Graduate Industrial Design Por tfolio Co n n o r D ev i n e
Hello - I’m Connor, An MDes Product Design Graduate from Coventry University looking for my first role as a designer... linkedin.com/in/connordevine connordevineID@gmail.com
A little about me ...
I’ve always been a curious person, ever since I was a child I’ve been taking things apart and putting them back together. My love for all things design stems from this curious streak, I find enjoyment in every phase of the design process but in particular applying everything from the research phase into the initial concepts stage is what really excites me. Whilst I’m comfortable working alone at heart I’m a team player and really enjoy working in groups. For all the ups and downs group projects bring I believe that in the end the outcome is often better and more rewarding. My first design love was cars, due to this and my curious streak I am currently learning about the internal combustion engine by rebuilding a Triumph Spitfire 1500 engine with intention of finding a car to put it in. When I’m not messing about with car bits I tend to spend my time playing 5 a-side football, working on my fledgling entrepreneurial venture, or reading.
What I’ve been up to...
//01
Loop
//04
//02 Garden Tools
Hygge
//05
//03
Luna
Clay Head
//01
Domestic Food Recycling - Loop Loop was my major final year project at Coventry University - A solution to reduce the amount of food we waste in the UK, inspired by the Circular Economy - pioneered by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Loop Domestic Food Recycling The Idea of Loop is to enable the user to recycle food. My aim was to apply the principles of The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy, traditionally attributed to plastic waste to the issue of food waste in the UK. Loop is a self contained domestic food recycling system, which through the reclamation of nutrients from waste food allows the user to grow new food. This helps by reducing the amount the user is required to purchase and can help to reduce wastage through education to the value that food has and avoiding over purchasing. This document is a summary of my final year MDes project and follows the project from conception to completion - which took place during the 7 month window of the academic year. There’s plenty I’d do going forward, and a few things I’d tweak in hindsight, so if you have any questions or suggestions then lets talk!
1// Research
2// Ideation
3// How it Works
4// Nursery
// Subcontents
Loop is a big project, it’s a system primarily and that means there’s a family of products each requiring their own research and ideation, it’s tricky to slim down any more than I have already without losing any substance. People often suggest that a portfolio should only be a few pages per project but with the nature of this one that’s not really possible. This contents should help to break down the project into more manageable bites.
5// Composter
6// Cultivator
7// Shelves
8//BOM
//Research // Problem definition
Breakdown of UK Food Waste.
My first term was dedicated to creating a research document - on these pages I have skimmed down my work to some key facts.
Household 7.3Mt
// User Factors ? ??
Manufacture 1.7Mt Retail 0.2Mt Hospitality 0.9Mt Other 0.14Mt
Consumers have low awareness of how much food they’re wasting.
Consumers have poor awareness of what products they own.
Consumers prefer to have too much than too little and often over buy.
// Symptoms and Effects If food waste was a country it would be the 3rd largest producer of Greenhouse Gasses.
25x
Globally 23% of all water used annually is for producing food that is not eaten.
Young Professionals were Young Families were identified as a Key identified as a Key User Group as their impulsive User group, commonly eating and buying habits wasting food due to a hypersensitivity to use by leads to waste. dates.
The UK wastes 7.3MT of annually. 4.4MT Avoidable 1.3MT Possibly Avoidable 1.6MT Unavoidable
The Average Household wastes £470 per year on uneaten food. Families of 4 can waste up to £600.
Food that gets sent to landfill decays and creates Methane, a greenhouse gas 25x stronger than CO2.
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//Personas
The Williams Family // Young Family
James & Carly // Young Professionals
. 25 & 23 . Powertrain Engineer & Account Manager. . Value Freedom and Flexibility. . Impulsive Lifestyle
James and Carly are a young couple who’ve recently acquired a mortgage and moved in together. They love the new found freedom and spontaneity of their new lifestyle. They rarely plan their meals or shops and buy purely on impulse. Often leftovers go to waste as they’re ignored in place of a takeaway or convenience food. Whilst both agree it is bad to waste food they’re not willing to make major or time consuming changes to the lifestyle they love and desire products which reduce waste without inhibiting their freedom.
