LATELY GRADUATE WORKS BY ELAINE S. KHUU
London
New
Tokyo
w York
contents
London work:
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Bot Tux
-Gizmo -Reverse-disrupt
Tokyo work:
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Pinned
New York work:
14 18 22 26 30 34 36 ResumĂŠ 40
-GID food project
Romanesco -Wear/Carry Mammoth -[Shipping] container space View -Deconstruct-reconstruct Served -Spun metal design Lumit -Accessory lights Fragments -3D form study Sketches -Drawing samples
bot : a gizmo Royal College of Art, London, UK “Make something delightful!” they told us. “It must have at least one sensor, one actuator, and one machine element.” I devised to build a dancing robot that swings its arms, turns its head, and taps its foot when it hears music. When the music gets louder, the Bot “busts a move”, and then resumes its usual dance when the noise decreases. The final Bot stands over 2 feet tall and sports a Richard Simmons-inspired V-suit with matching sweatbands. Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rgl8atr77qmexah/Gizmo.mp4?dl=0
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bot : a gizmo One servo motor with continuous rotation drives all 4 movements. The head and arm movements were based on the oscillating cylinder mechanism; while the foot tapping was based on a cam model. Images, left to right: Movement studies - head &arms (top left), &foot (bottom left) Oscillating cylinder mechanism Small concept Bot in cardboard & final Bot in wood &foamcore (shown in relative proportions)
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TUX : reverse-disrupt Royal College of Art, London, UK Revolutionize ironing; that was my task. I was given a Shark steam iron; instructed to disassemble and display its components; then to design a disruptive product based on it; and present it to Euro-Pro. I created TUX – a portable spot iron that can be used while still wearing the garment. TUX targets business people, and filming crews. Its cost of production was estimated to be $11-14, but it would retail for $30-40.
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TUX : reverse-disrupt TUX clips the wrinkled fabric between two magnetic halves. The top half generates heat, while the user holds it and moves TUX along the garment. The bottom half follows the top. It helps to stretch and flatten the fabric; while reflecting the heat towards the cloth, protecting the user from burns. For extra tough wrinkles, water can be applied directly to the fabric. Steam is generated as TUX moves over the water. Images, left to right: The iron “hung out to dry� Original iron Deconstruction &Form studies TUX concept drawing
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pinned : GID food project Keio Media Design, Tokyo, Japan Customer service is amazing in Japan. But too often, restaurant staff does not understand special dietary needs. In part because of language barriers, and in part because of cultural differences. To address this gap, I developed Pinned – a system for restaurants and diners. Pinned is discreet and seamless. The diner does not feel alienated or awkward when ordering; and the restaurant can provide a safe and pleasant meal.
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pinned : GID food project The diner with a food restriction wears an RFID-embedded pin. When they enter the restaurant with the Pinned system, the RFID reader at the diner’s table alerts the wait-staff and kitchen about the individual’s dietary restriction. The server can then make appropriate recommendations, or bring a special menu. The kitchen can avoid cross contamination of foods. As technology improves, digital surfaces/menus can immediately respond to the pin; and plates can be digitally tagged to ensure correct delivery. Also, the pin can take other forms as RFID tags can be embedded into fabrics. Images, left to right: Pin construction &future products Pinned signal flow
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romanesco : wear/carry Pratt Institute, New York, USA A color and texture study is at the heart of this project. However, it is also an exercise in finding design inspiration from nature; in this case, a romanesco broccoli. Drawing from the delicious romanesco, I made a summer picnic skirt. Two front pockets are easily accessible, and perfect for holding snacks and sandwiches! For easy cleaning, the voluminous top layer is detached from the green skirt below.
