MY NAME IS KEVIN COURTNEY. I’M A DESIGNER / PROBLEM SOLVER / MULTI DISCIPLINARY CREATIVE FROM SEATTLE, WA.
BACKING AWAY FROM CHALLENGES ISN’T MY THING. TACKLING PROBLEMS HEAD ON IS. I LIKE TO BE UP TO MY ELBOWS IN THE METAMORPHOSIS THAT TURNS A CREATIVE CONCEPT INTO A TANGIBLE SOLUTION.
I BELIEVE IN ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS, THAT GOOD WORK BREEDS GOOD WORK, AND THAT WITH THE HELP OF DESIGN, EVERYONE’S LIVES COULD ALL BE A LITTLE EASIER.
Cockt ail Cart
05
Pren at al B o n din g
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Pers o n al F lo t at ion
26
Tact ile To ys
36
T h es is E x h ibit ion
44
WWU Industrial Desig n S e n io r Cla s s
Develop a cocktail cart from concept to functional prototype with a focus on 3 key elements.
PRESENTATION | STORAGE | MOBILITY
The pastime of serving cocktails at home developed from necessity during Prohibition. By the mid-century, the home bar had become a mainstay in American households.
Cocktail culture is about the correct blend of elements- there’s as much a relationship between host and guest as there is between gin and vermouth. Like a dance, these relationships are fluid and dynamic. Balance and harmony are paramount.
Design a beverage cart that facilitates hospitality through celebrating the art of mixing a drink.
Early studies were encouraged to be intriguing and radical. Inspiration was drawn from nature’s most dynamic structure - the skeleton. Bones and organic architecture exemplify all the slender grace of a cocktail dress.
The iteration of models refined the original concept into an appearance model, emphasizing tapered, sculptural forms. Born of paper, foam, and wood, these studies were constructed at 1:8, 1:4, 1:2 and 1:1 scale.
The finished prototype was manufactured from laser-cut aluminum, sculpted wood, and 3D printed ABS plastic. The pearl finish was achieved through auto-grade paint.
Sculpted curves united by thin peaks provide visual and structural balance. Slender, shifting surfaces guide the viewer’s gaze to the upper surface - where all the action is.
The top surface of the cart serves as the stage for the preparation and presentation of a cocktail. Drinks are prepared on the polished disk at the aft of the cart, then moved forward to be enjoyed by guests.
Martini glasses hang vertically from the aluminum rails that run along the lower surface. Easily accessed by patrons at the receiving end, they facilitate a symbiotic relationship between host and guest.
Hubless wheels minimize physical volume, allowing the cart to skate across the floor swiftly and silently. Industrial strength ball bearings do the heavy lifting, raising the handles to the grip of the host.
On display at the 2013 WWU Senior Show, complimented by a bespoke decanter and two martini glasses.
Anvil Studios + WWU Industrial Design Senior Class Team Role
Kevin Courtney Anna Perrella Jeff Grothe UX Lead Product Design Research
Jessie Wixom
Refine the integration of wearable health technology through application of a consistent design language to a family of forms.
WEARABLE | INTERFACE | DOCK
The true potential of wearable technology is to enhance the human experience by improving quality of life. This is achieved through integration of a product into a person’s lifestyle. People make room for things that matter.
Hearing is the first sense to develop in the womb. The fetal heart rate increases upon exposure to familiar sounds and voices. After birth, infants can recognize sounds and voices heard in the womb. How can sound be used as a tool?
There are 6 million live births annually in the United States. Of these, 14.5% will face complications. Both pre- and post-natal bonding are instrumental in the healthy mental development of a child, and significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
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There is no shortage of maternity products, but they all address different problems. Few have any sort of longevity through a child’s early life. It was in their union that the opportunity for innovation lay.
G OAL
Extend the benefits of prenatal bonding from pregnancy through preschool.
Initial studies illuminated the benefit of circular, concave form. The circular geometry of the device facilitates its recognition as a stethoscope or speaker. It also allows for the ever-changing circumference of the belly.
A low-radiation, non-ionizing chip is used to ensure safety for both mom and the developing baby. The speakers are covered with a waterproof silicone membrane - in case it doubles as a teething ring.
