Fundamentals of Product Design | IIT Institute of Design

Fundamentals of Product Design Fall 2020 Emmanuella Ben-Eboh, Lana McClure, Katie Peterson, Ruohua Huang

Foreword

Teaching a graduate class about the fundamentals of product design in seven weeks is a daunting responsibility. Fortunately, Simon King and Kuen Chang, in their book Fundamentals to Product Design, have provided logic and structure to make this possible. The course examined contemporary products that demonstrate underlying approaches used by industrial designers, which have an application to many types of design, including digital interaction, services, and environments. I hope you enjoy the product examples examined by the students in each section which begins with a selection from Simon and Kuen’s book. Thank you to all the students for their weekly product examples and all the work on the Issuu compilation. Martin Thaler Fall 2020

Introduction

Through a deep dive into the industrial and technological evolution of the last 100 years, our class evaluated the cultural implications of product form and material choices in order to understand how desired performance drives decisions. Between readings, documentary viewings and lively discussions, we tailored our focus around tangible examples for each design principle, the content of which can be found in the following pages. Enjoy! Mannie, Lana, Katie, Ruohua Fall 2020

CONTENT

Product Categories

01.

02.

Simple

Enduring

In this chapter, we focused on the senses.

In this chapter, we focused on simplicity.

In this chapter, we focused on endurance.

This principle focuses on how the physicality of products can intentionally awaken the senses, providing innate information for usability and branding.

This principle addresses simplicity not in the context of minimalism, but from a product’s clarity in the relationship between its chosen form and inherent function.

This principle targets various strategies to design products which are longlasting in materiality as well as timeless in culture.

04.

05.

Thoughtful

06.

Sustainable

In this chapter, we focused on play.

In this chapter, we focused on thoughtfulness.

In this chapter, we focused on sustainability.

This principle translates a deep understanding of users’ needs into intentional details that confront their hidden desires.

This principle emphasizes the importance of looking at products through a systems level perspective, in order to make decisions through the product life cycle that minimize the impact to our planet.

Sensorial

Playful This principle looks at how products can provide joy and elevate everyday interactions.

03.

SENSORIAL PRODUCTS

ENGAGING THE HUMAN SENSES IN PRODUCT “It can be easy to overlook the richness of human sensorial capabilities.” - Simon King & Kuen Chang

Photo credit: Muji

01. Bean Bag Chair Muji

MUJI bean sofa is made of microfiber beads and soft covers, and won’t hurt your back or neck, don’t leave rashes on the skin. It has a sort of firm squishiness that adapts to your body, and there are two “settings” — the regular way up is the most comfortable seat in the world, while flipping it on its side makes it less resistant and easier to lie on.

the history

today

comfort and relaxation

Bean bag chairs are rapidly gaining wide popularity in recent years. The first bean bag chair was invented fifty years ago by three Italians for a company called Sacco in 1968. The Sacco shapeless chair was filled with synthetic polyvinyl chloride beads or PVC.

A lot has changed since that first bean bag was mass-produced. Bean bags of the 21st century offer many cover choices, such as twill, suede or microsuede, leather, and fur. These high-quality foam-filled chairs are more stylish, making consumers more likely to show them off. Today they are becoming accepted as a viable alternative to traditional furniture, it has graduated from the kids’ room and the dorm room to the living room.

This ‘soft innovation’ allows the bean bag to maintain its rectangular shape compared to the usual bean bags that look forever frumpy, which gives users aesthetic enjoyment.

After its popularity in Italy in the late 1960s, the bean bag chair was soon available as soft seating almost anywhere in the world. In the 1970s, bean bags were popular in Europe, Asia, and North America, where they became popular on college campuses. But 1970’s bean bags were cheaper products with lower quality covers and beans that flattened rather quickly.

The good sitting and touching comfort lie under the design of structure, shape, dimension, and materials being used. The adjustable form fits users’ body and postures which free users mind, body and add on the sense of deep relaxation. Whether for reading, playing video games, or just having a relaxed seat, this is the type of sofa that makes people don’t want to get up.

Addictive transitions

Muji Bean Sofa

• aesthetic enjoyment - form of the sofa • sense of touch on skin when lying on it • comfort/relaxing siting - sink into the soft

FIELD GUIDE

Interactions

Materials • Outer: Cotton Cover(cotton denim cover) • Inner: Polyester beads

Photo credit: Muji

02. Key Fob Hyundai Closed Outside Rest

shape and size

location of buttons

materials and finishes

The shape and size are ideal for the user to hold in the right hand. This is purposefully selected as drivers will traditionally insert the key on the right side of the wheel.

Functions related to the opening of the doors and the trunk are in a central location as these actions are most frequently performed. “Lock” and “Unlock” buttons are separated from one another, purposefully making it more difficult for the user to unlock the vehicle, adding an element of additional security. The “Lock” button is also highlighted by having a bit of dimension that the other buttons lack.

Combinations of soft and hard finishes allow the user to use the sense of touch to operate the fob without having to look at it. Soft finishes match external actions. Hard finishes are used for the more significant functions: driving and holding onto the key. Shiny features sit along the outside of the product, framing the gentle black fob.