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romanesco : wear/carry The skirt had to contain the same color proportions as the romanesco itself, and evoke the same feeling through its construction. After several explorations, I built a chicken wire structure, and pulled tulle through each hole. Images, left to right: Romanesco broccoli &its color breakdown Concept sketches for the picnic skirt Form &material explorations Skirt in progress Completed skirt
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[shipping] container mammoth : space Pratt Institute, New York, USA Another color exploration; this project takes inspiration from drinking a rich, cold, chocolate milkshake. The colors and sensations felt from the first sips are translated into a lush bar and lounge space: [Chocolate] Mammoth. The cascade of the central bar/bench; the use of wood and steel; and the name “Mammoth�, were all derived from the smoothness of the shake; its harsh but refreshing cold; and the overwhelming taste of chocolate.
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[shipping] container mammoth : space The first taste collage (top left) was used to generate the concept poster; which then inspired material selection and plate design. Sketches explored ways to architecturally convey the rolling gulps of milkshake. The final space made use of a tinted light wall (with hidden mammoth) and ceiling that cast rich brown light throughout the space. Images, left to right: First taste collage & material selections Concept poster Interior sketches Tableware Final model
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view : deconstruct/reconstruct Pratt Institute, New York, USA You take pictures to remember a moment. The moment changes you, and you bring the memories forward. You share those memories with others. And others can view how they affect you. In a way, you wear the memories, and they adorn you. Like jewelry. This thought guided my reassembly of an old disk camera into an asymmetric necklace.
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view : deconstruct/reconstruct The vintage camera was neatly broken-down into its components. The pieces were then threaded with electrical wire into a confused, animated, and beautiful accessory; representing the memories the camera helped capture. Images, left to right: Original camera All its parts Completed necklace
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served : spun-aluminum dishware Pratt Institute, New York, USA After a field trip to a local metal-spinning studio, I collaborated with the craftsmen to create Served – nesting, stacking, preparation and serving dishes. Served facilitates entertaining. Their simple form and color provide versatility, and compliments the appearance of the food being served. Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qwop6wdq0semp00/served.mp4?dl=0
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served : spun-aluminum dishware While one dish holds a salad, the other one covers it, and the third sits on top and contains other side dishes. The whole stack is brought to the table with ease and arranged quickly. Likewise, any leftovers can be collected into a single dish, covered, and brought back to the fridge in a flash. Images, left to right: Served at work Concept sketches for stacking &nesting Form study Final dishes in different stacks
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lumit : accessory lights Pratt Institute, New York, USA “Make a glass light.” It could be a sconce, a pendant light, or a standing light. I made one of each, and I made them portable. Light is most useful when it’s dark. Unfortunately, dark places usually lack lights. Therefore my concept is to bring substantial light anywhere, in a hands free, and stylish way. When necessary, the light can be taken off and used.
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Components: 1. Glass casing 2. LED strip 3. Wood housing 4. Magnetic connections 5. Wire 6. Switch 7. Clip 8. Battery
lumit : accessory lights Making use of LEDs, 9V batteries power each light. Smaller watch batteries can be used to reduce the light’s size. Styles are based on popular women’s accessories. Images, left to right: Concept sketch Light components Sconce, pendant light, &table light in use
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fragments: 3D form study Pratt Institute, New York, USA An exercise in balance, negative space, composition, and craft. A single cone is cut into 4 pieces, no two alike. The fragments are then arranged and balanced so no two lines are parallel; and every gesture is dynamic.
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sketch : idea grid Pratt Institute, New York, USA Again, taking inspiration from nature; sea creatures are crossed with everyday products to create new designs. Considering the animal in greater detail generates even richer ideas.
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sketch : derivative design Pratt Institute, New York, USA An existing product is drawn in the upper left hand corner. 9 variations of the lamp are drawn to the right. Then another 5 derivations of the 9 are drawn on the left. Finally, 2 designs are developed and shaded in the center.
