Groove Groove
Chris Pembridge 1
Table of Contents Project Statement
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Research 3 Ideation 5 Prototyping 7 Final Design
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Manufacturing 11 Packaging 13 Photos 15
Project Statement Using skills and knowledge you have and will be exposed to, research and design a consumer lighting device. Utilizing specified materials, make a prototype of the product complete with Point of Purchase packaging. A small production run of products will be made and offered for sale. Your specific product proposal should address the following areas of concern: Functionality, Aesthetics, Manufacturing and Ergonomics. The packaging must be an integral part of the function or aesthetic of your final product.
Groove
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The design for Groove started with an understanding of the target user. Students and faculty share a common need for a work space, and with that comes a functional desk lamp. Adjust-ability For a lamp to be functional in a working environment, it has to adapt to the user. These examples demonstrate some clever ways to adjust the position of the light source.
Research 3
Materials Lighting is most comfortable when it is natural. With this in mind, Groove takes inspiration from natural materials. These examples demonstrate how the material can be a strong characteristic to the overall design. Manufacturing The design challenge called for a short production run. This was carefully considered in the research phase. It was important that the manufacturing process be seamlessly integrated into the design.
“I need something functional” -Sean R.
“Price is important” -Kim P.
Groove
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The ideation stage is where the research was able to manifest into numerous concepts. By establishing some features like natural materials and adjust-ability, a unified array of possible designs emerged. Geometry The most promising forms came from combining simple rectilinear shapes. These were particularly appealing when thinking about the possible materials that already come in the form of boards or sheets.
Ideation 5
Hinges It was important to the functionality of the lamp that it have some degree of adjust-ability. Being able to adjust the angle of the light makes it more versatile and comfortable for the user. Cost Since this lamp was being marketed towards students, keeping the cost low was a must. This meant using readily available materials like wood and textiles along with simple joining processes.
Groove
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Prototyping was a vital step in designing Groove. Through several iterations, the concept evolved from a rough idea to refined product. This is where I was able to experiment with several different materials and construction methods. Early Iterations The first couple prototypes used burlap adhered to plywood to create an adjustable and even collapsible lamp. The burlap acted as a living hinge which opened up an array of possibilities.
Prototyping 7
Further Development As the iterations went on they became more and more practical. More durable cloth and more attractive woods were used. Solutions to problems in stability were found and adjust-ability became a key feature. It still packed flat which made for easy storage and transportation. By the time the final prototypes were made, the manufacturing process had been streamlined.
Groove
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Groove combines functionality and style into an affordable desk lamp. Materials The wood slats are recycled cedar shakes that have been sanded and finished. The cedar has a beautiful aesthetic in its appearance, texture and aroma (which is magnified when the bulb is lit). The fabric is “duck cloth� a sturdy canvas material that has an appealing texture and comes in several colors. The duck cloth is wrapped around eighth inch hardboard which is both economical and structurally sound.
Final Design 9
Functionality Groove can be folded down to just an inch in thickness, allowing for easy shipping and storage. The folding function also allows the user to adjust the angle of the light while altering the form of the lamp. The result is an interactive desk light that changes along with your needs.
Simple Functional Stylish
Groove
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Groove was designed with manufacturing in mind. It is a simple two component process that is easily repeatable. Fabric structure The first component is the fabric structure. The hardboard pieces are cut and laid out on the duck cloth. Then using a water soluble adhesive, it is wrapped around the hardboard and bonded. Nylon ribbon covers the resulting seam. This structure provides most of the function and stability to the lamp.
Manufacturing 11
Cedar Shell The second component is cedar that encases the fabric structure. Old cedar shakes are cut to size and sanded down to reveal the rich red wood underneath. The angles cut into the bottom corner provide the lamp with some rigidity and keep it from “flopping� around. They are then adhered to the fabric structure using the same water soluble adhesive.
Groove
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The packaging for Groove takes full advantage of the functionality of the lamp’s design. Storage Groove’s ability to pivot creates a unique opportunity for varying structure. In the case of packaging, it houses the bulb, chord and instructions without adding too much bulk to the profile. The lamp itself provides the structure to protect the bulb, eliminating the need for expensive packaging.
Packaging 13
Simple The packaging for Groove is minimal because the lamp is the packaging. A paper hexagon keeps the contents from falling out and the label holds the lamp in it’s packaged form. The graphics follow the minimalistic theme. They show the logo alongside a silhouette of the form when it is constructed. On the back is some lighting information about the bulb provided.
Groove
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Chris Pembridge cxp2823@rit.edu 716.969.3339
Rochester Institute of Technology Junior ID Studio
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Groove
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