// Young Professionals Key Needs
. On Demand Food . Low Skill/Effort Requirement . Low Maintenance
// Young Families Key Needs
. Child safe in operation and misuse. . Reliable food source. . Engaging and educational
. 33 & 31 // 4 & 1 . Teacher & Local Newspaper Editor . Children are Priority . Busy & Organised Lifestyle.
Sue and Steve Williams are parents to two young children, Daisy and Daniel. Their time is precious and dictated by the activities their children undertake. The family plan shopping and meals a week in advance & would much rather have too much than too little so often over buy on key items. Completely unwilling to risk the health of themselves or their children Sue and Steve never use ingredients that have passed their use by date, even if they look and smell fine.
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//Aesthetic Mood Board
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//Visual, Use and Semantic Key Words Tranquil
Fulfilling | Blissful | Consistent | Reliable
Honest
Un-Processed | Clear | Clean | Understated
Natural
Growth | Easy | Healthy | Ethical
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//CMF
// Colour
For the product colour I proposed white for the plastic components and a light wood to contrast these. A green element would compliment to natural brown and contrast the white.
// Material
Due to the fact the growing trays must be watertight and not degrade I have chosen plastic, possibly ABS or HDPE as the material for the trays. The shelves should be a bamboo ply - a versatile and cost effective material which is both fashionable and sustainable. The final main component of the product will be the plants themselves, the green of growing plants complimenting the bamboo and contrasting the white plastic.
// Finish
Regarding finish the plastic parts should be finished in a rough sand blasted mould. This offers not only benefits to grip when in use but also gives a matte finish. Being bamboo the shelves should be sanded smooth and finished with a light finishing oil creating a glossy soft finish, contrasting the plastic parts. Plants cannot be ‘finished’ per-Se, but with proper care will grow green and luscious.
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2// Ideation
// 1
Concept 1 was a system which tracked products in and out of cupboards and fridges to help users to remember what they own and buy accordingly.
// Project Aim
Design a product that educates users of the value of food and empowers them to both reduce their avoidable food waste and find value in their unavoidable waste.
Following the research phase I began to mind map with the assistance of a group and then sketch out my ideas, basing my concepts on both the key users I had identified and the key drivers and effects of food waste I had uncovered.
// 2
Concept 2 was for a storage box which detected degradation in food stored within it and alerted the user to this, encouraging them to eat leftovers before they go off, and to reassure them that their food is safe.
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// 3
Concept 3 was similar to #1, a probe or portable ‘sniffer’ to help users get an accurate guide on if food was safe to eat.
// 4
Concept 4 was the concept I ultimately settled with, originally an all in one system where composting was used to create heat, and through harvesting that heat the product would generate electricity used to grow food.
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3// How it works
The operation of Loop is simple, the user plants a batch of seeds in the Nursery, and leaves them to germinate and begin to grow. During this time the user collects their food waste in the composter and sprinkles Bokashi on-top of each layer. When the composter is full the user puts it aside to ferment for two weeks. The user then begins the same process with a second composter whist the first is breaking down their waste. After two weeks once the composter has broken down the food waste and the seedlings in the Nursery have begun to grow the plants are potted in the Cultivator, using a Bokashi/compost mix. Once the plants are fully grown they can be harvested and eaten, with any left overs going straight back into the Composter, completing the cycle.
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// Nursery
// Composter
//Cultivator
1//
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2//
1//
2//
3//
4//
3//
4//
3//
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1 // Rock wool planting plugs soaked in water. 2// Nursery assembled with correct tray & rock wool plugs inserted. 3// Seeds planted in Rock wool plugs.
1 // Food is placed in composter.
1 // Tray filled with Bokashi and soil.
2// Bokashi bran is sprinkled over food waste.
2// Rockwool plugs transferred to planting pots.
3// When composter is full lid is sealed and left for 2 weeks.
3// Planting pots planted in tray. 4// Tray placed under lamp.
4// Leachate is drained periodically. 4// Tray filled with water.
5// Plants harvested as needed. 5// Treated food waste is emptied.
5//
5// Nursery moved to bright location.
5//
5//
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2// Ideation
Whilst the product development process was not linear the first part I focused on was the Nursery. Going into the process I was aware that I wanted to allow the user to grow at a flexible rate and manage multiple types of crops and began designing based on this concept.