The product can stand alone or be connected to a keychain. The extended loop sleekly relates to the design of the key fob. The car key is folded into the side of the fob when the user is outside the vehicle and allows the user to focus on the external operations of the car.

Photo credit: Kate

The “Panic” button, rarely used, is designed to lay along the palm and away from the user’s thumb, making this button more difficult to accidentally trigger. However, when needed, this button is easy to locate. It is intentionally elongated, set in a distinctive red color, and labeled with raised text. It is designed to be pushed using the thumb, in case of an emergency.

The heavy metal button at the top allows the car key to be exposed. The weight of the product communicates luxury.

Open Inside Go

reaction and feedback

sounds

addictive motion

The key release is a spring-loaded button. The reaction of the button does not strike until the user presses down all the way onto the button.

Inherent sounds come from releasing the key. There are two main clicks the user hears. The first click, coming most as a surprise, occurs when the key snaps into its fully open state. The second click is experienced when the user returns the key to its resting position.

The most prominent button on the key fob begs the user to press down and release the car key from the fob.

At once, the key springs out from the storage compartment. This feedback communicates to the user that the action associated with this button will invite speed. The key propels out of its inactive state, just as the car will soon take off from its parked location.

The clicks come from a hard surface sliding along another hard surface. This indicates strength, power, and luxury to the user.

Photo credit: Kate

This action is fun. It invites a playful spirit to open the key quickly and flick the key open and closed repeatedly. The user connects the act of revealing the car key, associated with driving the vehicle, with exhilaration. If opening the key is this fun, what will the car driving experience be like? The act of releasing the key does not result in a consequence that needs to be limited. Instead, a fun feeling of the weight shifted in the user’s hand is playful. The user is allowed to push this button as often as is desired. This button is safe and fun.

When closing the key, the user then has to reposition the hand to glide the key back into its compartment. This is a slower movement and is less satisfying than releasing the key. Therefore, the user is tempted to release the key again. When the key is released, it is in its most relaxed position. As the user places the key back into the compartment, it is winding the spring tighter, tempting the user to release the key again.

03. iPhone Case Speck

04. SanDisk Cruzer SanDisk

The Cruzer Blade USB Flash Drive is a 32GB compact, portable and handy jump drive designed by SanDisk. It has a black body case and a red slider. It became a popular media and storage device during its time. It had the capacity to store photos, music, videos, and even large documents.

how it works

cool features

You plug the flash drive into your laptop USB port or a USB hub port. It’s just as simple as that – not complicated.

It’s a really small and portable, plastic device something you can easily slide into your pocket.

You plug the drive-in and wait for the pop window “Auto play” to show. You can either click on the “open folder to view files” or click on the command menus. You can also use it as backup storage and transfer files from one computer to another.

The red slider has a pretty cool addictive transition. It’s almost irresistible to slide the button from top to bottom.

Photo credit: SanDisk

Lego Notebook Unknown

interesting aspect

The Lego Notebook is a modular silicone book cover that was pretty popular in Lagos, Nigeria, especially among students.

The silicone cover is almost as addictive as building lego blocks. It comes with modular pieces you can use to create different shapes and designs but it doesn’t stop there.

I’m not entirely sure about the early adoption of the product or the original designer. What I do know is it was available on Alibaba and when certain retailers noticed the product’s popularity, they decided to invest in it.

The design may be simple and a knock-off of Lego but it’s challenging to not give credit to this ingenious idea.

The material makes it easy to play with since it has a healing property. When you press on one of the circles, it quickly comes back up. It’s like having multiple suction cups on a notebook.

Photo credit: Unknown Found on Alibaba

SIMPLE PRODUCTS

UNDERSTANDING COMPLEXITY AND MAKING THINGS SIMPLE

“Simplicity is not the absence of clutter, that’s a consequence of simplicity. Simplicity is somehow essentially describing the purpose and place of an object and product.” - Jonathan Ive

Photo credit: Gaze Lab

01. Nested Bowls Joseph Joseph

what makes it simple? TINY TWEAKS

The Nested Bowls was created with the intent of removing the amount of space circular kitchen utensils used up when they were stored away. The idea was to merge measuring cups, sieves, and mixing bowls which can be challenging to store if they come in different sizes.

The Nested bowls are nine products taking the space/surface area of one big bowl. They also snap on really well. They make a click sound to clearly show that they fit together.

interesting aspects The Nested Bowls hold careful attention to detail. Graphically, the colors almost resemble the diagram of the earth’s layers with the core in the center.

SMART COMBINATION We can also say it is a smart combination of different kitchen utensils. The Nested Bowls are really clever because it merges three products that, otherwise, existed on their own. The measuring cups, sieves, and mixing bowls are all nested together in one.

Photo credit: Joseph Joseph

02. Gallon Straw Hydromate

what makes it simple?

interesting aspects

TINY TWEAKS Where motivation meets hydration. Gallon Straw was created with the intent of motivating people to drink more water. It can be so easy to get lost in the everyday and forget to drink enough. It’s a subtle problem that we’ve neglected for years. It holds all the water you need to drink in a day.

