EWAN MCDERMOTT DESIGN PORTFOLIO AUTUMN 2016
Hello.
My name is Ewan McDermott, I’m a designer from Glasgow, Scotland where I have recently graduated with a first class honours in Product Design & Innovaiton from the University of Strathclyde. Design is all about creating new experiences. Powerful design sticks in the mind of the user by creating a strong interpersonal connection and forming lasting memories as a result of its emotional impact. This represents my passion for design - being able to create a smile; to leave my own personal mark on someones experience. The course has allowed me to capitalise on my individual ideas and those formed as a group. The years spent designing have allowed me to improve the way my designs can create a story, through the individual characteristics and precise attention to detail. This proactive mindset has assisted in establishing the skilled and cooperative designer that I am today.
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In collaboration with:
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ergon
Brief.
For my final year project, I was required to undertake a project of my choosing and overview the entire design process. The problem area I have planned to investigate is based around an ergonomic redesign of portable gas detectors. This involves improving the overall user experience by making the process of detecting gas leaks convenient and improving the ergonomics of the instrument.
Solution.
The final product is a combination of an ergonomic backpack to replace the neckstrap and an intuitive head-up display to act as an interface to the existing gas instrument. Having the HUD allows the instrument to be relocated in an ergonomic backpack which distributes the weight more effectively. This method was tested with gas surveyors to highlight the improvements over existing neck straps.
8 months
Solo
Clunky. Awkward. Inconvenient. Brick. These are just some of the common terms used to describe current models by users of detectors in the industry today. Extensive user research was carried out to understand user requirements. This included organising visits to local manufacturers to interview and observe employees. Three main issues were noted:
Product Ergonomics
Product Usability
Product Branding
Ideation of Initial Concepts
Concepts created focused around the idea of changing the way users hold the instrument currently and how information is perceived. Individual and group workshops were organised. The result suggested that carrying the instrument via a bag would be appropiate, whilst all relevant information could be transmitted to the user through a heads-up display system
Initial Brainstorming
Morphological Chart
Industry Expert Workshop
Development of Final Concept Concepts from the ideation sessions were developed and subsequently tested via prototyping. A final idea was derived that would incorporate an ergonomic backpack to replace the neck strap along with a heads-up display to create a clearer user experience. This concept was enhanced further by observing the concept from a human-centred perspective. This included refining the aesthetic of the product in order for it to compliment the environment it would be used in. Further testing with gas surveyors were then performed to ensure the product was beneficial.
Defining the User Experience To resolve the issue of complex interfaces on gas instruments, a simple one-button system was implemented into the product. A single press would toggle through the three main phases as shown, with a held press allowing the action to be executed in the instances of stages 2 and 3.
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S1 - Gas Reading A gas reading is shown at all times during use. When a gas leak has been detected, a warning symbol will appear and flash to alert the user.
S2 - Manual Log After a single press from S1, the option for the user to carry out a manual log is available. By pressing and holding at this stage, a manual log will be carried out. An animation of a revolving circle will play during the log and will be replaced by a tick when completed.
S3 - Health Status A press from S2 will progress to S3, a screen that shows the health status of the instrument. This is portrayed by a single heart. The heart will be flash and by empty if a problem is noted. Holding the button in this instance will then present the noted error (eg, low battery).
The interface has been intentionally positioned in the top left of the users line of sight to prevent it from being a distraction to the user, whilst still being large enough to display information The blue circular pattern used throughout all stages of the interface was selected due to its psychological connotations of safety and reliability, two values that are echoed throughout the entire gas detection industry
Defining the User Experience From previous experience of working as a marketing assistant in the gas industry, I was already aware of the dated and bland advertising strategies implemented by companies. To combat this trend, advertising such as websites were designed to look as simple as possible - to echo the unique selling point of the final product.
A combination of ideas will be carried forward to be developed into a final product. With this product, the user is required to wear both a rucksack and a pair of safety glasses equipped with a small bluetooth projector to produce a head-up display. The detector would be held in the bag at all times, with the tubing coming through the slot in the bag then into the probe which is held in a pipe clip on the shoulder strap. The user is made aware of the gas leak in this scenario by a small notification on the head-up display. At this moment, the user is then required to dettach the probe from the clip and obtain a more accurate reading as they would normally. All standard commands usually entered into the detector are now carried out through a single button on the side of the glasses. The product will now undergo further refinement before the final deadline in April 2016.
In collaboration with:
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Brief.
For a final year project, myself and three colleagues were fortunate enough to collaborate with NCR. The brief set by the company required the group to investigate the next generation of ATM’s and how the evolution of technology will affect both it’s form and function. This involved understanding the wants and needs of future user and creating a conceptual product that can be used for the future endeavours of NCR.
Solution.