One of the key initial ideas I had was to drop the trays through the shelf, forcing a neat and uniform layout on the shelves.
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// Sketch Modelling
Having decided on a rough form I began to look into the interactions, I was determined to try and keep a sleek profile, and created a test rig to work out if my idea of dropping the tray through the shelf and using the taper to catch it was reasonable. I modelled and tested different grips with 95th and 5th percentile hands and also looked into the distance required between each tray for the user to comfortably be able to pick up the tray.
I decided that the best way to begin designing was to work out the arrangements of growing plugs. Using cardboard I began sketch modelling out different arrangements taking into consideration effective use of space/materials, whether draft angles would likely intersect with the rockwool holders etc. I ultimately decided on a 4x4 grid, an effective use of space and 16 plants seemed like not only a manageable amount of plants, would, when in a set of 4 allow 64 plants to be grown at any one time, at various stages of development and allow for easy management of 4 varieties of leaf.
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I also tested simple thumb tab shapes for the insert. When empty it’d be easy enough to use the planting holes to lift the tray, but as I found with my benchmark researching this was much harder once it was full.
I tested some different shapes and sizes for fit and aesthetic value.
Through my development whist designing a lid for the Nursery, I was presented by two problems, A) the lid I’d designed, looked awful once vac formed and B) the lettuce I’d grown under a lid had very weak stems and was completely floppy - I later read that when plants are grown under a lid there’s no airflow, plants need airflow or physical movement to trigger strong stem growth. Despite most existing products using a lid I ditched the idea, I felt I could achieve the same benefits by simply raising the tray up high, away from accidental damage.
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1mm indent allows for snug fit of insert.
Strengthening on base reduces potential flex and removes the need for internal ribs, therefore avoiding sink marks.
Holes in the base allow roots to grow down but also offer easy removal of planting plugs.
Thumb tab for tray removal.
Large radius offers good controlled pouring action. Maximum weight <1KG affording comfortable and easy use.
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2// Composter
What is Bokashi?
Bokashi is an anaerobic Japanese fermentation process which essentially pickles food through the use of microbe enriched bran.
Why Bokashi?
It’s Easy: Users can compost all types of food, including meat, bones and dairy. It’s Silent: Bokashi doesn’t create any putrid odours It’s Fast: Food waste can be fermented in 2 weeks and composted to soil in another 2 weeks. Leachate makes great plant food: When mixed with soil and water Bokashi leachate makes great fertiliser for plants. Why not Compost? It’s time consuming: Traditional compost requires turning, tracking Carbon : Nitrogen ratios & moisture control. It creates greenhouse gasses: Even well kept compost heaps secrete greenhouse gasses.
The test which forced me to drop the idea of traditional composting was this composting container made from two 2l drinks bottles. I tested periodically for temperature changes to see if enough heat would be produced to harvest any reasonable amount of electricity. The ultimate conclusion was no, not at all. The temperature peak was relatively warm but was far too short lived, it was also extremely hard to keep the compost heap in good condition and the final resulting product was a revolting, putrid mulch. Despite having done lots of research and carefully composed the heap with what I believed to be a good C:N ratio and water content I failed to attain an even remotely acceptable outcome, suggesting that the process is simply far too hard for the average user to make it worthwhile.
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// Sketch Modelling
1//
2//
3//
4//
5//
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I decided to test the principle of Bokashi composting to see if it really was odour free, and could realistically be achieved in 2 weeks.
I began by taking 2 buckets of the same size and drilling holes into the base of one, these holes acted as drains for leachate, the holed bucked is placed within the standard bucket so that leachate can be caught.
The bottom of the inner bucket is lined with Bokashi to ensure that the bottom layer of food is processed and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn putrid.
Food is layered on-top at about 1 inch at a time. Anything can be added so long as it is degradable, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not unusual to add cooked food or meats - one time I added a whole chicken breast with no bad odours.
Each layer is sprinkled with Bokashi bran, ensuring that the top and bottom layers are processed. In between layers the food should be pressed upon to squeeze out any air as Bokashi composting is an anaerobic process.
The bucket is sealed and left for 2 weeks to treat the waste, the final product is almost pickled and smells of vinegar. Whist this bucket is processing the user can begin to fill another bucket, and after two weeks swap around, constantly cycling between 2.