The Hydromate Gallon Bottle is not your average bottle. The plastic transparent bottle reveals the unique quality of water and uses it as an indicator that a goal has to be achieved. The healthy option is to drink a little bit of water at two-hour intervals.

The Hydromate Gallon Bottle has a funny way of keeping you motivated and persuade you to do the right thing. READY . SET . DRINK!

SMART COMBINATION We can say it is a smart combination of a measuring cup and a drinking bottle. It’s very clever and unique. They made a mundane experience, an interesting one.

Photo credit: Hydromate

03. Gaze Tray Gaze Lab

what makes it simple? SMART COMBINATIONS

A wireless charger that can fit into your living space. Gaze tray was created with the intent of having a portable tray that beautifies and blends in with your space. It comes in nine different colors and three different finishes. The tray comes with: • - Smartphone charger • - Airpod Charger and Charging Case • - Apple Watch charger • - 2 USB ports

The Gaze tray is not your everyday charger. This is where charger meets household/ storage tray. This tray can surprisingly charge your Smartphone, Apple Watch, Airpod Charger. The technology components are placed within the tray.

interesting aspects The Gaze tray uses a nice color palette. It acts as a cool storage tray. Its subtle curves add to the inconspicuous nature of the product. It first appeared on Indiegogo and they far exceeded their goal. $102,204 USD by 1,218 backers

MAGICAL MOMENTS Gaze tray is truly magical. An average consumer may never know how the tray functions. It just looks like a regular colored tray. Who would have thought that something so beautiful could also be functional. It’s so simple yet it can simulataneouly charge up to five devices.

Photo credit: Gaze Lab

04. Quip toothbrush Quip

what makes it simple? CONTEXTUAL CLARITY

SMART COMBINATIONS The electric toothbrush that changed user behavior. Quip is a smart toothbrush that changes user behavior. “Brushing too hard, not long enough or twice a day, not flossing or replacing your brush, and skipping the dentist are often ignored issues.”

The Quip combines dentist-recommended brushing habits with the technology of the toothbrush. It vibrates for four periods of 30 seconds each and ends after two minutes of vibration. When receiving the Quip, the user reads short instructions that these 30 seconds are to guide the user in their brushing habits. To properly use the Quip, the user is to consider their mouth divided into four different quadrants: upper / lower and left / right. To maximize the Quip’s brushing support, the user is to brush each quadrant for 30 seconds.

The user does not have to think about this timing because the pause in vibration will remind the user to switch to another quadrant. After the four periods of 30 seconds have passed, the Quip automatically turns on. This makes information the user has attempted to access combined with the technology itself. The user is able to use the button to turn on/ off for shorter or longer vibration periods. The back of the brush head has a gripped surface that allows the user to clean the tongue for fresh breath. This mimics the combination seen in some more traditional toothbrushes.

When the user holds the toothbrush, the thumb sits naturally at the point where the handle meets the brush head. The Quip has a button feature at this point, signified by a “q.” This is the only button on the toothbrush. It is very clear to the user what action they must take to receive feedback. When the user triggers this button, the toothbrush will vibrate. The user can hit it again to turn the toothbrush vibration off.

Photo credit: Quip

04. Quip toothbrush Quip SHAPE AND SIZE

PHYSICAL MODES The Quip is meant to blend into the bathroom cabinet. When purchasing a Quip, it comes with a white plastic holder with a back and adhesive strips. The holder allows the user to drop the Quip into the opening and easily guides the device into a secure location. The adhesive strip can attach this holder to hard bathroom surfaces such as tiles, mirrors, and cabinets. Pictured here, the Quip is secured to the inside of the bathroom cabinet. This way, it is tucked away, saving space on the countertop and allowing additional protection from bathroom debris from the brush head, adding an added hygienic protection.

The user can always find the Quip in its tidy, simple storage slot. The Quip is sold in a reusable hard plastic case that can be used as a travel case for users to take their Quip when they travel. The case is clear so that the user can pack their Quip and easily find it. Quip put intentional thought into the different modes and spaces users would need to use their device. This adds a layer of simplicity as the Quip package offers everything the user needs.

The Quip is aesthetically simple. It is an automatic toothbrush designed to remind users of the traditional toothbrush. It sits in the hand similar to a traditional toothbrush with only slightly more weight. The extra weight feels more of a luxury than a burden. This allows the user to connect this device with the feeling of value.

Photo credit: Quip

Rope strap attached to top, for an easy solution to clip it to anywhere. Volume up and volume down buttons are large and central, indicitating exactly where to press.

The speakers with the big buttons.

Fundamentals of Product Design, Fall 2020 // Simple Analysis

05. Wonderboom speaker Ultimate Ears

Speaker offers 360* sound.

Opening the rubber flap reveals the charging port.

Charging port is protected by a rubber flap.

Branding reinforces the speaker as an extension of your ears.

Ultimate Ears released the Wonderboom speakers in 2017. They are these really simple and playful speakers with big, functional buttons. They come in different colors.

On / Off button lights up to indicate on when pressed with a specific sound. Light turned off when pressed off with a specific sound.

Sturdy bottom base with a convex inner center, keeping the speaker upright and balanced.

06 16

Wonderboom speaker Ultimate Ears

Fundamentals of Product Design, Fall 2020 // Simple Analysis

05.

