HI, I AM JARED KNAPP. I’m a third year student in Syracuse University’s School of Design, with a specialization in Industrial and Interactive Design. I’ve worked on a wide range of projects; spanning industrial signage, interface design and appliance prototyping. I also have experience in hands on construction work, designing and creating a variety of props, stages and stands for formal events. I have a passion for problem solving, and the extent and variety of my work is a testament to my commitment and creativity.
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CC SIGNS
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LAPTOP STAND
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EMERGENCY REPORTING
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UTENSIL PROJECT
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BEVERAGE SERVER
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SHOE REDESIGN
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CC BILLBOARD
UNITE COMMUNITY THROUGH SIGNAGE
FLAT PACKAGED DESIGN
INTERFACE AND PRODUCT INTEGRATION
MOCK CLIENT PRODUCT EVOLUTION
EXPRESSION THROUGH A UTENSIL
REDESIGN OF A CURRENT SELLING PRODUCT
INTERACTIVE USE OF BILLBOARD SPACE
Connective Corridor Signs Conceptual Ideation
These signs are the result of a client project for Connective Corridor. Although often thought of as a transportation system throughout Syracuse, Connective Corridor’s overall objective is to highlight the traditional beauty of the city. The signs that I designed are meant to form a walking tour of historically relevant sites throughout downtown Syracuse, guiding individuals from site to site and giving them information and graphics unique to each stopping point.
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Connective Corridor Signs Research and Sign Specifications
I started from scratch, asking myself questions about aesthetics and subject interaction. First and foremost, the walking tour hinges upon the idea of visible and attractive signs. Knowing that the range of focus of the human eye is around 40 to 60 inches, I picked my typeface and color scheme to cater to both the physical limitations and the psychological thought processes of my audience. After the design phase, I transitioned to the actual production phase. Real life application is very important to me, so I focused on scaling the signs, keeping in mind materials, material cost and production cost, all within a realistic budget based upon client research.
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Laptop Stand
Designed for Flat Packaging
I was assigned the task of creating a flat, compactible piece of furniture, and I chose a laptop stand because of the necessity of a portable and sturdy option for designers. For this project, I created a totally original design and also included instructions for assembly. The primary challenge of this project was reconciling functionality with the constrictions of flat packaging. I solved this problem through a combination of creativity and market research; learning about other laptop stands and their respective design successes and failures helped me to conceptualize the design you see to the left. I created the design entirely in SolidWorks, a design program that I am trained in and work with regularly.
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Emergency Reporting Interface Design
This is the first part of a two-part project designed to create an affordable, handheld device used for reporting potentially dangerous incidents such as fires, crime and injuries. Before designing the physical device, I focused on creating an original and easy to use interface that can be navigated via the handheld device. The symbols were chosen based on their generality; this device should transcend cultural differences and language barriers. The first screen will have three symbols on it, each with their own specialized subset of symbols that will appear based upon the user’s initial choice. The three options are Fire, Police and EMS. Subsequent symbols give the user increased customization, letting first responders know more specifics about the situation. This interface is fully operational. By using a program called Axure RP Pro, I built a virtual prototype that displays the symbols on the handheld device that I also designed, and allows users to click through all the different screens just as they would if they were holding a physical prototype of the handheld device and using its touch screen.
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Emergency Reporting Device Concept
This is the handheld device that uses the previously established interface. For ease of use, I created a device that works primarily through an LCD touchscreen. I also designed the device with a budget in mind; this portable, handheld device is affordable for everyone and can fit on a key chain. After completing my original design, I moved to the production phase. The image to the right is an actual size, nonworking physical prototype that I created through use of a 3D printer.
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Utensil Project Mock Client: Handle
The goal of this project was the design ideation of a kitchen utensil. Then I would proceed to create a method of rapid production. I was paired with another student, who was my mock client and had to describe the handle to me without using any visuals. Every week, I would check in with my mock client and adapt my design based on their changing needs. For rapid ideation, I used a clay medium or high-density foam. Ultimately, I designed a jig and ran a router over it to create my final prototype.
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Utensil Project
Aggregate: Utensil Head
Next, I was instructed to complete the utensil, based upon a randomly selected word. In my case, I received “aggregate,” which means “a whole formed by connecting a series of disparate, individual elements.” I interpreted this as scooping and scraping materials together, and I designed my utensil for cake batter, or foods with similar viscosity. I used all food safe materials in production, so the prototype seen to the left can actually be used.
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Beverage Server Designed for strength
This is another project that was based off a word. In this case, my word was “strength,� and I had to use that prompt to create an appliance or utensil that solved a problem. I drew from ideas of masculinity and support, and decided upon a serving tool that can be used by waiters to easily carry twelve drinks per arm. This serving tool is highly functional, but it remains aesthetically true to the source material. It is to be used in a flexing position to reflect its resemblance to strength, and must be built out of sturdy materials. My prototype is wood, but the design can be applied to other media. I built the prototype pictured here by using a laser cutter.
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Shoe Redesign
Human Factors and Research
This is a research project in which I had to select a shoe that was poorly made and then enhance it. To prepare for this assignment, I filmed myself running on a treadmill, analyzing my step and identifying areas for improvement. With this information in mind, I then dissected actual shoes to learn more about shoe production and the materials that are used to achieve different types of support. I ultimately selected a wrestling shoe to enhance, and conducted market research on wrestlers to more effectively target my improvements. Based on that research, I stripped away lots of unnecessary material on the shoe and added grip to the bottom, focusing on pressure points. For ease of use I replaced the laces with Velcro, and I changed the body material to mesh in order to reduce the overall weight of the shoe. Lastly, I kept aesthetics in mind throughout my design process; the shoe needs to be attractive both in terms of functionality and appearance.
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Connective Corridor Billboard Realization through Interactive Design
This is another client project for Connective Corridor. As stated earlier, Connective Corridor wants to highlight the historical relevancy and beauty of Syracuse. I was assigned the task of creating a billboard to advertise Connective Corridor and, by extension, Syracuse in an interactive way. In order to maximize reach, I decided that I needed to incorporate social media in some way. By targeting apps that most people have, I increased the potential for interactivity. Specifically, my billboard focuses on Instagram. By using the hashtag #ConnectCuse, users can enter into a competition to have their photo featured on the billboard. Every month there are three winners whose pictures are displayed on the board, with the overall goal of incentivizing people to take pictures of the natural beauty of Syracuse.
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