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// Further Development
Following on from my functional research I wanted to establish an attractive form which complimented the nursery and set about looking at opposing tapers to try and create a functional yet attractive form.
From the testing I did I was able to assemble a sort of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;shopping listâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of components I would need to design and consider if I were to successfully design the composter.
From my testing I was aware that a house of 4 wasted circa. 9 litres of food every 2 weeks, based on this I toyed with some different ratios for my composter and tested how they fitted on my worktop.
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Push clip makes lid easy to open.
Pieces assemble and disassemble easily for easy use and cleaning. Large opening area allows for easy filling and spreading of Bokashi.
Enough capacity for 2 weeks of food waste.
Lid removable to aid cleaning. Removable base used for leachate collection.
Spring loaded hinge allows for easy opening.
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Plastic Gauze helps separate leachate and Bokashi
Taper of compost bin catches gauze making it easy to place.
// Alternative Solution
The assembly and manufacturing difficulties I encountered when designing the composter were amongst the most difficult during the project, I made a large change in how the body was assembled and how leachate was collected towards the end of term and that concept is still a work in progress here.
Large opening area allows for easy filling and spreading of Bokashi.
The sliding tray (without side and back wall in images) Offers a more elegant solution to removal of leachate and also allows for the mid and lower section to be assembled as one, it also allows for the body to fold in on itself increasing strength and acting as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own support
Alternative sliding leachate collection tray concept. (Cutaway sides in images)
One Piece moulding folds in itself for extra strength and to improve assembly.
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6// Cultivator
Based Heavily on the Nursery the Cultivator is simply a second home for the plants grown in the Nursery, Retaining the same styling but changing in size and function. The design process for this component was very much function over form.
Planting pots are circular to allow the user to twist them into the compost.
Central channel allows displaced compost to leave and affords the user a space to water.
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//7 Shelves Using measurements for familiar items I set about plotting my shelves - I was keen to use existing items as references, I measured and observed multiple cupboards in IKEA and also took inspiration for a single kitchen fridge - a size and shape that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all familiar and comfortable with.
To tie all of the other components together I designed a shelving unit. I researched the key ergonomic areas, considering which components would be best at what height and arrangement to try and ensure use of the system was effortless and convenient.
Based on the measurements I took I plotted out my shelves in real size on my wall, using my Housemate as a reference and after discussions and querying the way in which each component was used, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maximum weight and how often it would need to be handled I was able to plot out the arrangement of each shelf ensuring that they complimented the component that would be housed on them.
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Top shelf makes use of space above nursery and dissuades users from hanging items from the dowel. The Nursery Shelf sits slightly above maximum work surface height - not a problem due the nursery weighing just 1kg in use. The Cultivator trays sit at 90cm off the ground - the height of most work surfaces, making harvesting and moving easy.
The Drawer assembly acts as both hidden storage and a shelf for other kitchen items.
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//8 BOM
<2.5>
146.62 25.00
121.70
.0°
24.50
N-1
15
<1.5>
Following designing the system I looked into the costing and pricing of the system - This page shows an example, I do have a more comprehensive list but its rather boring and very long and ultimately not necessary for the purpose of this portfolio.
<59.50>
149.80
<2.00>
N-2
146.62
19.86
14.08
27.00
Part Number
Part Name
Material
Process
N-1
Nursery Tray
HDPE, 10% Glass Fibre Filled
Injection Moulding
N-2
Nursery Insert
HDPE, 10% Glass Fibre Filled
Injection Moulding
TOTALS
Finish
Bounding Mass (g) Mould Cost Quantity Box (mm) PM-T1 W: 149.797 x 111.209 £ 1524.10 4 per pack Med Glass L: 149.797 x Bead. H: 59.506 PM-T1 W: 170.253 x Med Glass L: 146.621 x H: 30.419 Bead.
65.227
176.436
£ 1482.06
4 per pack
Cost £ 0.569 for 1 £227,600 for 400,000 £ 0.422 for 1 £ 168,667.06 for 400,000 £3.96 - Set of 4 £396,267.06- 100,000 sets
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//02
Hand-held Trimmer Human Factors Project. This project focuses on the physical and semantic interaction that users have with products. Designed for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Garden Proudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; user group this product was focused on the skilled enthusiast.