TINY TWEAKS: • - The large, front facing volume buttons create an obvious connection between the volume levels and a user pressing them. They are also very easy to find in the dark because of their texture. • - The 360* speaker allows sound to escape from all sides, enhancing the quality of the levels. • - A single on/off button with light and sound reinforcements create another obvious connection between function and action. • CONTEXTUAL CLARITY: • - The size of the speaker and the materiality choice surrounding the whole shape suggests that the sound will come from all 360* points. • - The strap sticking from the top is an obvious place to sling a carabeener through and hang the speaker from anywhere. (designed for outdoorsy people, with durability and versatality in mind) • CONCLUSION: • - This speaker stripped away everything you don’t need and revealed a superior way to present what you do. The design focuses on the primary function of a speaker - to deliver quality sound. The secondary functions that enable the delivery are obvious, clean and satisfying.

06 17

06. • Face Cream Cemoy • Eye Contour Helena Rubinstein • Unlimited Double Touch Lipstick Kiko

what makes them simple? CEMOY facial cream has embedded the HR eye contour product features an scoop into the outer Jar, so you will never lose ergonomic metal applicator and delivers an your little scoop. instant, invigorating sensation.

Kiko liquid lipstick put a two-step application into one package, it helps people carry fewer lipsticks in their bag.

SMART COMBINATIONS

The traditional way of providing a separated scoop leads to the problem of forgetting and losing.

The embedded metal applicator shift the steps of applying eye contour and massage around eye areas into one, it not only increase the efficiency of face care routine but also eliminates chances of losing applicator.

It combines one color lipstick and one lip topcoat into one container. For consumers who would usually need to buy these two products separately, now with Kiko Unlimited Double Touch lipstick it seems like a great deal and better experience by saving them from buying less and carrying less.

CEMOY face cream has integrated its scoop into the outer jar has greatly solved the existing problem. The little scoop functions as a more hygienic way of scooping out the perfect amount of cream, as well as serving as an embedded logo on the jar.

With the cap always on, it feels more hygienic while using the metal applicator.

Photo credit: Ruohua

ENDURING PRODUCTS

ENCOURAGING LONGEVITY THROUGH ENDURANCE

“What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts.” - Charles Eames

Photo credit: Kitchen Aid

01. Button Unknown

what makes it enduring? QUINTESSENTIAL

WORN IN

The button is a simple design that communicates normality, not fast fashion. The simplistic style is not overly complicated and gives the impression of it being a feature that blends into the background. It is almost “undesigned” as it does not draw attention to its functionality. Only when a designer intends for the button to stand out, does the button’s color, size, and texture become particularly distinctive by its form.

Buttons themselves may not particularly get worn in, but their pathway tends to get worn in. Fabric slits and loops intended to glide over or loop around buttons wear in with repeated use. Without intentionally thinking about it, the user creates muscle memory as they button their favorite shirt or button their pants in place.

Industrial designer, Jasper Morrison once stated, “Things which are designed to attract attention are usually unsatisfactory.” In this regard, the button would be highly satisfied with its inconspicuous state of being.

Found on Google and Amazon

ADAPTABLE Buttons come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. They are used in various contexts but most buttons are found on clothing. Users span from very young to very old as buttons are approachable for the masses.

01. Button Unknown REPAIRABLE

LONG-LASTING VALUE

Buttons invite users to foresee the “sunsetting” usage of a button and offer simple repair users have utilized for centuries. Everything is bound to break, but the button offers a simple fix to extend the lifetime of clothing. The user does not need to rely on a company to handle a button repair but instead needs to learn a simple skill set of sewing a button onto fabric. This requires inexpensive items that are found in any town today: a needle and thread.

The button as we know it was first seen in Germany in the 13th century, but the usage of a curved shell as a button dates back roughly 5,000 years. The design is clearly effective and provides long-lasting value.

An additional button provided with new clothing pieces signifies to the user that this article of clothing will last. It is a sign of luxury. The buyer associates extra buttons as a form of insurance on an item.

Ecological sustainability needs to be taken into consideration as many buttons are made of plastic. With the growing concern of plastics in the environment, buttons need to be manufactured of more sustainable materials.

From childhood crafts to having grandparents sew buttons on shirts, there is an “emotionally durability” with buttons. By engaging with buttons in various contexts, people associate buttons with people and various reference points that build an emotional tie with the product. The button seems to increase in meaning, the longer it is used.

Found on Google

he first mixer was tually introduced in 19, but it was Arens’ 1937 odel K design that really ptivated consumers. And hile its core following is mong those who love to ok and bake, our research Mixer ls usKitchenAid that many less id cooks simply want e on their countertop, “The first mixer was actually introduced in but it was Arens’ they 1937 Modellike K design gely1919, because its that really captivated consumers. And while its core following is among those who love sign.” to cook and bake, our research tells us that

02.

many less avid cooks simply want one on their countertop, largely because they like its Maynard, design.” KitchenAid Marketing

an ctor, 2007, Smithsonian Mag

- Brian Maynard, KitchenAid Marketing Director, 2007, Smithsonian Mag

Enduring Principles: • Worn In: Materials are built to last. Scuffs from use only add to the charm of the mixer. • Quintessential: The form is perfectly aligned to the function. • Tailored: There are 83 attachments and accessories that fit the base.