The wearable device uses a digital stethoscope to monitor the fetal heart rate as it responds to audio stimuli. Speakers in the device play sounds directly to the baby.
To accommodate the full schedule of new parents, the device adapts to the changing needs of the baby. As the pregnancy and child develop, so do the features and functions.
While directly talking to the baby, family and friends can get instant audible heart rate feedback on their mobile device. An absent loved one can communicate with the baby by placing a call to the device, staying involved in the pregnancy while away.
After the baby is born, the device functions as a baby monitor and sound machine when docked. In response to the baby’s cry, familiar sounds and songs are played. With the device docked, just a swipe of the finger transforms it into an adjustable night light, keeping monsters at bay.
eave voicemail
time limit
volume limit
time limit
volume limit
10
36
set time
set volume limit
decibels
minutes
essage 5
During pregnancy, decibel levels and playback time automatically adjust to align with the sensitivity of developing ears. After birth, these features can be manually adjusted through a mobile device.
place call
leave voicemail
time limit
volume limit
recording message 00:35 recording
volume limit
10
36
set time
set volume limit
minutes
nd
time limit
decibels
adapt
involve
comfort
home
audio place call
play
record
leave voicemail
volume limit
time limit
volume limit
mix
connect
call
voicemail
recording message 00:35 development
music
voice
10
36
set time
set volume limit
minutes
respond
feedback
response rate
time limit
recording
Attention to detail is present in both physical execution and digital representation. This system maintains visual neutrality, cleanliness and delicacy, while providing clinical assuredness of child safety.
decibels
With the ability to adapt to baby’s needs through early childhood, the need for an army of devices is significantly reduced.
PERS ONA L F LOTAT IO N
E x trasport (Jo hnson Outd o o r s , In c . ) + WWU Industrial Desig n Ju n io r C la s s
Extrasport designs and manufactures each Personal Flotation Device to fulfill a particular need or challenge. Design a PFD to expand the recreational segment.
10 people drown every day in the United States. It is the 6th leading cause of unintentional injury death. 90% of drownings are due to neglect or improper use of a Personal Flotation Device. In the majority of cases, a PFD would have prevented drowning.
Develop a Personal Flotation Device that encourages safe and proper use.
PROTECTION | PERCEPTION | COMFORT
Why is it that people always wear parachutes, but rarely wear bike helmets? People often feel that they are above the necessary precautions, while statistics overwhelmingly show otherwise. The best PFD is the one that will be worn.
WORTH WE ARING How can a PFD become more like a favorite item of clothing than a restrictive safety device? By altering the perception of a PFD, a product can be created that is essential to a user both physically and emotionally.
Out in the elements, the ability to adapt is essential, and versatility is key. Introducing a multi-use component to a single use product increases value in the event of emergency.
We carry technology everywhere, but water remains its Achilles’ heel. If a PFD protected belongings as well as lives, would people be more likely to use one correctly?
Inspired by fisherman’s vests and outdoor gear, ideation yielded the concept of an attachable, removable pack. Easy adjustability and waterproof storage were given heavy consideration.
The diagonal alignment of pockets was achieved through a blend of wrist ergonomics and the Extrasport brand logo.
Utilizing a pullover method of donning, the PFD has a singular connection point at the waist. Flexible neoprene fabric at the shoulders and hips guarantees a user-specific fit.
High contrast colors have a twofold purpose. First: to increase visibility, and second: to serve as visual communication and styling, calling out connection points and important features.
The connection system mimics extrusion rails with a series of small plastic clips mounted on the front and back of the PFD. The pack is then secured in place by looping the straps through the front of the PFD.
With enough room to carry most items one might need for a day, the pack becomes a catalyst with the ability to transform an outing into an adventure.
M t . B aker Woo dw o rkin g + W W U I n du s t rial Des ign Sop hom ore C lass
Develop a solution that fits the current needs of either a local nonprofit or individual, using a 4’ x 4’ sheet of Mt. Baker Plywood.
Debra is a member at the Max Higbee Center, a small nonprofit that provides recreation programs for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. In addition to having special needs, Debra is blind.
Most games don’t accommodate the needs of those with physical and developmental handicaps. Confidence and comfort suffer as a result. As the center’s only blind member, Debra finds it particularly hard to interact with her peers through these activities.