//The Market Professional Quality Area of Opportunity
A - Bosch ISIO - £64.99 The best selling product of it’s kind on Amazon, reviews are very positive and praise it’s long battery life, easily changed blades and build quality.
A
Price -
Price +
Garden Proud // Oliver & Mary // 58 & 60
B
Partners of 35 years Oliver and Mary live near Bath in their family home, since their children have left home Oliver and Mary have decided to invest their new-found free time into their garden. The couple’s love of gardening extends beyond the work they do in the garden, regularly they read gardening publications and visit public gardens, last year visiting the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Their garden is a great source of pride and whilst gardening is a great way for them to spend time together they both feel that the main sense of reward comes from showing off their hard work when they host garden parties in the summer months. Oliver and Mary take great time and care choosing and maintaining their equipment, and as such are willing to invest large amounts of money into high quality products.
B - BLACK+DECKER GSL700 £54.99 Despite being only £10 less than the Bosch this product has many more negative reviews with key criticisms being a weak motor, poor build quality and an uncomfortable design.
Entry Level Quality
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//Existing Product Research // Product Disassembly
Dismantling an existing product provided me with many useful insights into the construction of other products on the market, regarding injection moulding techniques and also the packaging of components. Gaining a greater understanding of the components themselves and their dimensions was also invaluable, as was understanding the relationship between parts.
//Key Ergonomic Factors // Grip Type
The nature of the tool and the task will require a power grip. Maximum grip strength is found at 40mm diameter in men, and since the female hand is 20% smaller, circa 32mm in females. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to remember the user will likely be wearing gloves.
// Deviations
Deviations of the wrist can lead to trauma in the carpel ligament and cause carpel tunnel syndrome. A radial deviation is a deviation towards the thumb side of the hand and an Ulnar Deviation is toward the little finger side of the hand. Ulnar Deviations are more damaging than radial. Radial Deviation
// Flexions
Neutral
Ulnar Deviation
Dorsiflexions
As with Deviations, Flexions over extended periods can cause discomfort and damage. Dorsiflexions are the most damaging flexion, especially when paired with Ulnar Deviations.
Neutral
Palmar Flexion
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//Ideation
3
//Final Model
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// Feature A key part of the ergonomics of the tool are visual; the 3 raised lines on the blade release button offer a grippy surface and visually suggest that they should be interacted with.
// Feature
The large front button features a latch which holds the front of the blade unit in place, when this is pressed the blade is released allowing the user to swap it for a different tool.
// Feature The 4 indents which pass from tool to blade cassette help the user to visually align the two parts ensuring theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve securely attached the cassette.
During my disassembly I found the blades on the Bosch tricky to change and felt that this system would make changing the blades easier and safer.
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// Handle Length The handle spans 150mm allowing for a comfortable grip for even the largest hands, it also helps to offset some weight from the heavier front to the back, allowing for a better balance.
// Grip Diameter The diameter of the handle is 35mm, a happy medium between the ideal 32mm for women and 40mm for men -this also allows for a comfortable grip in gardening gloves.
// Comfort TPE grips increase users grip of the tool reducing the need for an over firm hand grasp. This helps to make the tool comfortable to use over extended periods of time.
// Colour Theory Using red for function buttons makes the product more intuitive through colour semantics, suggesting that the red shoudl be interacted with but also acts as a gentle reminder that this is a safety switch and the tool should not be misused.
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// Handle Grip
// Motor and Gears
Colour: Deep powder blue with white speckles.
3.6v motor driving a gearbox made from poly-amide nylon, which is resistant to chemical degradation and hard wearing, ideal for gears which need to be greased.
Material: Over-moulded TPE. Finish: Matte rubber effect.
// Body Colour: Brilliant White Material: HDPE with glass bead filler for added toughness and tensile strength. Finish: Matte.
// Battery and PCB 1500mAh Lithium Ion battery allowing for circa. 60 minute run time. PCB with switch for activation and charging port at the rear. Located as far back as possible to offset the weight of the motor and balance the product better.
// Trigger Colour: RGB Red Material: Polypropylene with added glass bead create matte texture and improve properties. Finish: Matte.