• Multipurpose Attachment Hub -locks in attachments -provides power -universal design on all models • Tilt-Head Lock -prevents head movement when in use

• 10 speed dial with slow stir option -controls speed of accessory rotation

• Multipurpose Accessory Hub -locks in accessories -provides rotation -universal design on all models

Front View

• Core accessories provided with purchase of base -flat beater -dough hook -wire whisk Side View

• Locking Bowl Base -universal design fits stainless steel, glass or ceramic bowls

Tilt-Head View Photo credit: Kitchen Aid

Fundamentals of Product Design // Fall 2020 // Assignment 3:Enduring

03.

Phase 1: Cleaning Duration: 10-15 days Price: ¥350 - 500($50-70) Appearance: natural walnut color, raw surface

Collection Walnut

what makes it enduring?

Phase 2: Patina Appearance: Darker color and smoother surface

Phase 3: Jade like Duration: >10 years Price: ¥3.5k-30k($516-4430) Appearance: Agate red color and jade sound when strike

WORN IN Timeline: Walnut playing has 2,000 years of history in China. The trend first emerged in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220) and became very popular in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Why collecting & playing walnut? Once popular toys in China’s imperial court, walnuts— which when rotated in one’s palm are thought to stimulate blood circulation — are making a comeback among the wealthy, some of whom see them as not only a way to spend their cash, but also as a distinctly Chinese status symbol.

Collection walnut is a worn-in product. It shows a person’s long-term dedication and accomplishment through polishing walnuts by hand. Collection walnuts are valued by size (the bigger the better), shape (the more symmetrical the better), color, surface gloss, and age (the older the better). The biggest difference between having 2 exercise balls within your hand, it’s a process of wear out, but with the collection, walnut is a process of wear in.

Found on Google

04. Website landing page Yelp

what makes it enduring? ADAPTABLE The Flop: Yelp was born when one of the co-founders needed a doctor but couldn’t find any useful review online. As they were trying to address the problem of “How do we bring those in-person recommendations online?”, they came out the answer was email, to let users email their friends asking for recommendations on specific locations or types of places, and everyone could see the response. But the idea was a flop, it didn’t attract enough users beyond the founders’ friends and families and failed to impress the capital investors.

“The Beautiful Seams” Within the Yelp 1.0 version, the site had a small link in the footer, and the user could click if they wanted to submit a review without being asked. The founders realized that people were not only finding that link but they were also using it very often. The founder found this tendency of user behavior, and they launched a brand new site - Yelp 2.0 which focused entirely on unsolicited reviews.

This seam allows the user to adjust the product to meet their needs/interests but also saved Yelp from early flop to later success. Figuring out where the beautiful seams are and co-develop with users in a timely manner is essential to business & product success.

05. Larq Water Bottle Larq

what makes it enduring?

Photo credit: Larq

TAILORED Where hydration meets UV-C LED technology. Larq is the first self-cleaning water bottle. It uses the UV light cleansing technology that has been used in many health products and well, in fact, Apple with its Apple Airpods. It comes with double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps your water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. It’s a pretty smart water bottle.

The Larq water bottle is tailored to the user’s needs. The designer knew that with existing sustainable products in the water bottle industry, it was hard to keep them because after a while, the user may forget to wash the bottle and it builds up a bad stench. This a smart, long-lasting solution. ADAPTABLE The cleaning functionality can be described as an anticipated change. All the user has to do is tap the top of the water bottle and wait for about 60 seconds for it to clean itself.

The materials used are very durable. The camera is lightweight yet longlasting.

06. EOS Camera Canon

what makes it enduring?

The button is so easy to use. It immediately shows the user the different camera modes.

QUINTESSENTIAL The Canon EOS camera is an “autofocus single-lens reflex camera (SLR) and mirrorless camera series” by Canon. This particular canon camera is known for not just its ease of use but also the user-friendly functionality.

The design reveals the very essence of the product. It’s not trying to act like another product. It’s a camera and does a great job at being a camera. The design reveals the very essence of its functionality. TAILORED The contours and physical materials used are tailored to the user by the way it naturally fits into your hand. The contrast between material textures shows that the designers were very mindful of how this product was going to sit in the hand of its users. The product tends to grow on people.

Photo credit: Canon

PLAYFUL PRODUCTS

INTERTWINING PLAYFULNESS WITH FORM AND FUNCTION

“ I do believe design is a new form of art and poetry, but with the strange destiny of bringing a little bit of joy to people. In that sense, humor probably helps.” - Alberto Alessi

Photo credit: Umbra Design

01. Mr. Tea Infuser Fred

what makes it playful? PLAYFUL FUNCTIONALITY

APPROACHABLE

The darker gray silicon container for the loose tea leaves provides an appearance of pants on a man who is relaxing in a hot tub.

The fact that Mr. Tea’s head is hung further communicates a feeling of relaxation and pause.