Solar is a revolutionary approach to standard ATM’s in the sense that it focuses on simplicity and ease of use, in contrast to the cluttered displays of current models. This is achieved through holographic and gesture-recognised projections that allow the user to interact within a virtual space. This creates a personal connection between the user and product and creates a more fulfilling user experience with the product.
6 months
Team
Predicting the Future to Design the Future. It was agreed that a blue-sky thinking approach would be used due to the conceptual nature of the project. By keeping an open-minded approach, any ideas discussed would be treated enthusiastically by the team. This style of ideation places creativity first in terms of importance, with no technological restrictions. Market research was conducted as a result of the insights gained from visiting the company, to assist in determining what needs and issues the public have with current models. The survey gained over 400 responses and pointed towards an approach that focuses on improving the usability and functionality of machines.
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MOST COMMON PROBLEMS
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No money in ATM’s
Most of the people surveyed live in Scotland
41-50
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21-30
The number of times on average a person uses an ATM
67%
Unclear display
54%
25%
Users who use ATM’s for functions other than withdrawing mone
76%
Users who prefer to use ATM’s indoor rather than outdoor
33%
Users who regularly use advanced banking methods
Safety (6.1)
Unable to find machine
44%
Interaction (6.2)
Rate the feature of current ATM’s
Speed (6.2)
Should be a 'security' button for contacting police Functions do not align with buttons, Why not use biometrics - fingerprint? Slightly unhygienic - could be doing with a good clean
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Ideation of Initial Concepts. To create unique concepts, a combination of alternative methods were used. Not only were technology advancements assessed, but research was conducted with school students in an attempt to capitalise on their creative minds for ideas. A generaiton method inspired by comedic improvisation was also implemented to create unorthodox concepts. As a result of the extensive brainstorming, all ideas were roughly drafted, prototyped and presented to the client.
Futurology Trends
Focus Group Session
Ideation Through Comedy
Development of Final Concept To portray the idea of the ATM, an aesthetic prototype was created. This would be used in future demonstrations of the product.
Minimalist
Intuitive
Modern
Development of Final Concept: Aesthetic Model To portray the idea of the ATM, an aesthetic prototype was created. This would be used in future demonstrations of the product. The group were able to 3D print the main structure of the ATM. This was done in two seperate parts to allow all areas of the inside curve to be coated with primer to create a smooth texture. A strip of green LED lights were secured to create the impression of the hologram.
Development of Final Concept: Interface To enhance usability and general cleanliness of machines, buttons have been totally removed and replaced with hand gesture recongnition. The interface of the ATM is controlled entirely by two hand gestures - a sideways tilt to select, and a pinch to confirm.
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Once the user has been verified, a message appears offering the user the options view their current banking balance.
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After balance has been presented (or not, if requested), the user is presented with a gauge to select how much they would like to withdraw
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The ATM then asks for a confirmation of the selected amount prior to exchanging cash in a similar fashion to stage 01.
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The cash is then deposited through the central slot and a final message thanking the user for their custom is displayed.
Solar is a revolutionary approach to the standard ATM by incorporating holographic, gesture-controlled projections allowing
the user to
interact in a virtual space. Futurology points towards a society with personal information (ie, bank cards) incorporated via biometric chips - hence the security of Solar is enhanced by allowing this as a means of identifcation. The circular form creates a psychological impression of security and innovation, due to its minimalist yet notable appearance. Solar creates a memorable user experience that not only establishes a personal connection between the product and user, but is executed in a way that far exceeds that functionality of competitors.
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SHENZOU
Brief.
Briefed with designing a loudspeaker that conveys or evokes the emotion of intimidation through form. Particular focus should be placed on the shape, aesthetics, colour and the users’ multisensory experience. Product should convey a clear user experience through both commercialisation and features incorporated into the design of the product.
Solution.
The created speaker was one that focused on the psychological aspects of the emotion of intimidation. This was selected over a physical representation to create a mental sense of foreboding in the user. This final concept was therefore able to inflict the feeling of intimidation by creating an endless and therefore ominous chasm within the “box”.
12 weeks
Solo
Intimidation is the Inverse of Curiosity The sense of intimidation can be created by many different physical and powerful subjects. However, psychological intimidation differs in this regard by playing with our emotions through a ‘fear of the unknown’ mindset. It is the things that we do not know that fears us most - the monsters that lurk under our bed or the blurred approaching figure in the distance. The final design was created to include an ominous feature that would convey this idea of intimidation acting as an inverse of curiosity.
Idea Development
White Model Prototype
Pitching of Concept
Ideation of Initial Concepts Significant consideration was spent determining a form that portrayed the emotion of intimidation accurately. This developed drastically over the entire design phase and required several sketching and prototyping of ideas. The final concept selected can be associated with intimidation through a seemingly simple yet ominous shape. An infinity mirror will be configured within the cube structure to associate a daunting persona to the speaker.