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eLaine s. Khuu
http://issuu.com/eskhuu - http://cargocollective.com/eLK_world eskhuu@gmail.com - T: (929) 275-0256
about I am a creative me individual who takes great pleasure in all design – from wearables to buildings. I enjoy collaborative projects, taking pride in my ability to mediate ideas and personalities. However, regardless of whether I am working with friends, strangers, or alone I always strive to complete a task to the best of my abilities. I am always open to learning, and challenging myself to improve my design process; increasingly considering user needs.
education 2012-Present | Pratt Institute; New York City, New York, USA
Enrolled in Master’s program in Industrial Design (MID) Enrollment in Global Innovation Design Collaboration (GID): Foreign exchange with Royal College of Art and Imperial College, London, and Keio University, Tokyo; September 2013 – June 2014 Anticipated graduation; May 2015 2007-2011 | University of Florida; Gainesville, Florida, USA Graduated with Honors, 3.86 GPA; Completion of Honors Program Bachelor of Design; School of Architecture, College of Design, Construction and Planning, Minor in Environmental Studies East-Asia 2010 Summer Program; School of Architecture 2003-2007 | Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School; Broadview Heights, Ohio, USA Graduated with Honors, 4.32 GPA High School Diploma Completion of AP European History, AP English, AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Biology
experience 2014 |Global Innovation Design, Royal College of Art; London, UK
Rigorous studio projects, including local collaboration with Unilever, and development of the GID project 2013 |Global Innovation Design, Keio Media Design; Tokyo, Japan Semester-long, international project collaboration with remote teams in New York and London 2012 &2014 |Photo Lab, Pratt Institute; New York, New York Photo Lab Graduate Assistant 2012 |RP Lab, Pratt Institute; New York, New York Rapid Prototyping Technician, Fall Semester only 2011-2012 |Private English Tutor; Shenzhen, China Hired by local Shenzhen residents to help improve their English 2011-2012 |Shenzhen Creative Space Design & Decoration Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen, China Intern: Chinese/English translations, interior design, product design, graphic design 2010 |Barrels of Hope, Earth Bag Demo Build; Gainesville, Florida
education 2012-Present | Pratt Institute; New York City, New York, USA
Enrolled in Master’s program in Industrial Design (MID) Enrollment in Global Innovation Design Collaboration (GID): Foreign exchange with Royal College of Art and Imperial College, London, and Keio University, Tokyo; September 2013 – June 2014 Anticipated graduation; May 2015 2007-2011 | University of Florida; Gainesville, Florida, USA Graduated with Honors, 3.86 GPA; Completion of Honors Program Bachelor of Design; School of Architecture, College of Design, Construction and Planning, Minor in Environmental Studies East-Asia 2010 Summer Program; School of Architecture 2003-2007 | Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School; Broadview Heights, Ohio, USA Graduated with Honors, 4.32 GPA High School Diploma Completion of AP European History, AP English, AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Biology
experience 2014 |Global Innovation Design, Royal College of Art; London, UK
Rigorous studio projects, including local collaboration with Unilever, and development of the GID project |Global Innovation Design, Keio Media Design; Tokyo, Japan Semester-long, international project collaboration with remote teams in New York and London 2012 &2014 |Photo Lab, Pratt Institute; New York, New York Photo Lab Graduate Assistant 2012 |RP Lab, Pratt Institute; New York, New York Rapid Prototyping Technician, Fall Semester only 2011-2012 |Private English Tutor; Shenzhen, China Hired by local Shenzhen residents to help improve their English 2011-2012 |Shenzhen Creative Space Design & Decoration Co., Ltd.; Shenzhen, China Intern: Chinese/English translations, interior design, product design, graphic design 2010 |Barrels of Hope, Earth Bag Demo Build; Gainesville, Florida Participant in the construction of an earth-bag home to raise awareness for disaster relief 2010 |East-Asia Program Gallery; University of Florida, School of Architecture Co- Coordinator: Part of the team selected to organize and install the exhibition for the 2010 East-Asia trip 2010 |Student Design-Build; University of Florida Participant in the student-directed construction of a functional kiosk for Studio Percussion, Gainesville, FL 2013
skills Adobe Creative Suite
Microsoft Office Rhinoceros/V-Ray Auto CAD Sketchbook Pro Form Z Physical/Digital Model Making
language Native English-speaker
Intermediate in Mandarin and Cantonese Proficient in French Beginner in Japanese
references available upon request
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