimed to redesign a wearable device that monitors the heart’s electrical activity. Portable ECG monitoring devices are used to determine how the heart responds to normal activity, which allows doctors diagnose a number of heart rate and rhythm conditions.
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RESEARCH An Electrocardiogram [ECG] is an in-office screening tool used by doctors diagnose heart disorders such as arrhythmias, or palpitations, and conditions such as artery blockage. There are certain conditions that cannot be picked up and diagnosed in the short time the patient is at the doctors office, or the doctor may want to see how the patient’s heart responds to normal activity. For this, patients wear home a portable ECG device, and have the electrical activity of their heart recorded for a period of time ranging from 24 hours to four weeks.
The device generally consists of three parts: -Multiple adhesive electrodes. -Lead wires which attach electrodes to the recorder. - A recording device, which stores the data.
PROBLEMS - Lead wires accidentally get pulled on and out by the patient. - The adhesive used to attach the electrodes is often irritating. - The electrodes do not provide any feedback to the patient. -The recorder is uncomfortable, and cannot be worn while showering.
CONCEPT Integrating Wireless Tech: By incorporating low cost, ultra- low-power wireless networking modules, lead wires can be eliminated. Rethinking Materials: If repackaged in silicone the device becomes comfortable, waterproof, and semi-translucent to blend with a variety of skin tones. Let them know it’s on: By integrating feedback lights within both the recorder and electrodes patients will know the device is on and working. Tegaderm film as adhesive: Allows moisture to escape and oxygen to enter for breathability. Up to 7-day wear. Stays on in bath and shower. Flexes and moves with body. Hypoallergenic.
IDEATION Through research of current and emerging technology, and several rounds of sketching, a three-part wireless system consisting of two electrodes and one removable-recorder adhered to the patient’s chest using a hypoallergenic super-strong long-lasting yet easy-to-remove adhesive film, was determined to be an accurate, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-wear solution. The reading from the electrodes is collected by the recorder, and sent to the patient’s doctor in real time. The recorder can be removed the from the base to allow for charging at night.
2 electrode “satelite”patches
recorder / display
INNOVATIONS Soft, Sporty, Low-Profile, Waterproof, Wireless The soft silicone packaging allows the device to be worn in a variety of situation where the traditional package would not allow, such as the shower, or while swimming, and gives it a sporty look. Wireless modules allow the electrodes to have smooth surfaces by eliminating both the lead wires and lead wire attachment points.
THE VIC INDUCTION RANGE
A three stage exploration showing the evolution of the induction cook-top through three separate product concepts for a “kitchen of the future” prompted studio. A WHIRLPOOL Sponsored Studio
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INSPIRATION The moody beaches of VĂk Iceland. Which are home to; undisturbed turbulent seas, black sands, geometric towering basalt rock formations, glacial ice, and frosty fog.
AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY
EMERGING MATERIAL TRENDS HIGH GLOSS FINISHES TEXTURE | STAMPING HARMONIOUS BLEND OF TEXTURES LAYERED GLASS
FUNCTION Many cooktops now use magnetic induction technology, but the cook surfaces lack direct feedback around the burner to let consumers know it’s on. Free range induction surfaces do not have set induction “burners” but an entire induction cooking surface. The cookware is automatically identified and heated exactly where it stands.
SKETCHES Exploring aesthetic directions, and functionality.
SMART SENSE COOK-TOP [feasibility 0-5 yrs]
Individual induction zone cylinders are located under a smooth glass surface. Visually giving the cooking surface depth and texture while maintaining a smooth cleanable surface. Smart sense induction zones are triggered when a pot or pan is placed on glass-top cook surface. Lights turn on, and indicate which induction zones are currently being used.
FULL INDICATION COOK TOP [feasibility 10+ yrs]
The next generation induction top leaps from the idea of intuitive induction zones, and drops all induction cylinders down to a lower platform surface until they are ready for use. This visually provides even greater depth and well as movement below the glass top. Smart sense induction zone cylinders remain lowered, then rise up to the glass cook top and light when a pot or pan is placed on the cook top surface.
MAGNETIC INDUCTION SAND COOK TOP [feasibility 20+ yrs]
Taking the line a step further into the future, this cook top uses a glossy black magnetic sand, known as Magnetite, to rise to the glass surface above and heat the pots or pans that are placed on the glass top. The movement of the sand below the surface and as it rises to the pots and pans, as well as while the appliance is on and providing heat, not only provides the consumer with feedback to indicate the appliance is on, but also looks beautiful. Even when not in use the cook tops can provide a soothing screen-saver-like experience. While in an idle state the sand top can subtly simulate the relaxing movement of ocean waves.
LUMI INTERACTIVE BOOK PROJECTION
An exploration in expanding the reading experience for children through integrated and interactive projection mapped elements.
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INTERACTION WITH READING With movement from physical books to tablet based reading are kids lacking a physical interaction with the product they crave? Could the reading experience move beyond interaction with flat screen?
THEN
NOW
? NEXT
INSPIRATION. Layered and laser cut paper, textured ceramics, mixed materials, and cutting edge projection mapping technology.
LUMI BOOK PROJECTOR LUMI is an interactive projection-based reading system for children. The starter LUMI kit comes with one pop-up LUMI story book, which contains several blank laser cut tear-resistant pages that the LUMI projector will “read” with it’s camera, and precisely map projections to accordingly. With each new page the projector will project new story elements, and play background sound clips.
PROJECTOR ATTACHMENT
1. Closed LUMI with easy carry handles.
PROJECTOR ATTACHED AND OPEN
2. LUMI Projector stores safe inside the case.
3. The projector clicks into place along the top edge of the case.
4. After the base is locked into place the projector top can be folded open.
CUSTOM LUMI BOOK SPINE The cylinder-shaped book spine stores projection information, and allows book to be securely held by the LUMI base by spring-loaded pins. Projection information is read by the LUMI unit through the book pins.
KID FRIENDLY MATERIALS Both the handles and bottom edge of the LUMI reader have soft durable silicone coverings. The outer body of the LUMI reader is made from Beech wood,. The interior body, hinges, and projector are made from BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free PBT plastic.
PROJECTION MAPPING The LUMI laser cut book pages are blank until they are brought alive by the projector. Both the text and visual content of the story are projected onto the pages. These are not simple stagnant light-up elements, but moving changing elements, that not only change with each page as the story progresses, but also react to your interaction with the page.
INTERACTIVE PROJECTION ELEMENTS Thorough elements, such as pull-tabs and sliders, the projections can change and react to interactions with elements on the pop-up pages.
SNEAK PEEK PROJECTS
A preview of my most recent work completed throughout the last semester of my senior year. If you’d like to see more please let me know.
Works in progress
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luxury back brush | sonic face scrubber | dual sided exfoliating wash cloth
BRIT LEEK | http://be.net/britleek | britleek @ gmail.com | 248.622.1666