Only 1 in 10 visually impaired people are fluent in braille. With nothing else to do, Debra’s independent activities consist of drawing on paper with textured underlays, and running tactile beads through her fingertips.
With simple, modular forms that stimulate the senses and encourage imagination, Legos are easily understandable and fun for users of any age and ability.
Develop a solution that promotes creative play among individuals, regardless of mental or physical ability.
ENGAGING | SENSORY | CREATIVE
The idea for a tactile magnetic block system was developed through thumbnails, while sketch models allowed the product to be tested blindly and scaled accordingly.
Tactile surfaces and inset neodymium magnets encourage sensory exploration and cognitive development. Angled faces facilitate unconventional architectural possibilities.
TACTI L E TOY S
2011
Tactile feedback is the primary sensory cue. Recessed graphics provide significant information about the blocks’ polarity, and encourage further sensory exploration.
In addition to visual feedback, aural cues are highly important. A satisfying click provides verification that the blocks have made contact, facilitating spacial awareness.
The majority of users rely heavily on sight. The graphics serve as distinction between polarities, and are equally legible to both eyes and fingers.
Sturdy canvas lined with repurposed fabric protects the blocks both inside and out. Small, tactile drawstrings easily open and close the collapsible bag.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
2013
W WU I n du s t rial Des ign Senior C lass Team Role
Kevin Courtney Sam Martin Sean Missal Jessie Wixom Identity Lead Typeface Design Copy Writing
Develop a unifying theme for the 2013 WWU Industrial Design Senior Show.
Create a unique, engaging identity that references both the historic glamour and modern appeal of the cocktail cart.
The development of a typeface and citrus graphic element acknowledged the history of cocktail culture while playfully hinting at the intrigue of the show’s contemporary designs. The lettering was used for invitations, posters, and the senior show nameplates.
fresh interpretations of the martini cart WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SENIOR DESIGN EXHIBITION THURSDAY JUNE 13TH 6:00 PM // MITHUN ARCHITECTS
“These artifacts stand serving the theater of seduction. Propagating the pairing of authentic ingredients, each is an impetus whose enticement can only be considered intoxicating. Every cart showcased takes pause for pleasure, setting the stage for two - yours and you.�
With a unifying style in place, coordination of the show began. Exhibition of student work was designed to act in symbiosis to the established theme of oblation and temptation. Seattle architecture firm Mithun hosted Twist, a one-night show displaying 11 WWU ID senior thesis projects.
THES IS EX HI B I TI O N
2013
Posters from the Twist exhibition are displayed with graduate work on the WWU Campus.
THES IS EX HI B I TI O N
2013
R ES UME & QUALIFICATIONS
AC A DE M I CS
CAPABI LI TI E S
Western Washington University • 2013 Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design Minor in Sustainable Design
Adobe CC ( After Effects • Illustrator InDesign • Lightroom • Photoshop ) SolidWorks • Rhinoceros • Keyshot
EXPERIENCE
Sketching + Ideation • Model Building Rapid Prototyping • Product Photography Sewing • Textile Design • Woodworking
Industrial Designer Product Creation Studio Seattle, WA • 2/15 - Present
Abstract Brainstormer • Dedicated Researcher Charismatic Presenter • Plays Well With Others
Junior Designer Michael Courtney Design Seattle, WA • 9/13 - 2/15
RE COG NI TI ON
UX Associate Expedia, Inc. Bellevue, WA • 6/12 - 9/12
CO O PE R ATIV E Wearable Technology & Digital Health Anvil Studios Prof. Del King • 1/13 - 4/13 Extrasport Brand Expansion Johnson Outdoors, Inc. Prof. Jason Morris • 9/11 - 12/11 Design for the Community Mt. Baker Products Prof. Jason Morris • 3/11-6/11
Cocktail Cart Furniture Served • Featured 5/14 Personal Flotation Device I.D. Magazine • Featured 4/14 Student Choice Award Mt. Baker Plywood Competition • 6/11
FASCI NATI ONS Cooking • Legos • Dogs • Cycling • Drums Richard Serra • Backpacking • Hot Sauce Road Trips • Rope Swings • Obscure Trivia Paleontology • Goat Cheese • Adventures
CO NTACT
kpcourt12@gmail.com
kevincourtney.prosite.com
206 • 999 • 2212