The relaxation of Mr. Tea gives the illusion of slowing down, which not only encourages the user to ease their pace as well but also invites a sense of patience as the tea steeps in the hot water. The Mr. Tea product, therefore, is not only intentionally used to steep tea but has an impact on the user. Individuals using Mr. Tea are encouraged to also slow down and relax, which likely results in people enjoying their tea more than they would have without Mr. Tea.

The faint happy expression on Mr. Tea’s face invites a joyful response by the user. Keeping the product in an abstract representation of a man allows the user to impart their understanding of a man, rather than the product defining specific features. This along with the gray color allows the user to imagine the man as a figure they can identify with.

Photo credit: Fred

The user takes the silicon trousers off of Mr. Tea and inserts loose tea leaves in this compartment. This portion of the product easily removed and is flexible enough to hold many different types of tea. It fits back in place and remains in place as Mr. Tea is inserted into hot water. DELIGHT This product provides delight with the unexpected and elevates the common, everyday actions of many people. As one waits for their cup of tea to be brewed, they are invited to be amused by this man who appears to be relaxing in his mug.

02. Flower pots Unknown

what makes it playful? PROVIDE AMUSEMENT

OFFERS EMOTIONAL BOOST

The quality is deeply intertwined with the object’s purpose and form. Each of these objects is still a flower pot, performing exactly as it’s intended to, but the faces immediately spread joy.

It’s impossible to walk by these flower pots and not smile. They are intentionally designed to make people feel happy, which is a subconscious emotional impact as a result of the form.

DELIGHT WITH THE UNEXPECTED A flower pot with a face on it turns your head when you see it. It’s an unexpected combination of art and function. The plants end up acting as the characters’ hair.

Found on Google

03. Buddy Umbra Design

Buddy has got your back! He also has your backpack, hat, and other items that need to be organized. Buddy, which started off as a wall hook, became a really successful product because it was almost human. It gave its users the ability to anthropomorphize. The Buddy collection, designed by Alan Wisniewski, was created with the idea of adding fun to function. The Buddy Collection also includes corkscrews, tea infusers, bottle openers, etc.

what makes it playful? PROVIDES AMUSEMENT

ELEVATING EVERYDAY ACTIONS

It adds “fun to any home or office space.” The little buddies are spread out across different spaces. I particularly find the wall hooks very amusing. The little buddies are trying so hard to climb up the wall but they can’t get to the top because your backpack is holding them back. Every aspect of this design is functional.

The Paper Towel holder and the wall hooks in this collection make it easier to stay organized while simultaneously adding delight to everyday actions, whether it be in the bathroom, bedroom, or office space.

This is a simple, modern product with a touch of fun.

Photo credit: Umbra Design

04. Pino Funnel Stefano Giovanni

what makes it playful?

Designer: Stefano Giovanni

PROVIDE AMUSEMENT Pinocchio promises not to lie but give you the experience you so desire. The Pino Funnel, designed by Stefano Giovanni (designer at Alessi), is a product that brings joy to people’s homes. It is made from thermoplastic resin - BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Who knew that pouring wine through wine could make you laugh? It’s so mundane.

The Pino Funnel is very amusing because of the memories and emotional values attached to the character, Pinocchio. Just looking at it brings back memories of my siblings and me watching Pinocchio (by Disney) and Pinocchio 3000. It’s pretty interesting that Pinocchio finally found a use for his nose. I could see how embarrassing it could be if every time you lied, your nose just grew longer. Pinocchio is not lying, I promise you.

05. Basketball Bottle Opener

what makes it playful?

Found on Google

PROVIDE AMUSEMENT The Basketball Bottle Opener also provides amusement and more gamified design solutions. Which one you prefer more, why?

06. Drop Catch Magnetic Bottle Opener This product provides amusement and adds emotional boost. The Drop Catch Magnetic Bottle Opener triggers emotional aspects without compromising its functionality.

what makes it playful? MORE FUNCTIONAL

MORE AMUSEMENT & EMOTIONAL BOOST

The bottle opener is made with Genuine American Walnut wood and lacquer topcoat which ensure the long-lasting and enduring quality. Magnetic/wall mounting allows for easy one-handed operation, while the magnetic catches up to 40 bottle caps. The design enhances the functionality by reducing the efforts of traditional 2 hands opening and the need of throwing away caps.

The most delightful moments lie underneath the simple use of magnetic. The immediate catch of caps creates satisfaction and the The constant visual reminder of seeming bootle caps gets accumulated and build up provides a sense of accomplishment about all the drinks you had before. Moreover, the sound and process of opening and caps quickly move to the magnet is additive and playfully which makes you want to open more drinks.

Found on Google

07. Electric Pencil Sharpener, Eraser and Vacuum Set

what makes it playful? PLAYFUL OR WAY TOO PLAYFUL The electric pencil sharpener, eraser, and vacuum set has become the must-have stationery set for today’s kids (especially kids who just start to learn how to write). On one hand, it motivates kids to concentrate on writing and write more using a ‘gamified’ process; while on the other hand, parents are complaining about their kids become addicted to it. They try to erase and vacuum more by intentionally writing wrong.