Defining the User Experience To convey the connotations of intimidation, the journey the user is exposed to was designed to be consistently minimalistic and mysterious - to echo the impression of the speaker. This was created via a subtle marketing strategy and logo design that would be instantly recognisable to the consumer. In terms of the advertising of the product, the strategy would be primarily portrayed in typically intimidating environments such as foot tunnels and subways, to leave a lasting impression on the user.
Infinity Mirror
- 4 strip of LED lights - 2 sheets of glass - Car window film
Main Body
- MDF - Spray Paint
The movie ’2001: A Space Odyssey’ acted as significant inspiration for the outcome of this project. The movie perfectly encapsulated the same sense of intimidation and anxiety that I intended to replicate into the final speaker design. This was achieved through the appearance of the main antagonist in the movie; a computer program that was portrayed as a single red light. This minimal exterior of the character increased the viewers anxiety due to the ambiguity surrounding it. In the final model, an infinity mirror was created to be placed within a plain black box. This represented intimidation through the contrast of something daunting and unexpected being within a simple structure.
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GERTY
Brief.
To create and design a rover with the functionality of dispersing fertiliser over an area of a golf course. The final deliverable should include both a functional prototype as well as a detailed design. Based on my skill set, it was agreed I would work towards the final design of the rover along with the operation of the arm component that spreads rice in the prototype.
Solution.
The arm mechanism selected incorporated a combination of a centrifugal screw and a shaker system powered by a servo motor. The screw forces the fertiliser through the arm and is then deposited through slits in the arm, assisted by the shaking. This mechanism was then interpreted into the functional prototype and into the entire final design I created.
12 weeks
Team
It needs to survive Scotland. After interviewing a member of the maintenence staff from St Andrews, he stressed that the durability of the rover was crucial, especially in the typical Scottsh climates. Prototypes were created to test different means of rice disperal (to replicate fertiliser) and to create a mechanism that does not need excessive support to function. Using a rotating cylindrical system proved to be the most efficient method as it allowed for efficient spreading of rice whilst also offering the best protection of fertiliser when not in use.
Development of Final Concept Further prototyping was used to explore the concept further. To actively force the fertiliser from the hopper, a reciprocating screw within the arm was approved. Slits in the bottom of the arm would evenly sprinkle the fertiliser through controlled shaking via a servo motor. A working prototype was created of this idea along with a CAD model to allow it to be used for the final design of the rover.
Development of Final Concept The form of the rover casing was also considered to be a highly critical factor, as this would protect the internal electonics - this was also echoed by the golf course employee during initial research. Quick form sketches were drafted to understand which shapes could potentially work and those that would not. The final form chosen was selected due to its sturdy size, whilst still having potential to look aesthetically pleasing on the course.
The fertiliser dispensing mechanism was incorporated into the final design in a way that allowed it to be protected within the rover when not in use. The final iteration of the rover design will feature caterpillar tracks as part of its movement across the green which allows the weight to be dispersed over a larger surface area and prevent any defects of the green when in use. The aesthetics of the outer casing compliment the surrounding area, with the unique form and subtle curve engraving meeting the level of charm and professionalism expected of golf courses. By using a material selection software, polypropylene was selected to be used to create the outer shell. This is due to its high yield strength and resistance against potentially harmful environmental factors.
In collaboration with:
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Brief.
During my time working with Odeon Cinemas, I was asked by the regional manager for Scotland & North England to produce new POS sheets to advertise the advantages of a new loyalty card. The sheets are to be displayed in all cinema chains in the region, and replace the current sheets used by the company. The content has to incorpoirate Odeon’s branding and include future releases in order for it to stay relevant in the future.
Solution.
Research into the current branding guidelines of Odeon was carried to ensure a correspondance between all promotional material. The final design therefore included specific attention to aspects such as drop shadows, font choice and colour selection. The final design is now beginning to be issued to all cinema chains throughout the country.
2 days
Solo
Existing POS #1: Retail Food Offer
Existing POS #2: Upcoming Movies
Existing POS #3: Sign-up Bonus
Analysis of Current Sheets The current POS sheets on display lacked any sense of detail and instead focused on large amounts of text. The sheets lacked consistency in their design and looked out of place. The text content on the sheets is overcrowded and in some instances, outdated and irrelevant (movies that have already been released).
Possible Improvements Existing Odeon branding used during pre-shows focuses on vibrant images to convey the idea of the advertisement. To keep consistency, a similar style should be executed throughout the company. The final sheets should therefore incorporate the same font and design guidelines as the main set of adverts.