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// Screws 6 Screws hold the left and right shell together. Spreading the load evenly avoiding areas of high stress.
// Bungs To avoid unsightly holes in the product TPE Bungs are manufactured to match the shell and cover the screws once theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in place, this helps to reduce the risk of water and dirt ingress and also reduces the risk of users tampering with the product.
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//03
Clay Head Visual Language Project. This Project doubled as an exercise in Clay Modelling and as an introduction to Visual Form Language. Beginning with a Lion head, I adapted the form, using itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key features to a different visual cue, once a week for the duration of the four week project.
Original Form
This page details the sketch development and exploration of the original Lion form.
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Fluid
A substance able to flow easily and freely, elegant or graceful.
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Dynamic
Characterized by constant Change, Activity, or Progress.
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Architectural
Having or conceived of as having a single unified overall design, form, or structure
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Monolithic
Large, powerful, indivisible, and slow to change.
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The aim for my final clay head form was to create a dramatic juxtaposition with the strong, static monolithic form on the left side of the face, blending into the quick dynamic form, full of motion and energy. I was ultimately pleased with the outcome of this project, I gained an insight not only into the techniques involved in clay modelling, but also the patience and persistence required to create a smooth finish. This project also reinforced how a styling to a visual theme can completely change the appearance and semantics of a product.
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//04
Hygge Scandinavian Chocolate Bar Undertaken in my 1st year of university Hygge is a chocolate bar designed to represent the culture of the Scandinavian nations. A project which focused on form, interaction and packaging design.
//Research
//Key Semantics
// Geography
Togetherness Scandinavia is comprised of 5 nations, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland.
Key Scandinavian Landmarks include Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blue Lagoon, Norwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fjords and the Northern Lights.
// The People
Tranquillity Of the top 5 happiest nations in the world 4 are Scandinavian. All 5 feature in the top 10. - World Economic Forum.
Of the top 5 Socially Conscious nations in the world 3 are Scandinavian. All 5 feature in the top 10. - Social Progress Imperative.
The Danish principle of hygge involves appreciating the small things in life and plays a large role in staying happy during the long winter months.
During my research I learnt about a lot of differences between the 5 Scandinavian nations. Each nation has a unique way of life but they all share some common themes which make them amongst the happiest nations on earth. Each way of life in Scandinavia places a real importance on Togetherness and emphasises the enjoyment of the simple things in life, which, along with Scandinavia beautiful scenery I felt was best described as Tranquillity. These words and the elements their semantics were the main drivers for my design.
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//Design // Branding
// Bar Concepts
The Hygge logo uses â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walkway SemiBoldâ&#x20AC;? a soft and gentle sans serif font, helping to create the calm and tranquil appearance. The text is underlined by 5 cubes, each in the defining colour from the flag of the Nation they represent, this minimalist reference to the individual nations is subtle but clear and also draws attention to the logo.
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//Bar Design // Form The pentagon shape represents the 5 nations that traditionally make up Scandinavia. The diamond in between encourages the pieces to break 2 at a time making the bar ideal for sharing, representing the social consciousness of the nations.
// Form The flowing up and down of the pentagon pieces is inspired by slow lapping water or mountainous terrain, both relevant to Scandinavia. This adds visual appeal and adds the semantics of tranquility.
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//Packaging Design // Packaging Inspiration The key inspiration for the border on the front of the packaging was the mountainous landscapes that can be seen all over the Scandinavian nations, from the Fjords of Norway to the Mountains that run through the Scandinavian Peninsula. The large calm lakes inspired the gentle pastel blue and open space above the mountain border.
// Packaging Inspiration The calm pastel green was inspired by the beautiful and vast areas of conifer woodland in Scandinavia, specifically Sweden where over 50% of the land is covered in forest.
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//05
Luna RSA 2017 Brief. The brief for this project was an RSA 2017 Brief on Wearable Technology. This project is an exercise in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;blue sky thinkingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and acts as a purely conceptual application of new and emerging technologies. Covered in this section is research through to conceptual renders.
//Research // What’s Available Gyroscope Gyroscopes are used to determine the orientation of a user or device and detect tilt.