THOUGHTFUL PRODUCTS

THE LITTLE BIG DETAILS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT

“Good design is thorough down to the last detail,” and that “Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the user.” - Dieter Rams

Photo credit: Xbox

01. Tenji Blocks

what makes it thoughtful? SAFETY AND BELONGING

Tenji Blocks are considerate of all abilities but specifically invented to support the unmet needs of the seeing impaired community. Tenji blocks prove to be thoughtful to many people as they aid communication for all.

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, people’s needs build upon one another. Beginning with basic needs, people need elements to sustain their life and then safety and security. From there, psychological needs, such as belongingness, love, and esteem, develop afterward. Once these are met, self-fulfillment, achieving one’s potential, and engaging in creative activities can take place.

Tactile designs on the sidewalk satisfy basic needs and allow for psychological needs to follow.

There is added safety for users who have their sight as well. The change in texture and color on the ground gives visual clues of caution.

By first meeting the general safety and security of all pedestrians with vision impairments, all users are able to walk urban areas with basic needs met.

This helps children and other users use discretion when approaching boundaries in urban environments where many different forms of transit and traffic can prove to be dangerous.

From there, a sense of belonging also can develop, which fuels a feeling of agency and esteem.

Found on Google

Tenji Blocks contd.

what makes it thoughtful? NAVIGATION SUPPORT

LASTING IMPACT

SPACE OPTIMIZATION

Tenji blocks communicate information about one’s surroundings and allow people with seeing impairments to receive information that informs navigation decisions using their sense of touch. When walking on Tenji blocks, users are comforted by the fact that they are in a safe, pedestrian-friendly zone.

Originally funded by the inventor, Seiichi Miyake in 1965, he placed these blocks outside of a school for the blind. One of his good friends from his childhood slowly lost his vision and Seiichi vowed to design for the blind community. Since this original installation, tactile design has been replicated around the world.

Tenji blocks utilize texture to communicate. This means that neither additional signs nor technology are necessary. The invention is simply a layer placed on top of the walkway already in existence. This provides simplicity and specific signaling to take place at the location of interaction.

The lines are used to signal walking direction and the concept of freedom of movement. The dots are used to signify a user should stop and exercise caution. If they simply reverse their direction and use the same path, users can remain aware of which direction they are headed and where they will end up.

The materials used are also intended to withstand elements and hold up as long-standing communicators of spatial boundaries.

Found on Google

02. Paperclip Bag

• Exterior twill made from 100% recycled nylon • Interior lining made from 100% recycled polyester • Exterior flap and zipper pulls made of vegan leather • High-quality clasps, grommets & zipper pull hardware • Cushioned straps keep your shoulders comfy all day long • Wide mouth opening on top gives you a clear view of inside • Our signature slide-and-secure hardware makes navigating the bag quickly • Two expandable side pockets and extralarge outer pocket

what makes it thoughtful? OBSERVE STRUGGLES

ANTICIPATE FUTURE NEEDS

CONCENTRATE ON COMFORT

Men’s restrooms often do not provide changing tables. When fathers are out alone with their babies, they still need to change them either way. Finding a clean, safe environment to change their babies was a struggle. This bag solves the problem by providing a built-in changing table.

When parents grow out of the stage of carrying a diaper bag, the backpack can become a travel backpack or fit any other onthe-go storage needs.

The straps are designed to distribute weight and provide a cushion against the pressure of the bag on one’s back. The changing table is also padded and designed with privacy in mind. Comfort was a key driver of choices.

Found on Google

03. Adaptive Controller Xbox

Game controllers become accessible to all. The Xbox Adaptive Controller was designed to make gaming accessible to all. The design team focused on an under-served, often neglected customer base, people with different abilities. Prior to the design, they had received feedback on how it was challenging for differently-abled gamers to play games with their able-bodied counterparts because of the really small buttons.

With this controller, users can plug in assistive aids via USB ports and 3.5mm jacks. It comes with external devices like large buttons, switches, mounts, and joysticks. It’s probably one of the few devices out there that paid particular attention to accessibility and still looks like a well-designed product. Accessibility was clearly not an afterthought. It’s customizable and pairable.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is highly customizable. It’s also affordable for a highly customizable product. The user has the ability to create multiple controller profiles and can easily switch between three profiles. A player can also use the copilot option to pair with a second controller, thereby, making the gaming process a shared and pleasurable experience.

Photo credit: Xbox

Adaptive Controller Xbox

what makes it thoughtful? Everything!!!! IT INCLUDES EVERYONE Xbox designers are paying attention to people with different abilities. They collaborated with organizations like Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Warfighter Engaged, The Able Gamers charity, and many other organizations. They’re all part of a larger community.

They observed the struggles of their limited mobility users and made changes based on those observations. Now, people with disabilities don’t have to feel left out or limited; they can play games with friends and loved ones using tools tailored to their needs. Microsoft is currently working with the VA to see how these adaptive controllers can assist veterans. If this isn’t thoughtful, I don’t know what is.

Photo credit: Xbox

“Gaming gives you what we might call exposure therapy, meaning you get a little bit of socialization, but when you’re ready to turn it off you can turn it off,” Holguin says. “Gaming provided some significant therapeutic value for me.”