Updated POS #1: Retail Food Offer
Updated POS #2: Upcoming Movies
The new POS sheets have a stronger relation to the professional standards released by Odeon in other forms of marketing. These sheets can be updated monthly to incorporate new films and offers in order to remain relevant to the consumer. Images are now the centrepiece of the poster, rather than large chunks of text, creating a visually aesthetic design. This represents a similar sense of wonder that reflects the user experience of cinema (idea of travelling somewhere completely different). These sheets are now being enrolled in brances of Odeon across the entire country.
Updated POS #3: Sign-up Bonus
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Graphic Design.
To further develop my knowledge as a designer, I ventured into graphic design. By doing this I intended to extend my knowledge and skillset outwith what had been taught in my university degree and explore a previously unknown area of design. This assisted in improving the general quality of my work by creating a keen eye from a graphic design perspective. This resulted in many new opportunities being created, such as the development of a small graphic design company formed by myself and two colleagues.
Design for Brand 5K Design & Graphics was set up as a means to improve our awareness of graphic design and to understand the requirements and work ethic required to create a start-up company. The group were responsible for creating logos and advertising campaigns for different clients, ranging from DJs’ to aviation companies. To ensure a successful start-up for the company, a strong social media presence was set which included regular blog posts and competitons.
Design for Impact The main client of 5K was DNA, a sportswear manufacturer based in South Carolina. The group’s role in the organisation was to create a virtual rendition of any requests or ideas from clients. A variety of concepts would be delivered to the client based on both their personal tastes and recommendations from the 5K team. Also credited: Callum Kettles & Kyle Robertson
“I couldn’t be happier with their fast turnaround, attention to detail and the ability to take a simple thought then turn it into an amazing design” - TJ Dickerman (CEO at DNA)
Design for Identity The following is a selection of miniature projects accumulated through freelance work as well as personal projects. These designs were based on the concept of ensuring every small detail contributed towards establishing the identity and requirements of the client. Projects range from creating brands for freelancers to creating minimalist pieces of art ispired by popular tv shows.
Photography. Through photography I enjoy capturing experiences. These experiences can be translated as a particular moment of awe or inspiration that I later reflect on when creating designs.
Fall (Potsdam, NY) 02.10.2014
Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa, Italy) 10.07.2016
British Museum (London, England) 04.10.2016
Lake Windermere (Ambleside, England) 25.05.2016
Loughrigg (Ambleside, England) 24.08.2015
Necropolis (Glasgow, Scotland) 21.02.2016
Resume Education
University of Strathclyde Glasgow, Scotland BSc Product Design & Innovation - First Class Honours Sep’12 - May ‘16
Clarkson University Potsdam, NY International Exchange, Aug’14 - Dec’14
Achievements
Deans List For Academic Years 13/14, 14/15 Head Boy Trinity High School, Renfrew Scotland International Volunteering Bangalore, India with the
Association for People with Disability (APD)
Trinity High School Renfrew, Scotland
International Exchange Semester in Potsdam, NY
Advanced Highers:
Mathematics - B
Highers:
English - A Music - B Physics - A Human Biology - B Computing - A Media Studies - C
Skills
Secondary Education, Aug ‘06 - May’12
Visualisation
Adobe Creative Cloud (Ps, Ai, Id, Lr, Xd) Free Hand & Perspective Sketching | Microsoft Office
3D Modelling & Rendering Solidworks | Keyshot
Experience
Prototyping Laser Cutting | 3D Printing | Workshop | Modelling
Cinema Host, Oct’11 - Present
Practical Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods
Odeon Cinemas Glasgow, Scotland Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd Glasgow, Scotland Marketing Assistant, Jun’14 - Aug’14
5K Design & Graphics Glasgow, Scotland
Concept Generation | Problem Solving | Teamwork | Presenting
Interests Academic
Founder, Aug’14 - Jan’16
Industrial Design |Experience Design Interaction Design | Graphic Design | Brand Identity | Marketing
University of Strathclyde Glasgow, Scotland
Personal Photography & Editing | Hiking | Travelling | Guitar
Student Marketing, Nov’15 - May’16
Cinema | Theatre | TED Talks
References Mr Ross MacLachlan Teaching Associate & Research Fellow University of Strathclyde +44 (0)141 548 2653 r.maclachlan@strath.ac.uk
Mr Grant Paton Principal Techologist/ Project Manager NCR Corporation +44 1382 714044 grant.paton@ncr.com
Mr Paul Hills General Manager at Odeon Braehead Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group +44 (0)141 886 7501 paulroberthills@gmail.com
A full resume can be found online at: www.ewanmcdermottdesign.com
UP FOR A CHAT? ME TOO. www.ewanmcdermottdesign.com ewanm@hotmail.co.uk + 44 7741 281 606 @ewanmcdermott