Heart Rate Monitoring a users heart rate can increase the efficiency of a workout, calculate a users fitness levels or detect heart problems.
Temperature Tracking temperature has many uses, from checking a child’s fever to avoiding overheating in electrical components.
Pressure Can be used to detect the force of an impact or whether there’s an occupant in a car who should have a seatbelt on.
Location Using GPS the users location can be found to within 5 meters, useful for monitoring speed or tracking movement.
Air Quality Used for detecting dangerous pollutants such as Ammonia, Sulphur Dioxide and Methane.
//The Market
Key Player A projected 322.69 million smart-watches are expected to be sold by 2019.
Globe WASP - Life saving fire-fighter apparatus. WASP is an advanced system used to keep fire-fighters safe. WASP tracks Heart Rate, HR Variability, Respiration Rate, Location and Posture then wirelessly sends data to a control centre where stress and overexertion, the cause of 50% of fire-fighter deaths, can be monitored.
FitBit Blaze - Flagship model of top selling wearables brand.
General Interest Growth in wearables is expected to increase 35% by 2019.
Stumbling Block 63% of a 1,060 strong focus group regarded wearables as ‘too expensive’.
The Fitbit is the best selling product in the wearables market, capable of tracking Heart Rate and Activity through GPS and wirelessly sharing to a Smartphone to give the user accurate details about their workout.
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// The Big Idea
Finland Baby Box
“For 80 years, Finland’s expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It’s like a starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say it helped Finland achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates.” Offering children from all backgrounds the same start in life is a noble and kind idea, but could it be revolutionised?
Wearable Technology
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Babies are entirely dependent on their parent’s, at a very young age babies cannot even regulate their own body temperature. This paired with their inability to communicate makes them vulnerable. Could wearable intelligence help parents better understand their child’s needs and give them better, more specific care and keep them safer?
// The Solution 10 1101111000 010010101010100 0110010100101010 010101010101010 0101010101010 101001010101 01
Each new parent is delivered a Baby Box containing essentials and a Smart Luna Cot shortly after they’ve taken their child home from the maternity ward.
Their Luna collects vital data from sensors whenever the baby is in the cot, providing peace of mind for parents and potentially providing key insights.
This data can be analysed by doctors and pedeatricians to ensure that the baby is developing properly and provide extra data when trying to diagnose a problem.
After 12 months the cot is collected, cleaned and re distributed to new parents.
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Luna comes in 3 colours: To encourage the ‘equal start in life’ ethos that the Finnish baby boxes were designed around the colours are gender neutral.
Luna comes with 2 sets of legs, short legs for ground level and longer legs for a higher position with a wide taper for stability.
Made from a high gloss finish ABS Luna is hard wearing for long life. ABS doesn’t shatter when damaged making it a safe choice. It is also recyclable to make Luna wholesome throughout it’s life-cycle.
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// How it Works
> Each strip of the jumpsuit contains a tiny sensor, using conductive threads a connection can be made to the mattress to pass data.
> The Mattress is for transferring data to the processing unit in the cot. Passing the data through wires rather than using bluetooth or RF allows the jumpsuit to be slimmer with no protruding parts.
The cot contains a digital storage and data processing unit allowing details of the babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep and environment to be tracked giving insights into their needs..
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// What it Tracks The data from the Jumpsuit is processed and sent via bluetooth to smartphone. All data is also archived on a USB stick, the parent may choose to take this to a Doctor to help give an insight into their babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and/or development.
The Luna App gives a simple overview of whether the variables detected by the various sensors in the Jumpsuit and Cot are within acceptable boundaries.
Heart Rate Woven into the jumpsuit heart rate can be used to track quality of sleep, bpm and even breathing patterns. Air Quality Built into the cot, aids in diagnosing reasons for poor sleep and can benefit development through alerting to silent issues.
Gyroscope Woven into the jumpsuit and used to track the sleeping orientation of the baby, useful for both safety reasons and sleep quality. Temperature Woven into the jumpsuit used to detect body temperature, beneficial for improving sleep and tracking health.
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Thank You.
Thank you for taking the time to view my portfolio. If you have any thoughts, comments or opportunities to offer based on what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen then please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to get in touch! Linkedin.com/in/connordevine ConnordevineID@gmail.com