04. Ticket Vending Machine of Chinese High-speed Railway

what makes it thoughtful? ANTICIPATE THE CONTEXT OF USE The place for passengers to scan their IDs before getting their tickets is not a flat surface. The carefully designed slope is a thoughtful detail that may not be noticed or understood at first glance, but it actually intentionally did this detail to prevent a common problem happens later after people scared their ID.

Found on Google

That is when people are in the sense of hurry just want to get their ticket and rushing to the station, they are so focused on the ticket and more likely to forget their ID cards. While this type of ticket vending machine with slope has cannot hold their ID when they are scanning, so it keeps people always holding their ID within hands.

05.

Gum come with post-note like paper

Thoughtful designs in package - Anticipate the Context of Use

what makes them thoughtful? It anticipated the dispose action, by providing papers in advance it eases the awkward moment when people cannot find a good place to spit so they have to keep chewing or spit on the road. It’s a thoughtful design by considering customers’ further actions as well as thought about the influence of the environment.

Found on Google

Cup noodle with a tape on the top

Cup pudding with a click on the bottom

This hidden tape serves two functions here:

The ‘click’ on the bottom of the pudding cup seems not useful when you just eat within the plastic cup. But comes to the moment when you have some friends invited to your place, you may want to serve this pudding in a more aesthetic way - on a plate. You realize it’s hard to get the pudding out because of the caramel on the bottom.

First, it allows people to easily rip off the outer plastics without trying to dig a hold with their fingers. Secondly, this tape can be further used for people to tape the lid after pouring the water into the cup. This thoughtful detail is created by thinking about the overall context of eating a cup of noodles.

By pressing this click, it releases the pressure from the bottom, and pudding drops to the plate smoothly. The click is something under common situations you won’t be thinking of it, but on a certain type of situation - it’s a ‘later wow’ and you will definitely appreciate the existence.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

DESIRABILITY VIABILITY FEASIBILITY SUSTAINABILITY

“Designers are used to embracing constraints to find the sweet spot between desirability, viability, and feasibility. Sustainability is a long-overdue addition.” - Simon King & Kuen Chang

Photo credit: Blueland

01. Plant-based lighting pieces High Society Build with waste. High Society is a sustainable design start-up based in Italy, founded in 2015 by craftsman Johannes Kiniger and designer Giulia Farencena Casaro, that creates plant-based lighting pieces recycling local post-industrial waste. Transforming human voices into pure bright light: the 3 pieces in the Highlight collection are made of hemp plants, tobacco, and wine production leftovers.

what makes it sustainable? All the leftovers used as raw materials are collected from local productions, chopped to obtain powder, and compression-molded by adding a bio-based binder using a low-temperature machine, which involves renewable resources and doesn’t affect the environment. Finally, the pendants are finished applying a natural wax coating to protect their surface from moisture.

Photo credit: High Society

Natural and modern look. The compression of the raw materials creates sleek and natural-looking creations, whose surface pattern is impossible to predict and determinate, resulting in unique lampshades, designed to suit modern commercial or residential spaces. Moreover, very responsibly, High Society supports initiatives against drug dependency through the Highlight collection, in collaboration with Forum Prävention in Bolzano, Italy.

02. Cleaning Products Blueland

what makes it sustainable? WASTE AVOIDANCE The Blueland cleaning products line invites users to adopt their sustainable system. The company utilized the fact that most cleaning products are made up mostly of water. This spurred the idea to build a cleaning product suite based upon the assumption that users can add their own water. Kits come with reusable bottles and tablets that pack 20 ounces of cleaning product into the size of a nickel.

HEALTH OF HUMANS & SEA CREATURES When customers buy the tablets, waste is reduced from large, plastic bottles to compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable packaging. The bottles they sell are not intended to be discarded, but they are recyclable. The company is also happy to take back used bottles from customers who intend to throw them out.

90% of the water people drink and 33% of the fish they consume contains microplastics. This is leading to serious health problems that we likely have not realized yet. Plastic has been found in 100% of marine turtles, 59% of whales, 36% of seals, and 40% of seabird species examined. By 2050, scientists predict that the ocean will contain more plastic by weight than fish.

COST SAVINGS

Photo credit: Blueland

Refills only cost customers about $2 because they are not paying for the shipping costs of transporting water or unnecessary packaging.

03. Nigerian Dishes by Indegenous people

This week, I decided to focus on two main dishes that are served/stored in sustainable vessels: roasted groundnuts and Moi Moi (bean cakes). Roasted groundnuts are usually eaten with roasted plantains or bananas. When you go to the market, you’ll find them sold in these re-purposed wine bottles which come in different sizes.

what makes it sustainable?

It’s interesting how this was not intended but they became an industry-standard over time. In a similar situation, Moi Moi is prepared by blending beans, wrapping the mixture in banana leaves and steaming it in a pot. It is served with the leaves and gives the dish a nice, polished shape.

ENABLE REUSE & A SECOND LIFE

REDUCE WASTE

Glass bottles are re-used and “recontextualized,” so this creates almost a second life for wine bottles in the area and you can always get refills from the market using the bottles you already have at home.

By using these banana leaves, instead of plastic cups/bowls, eliminates waste. The plantain leaves are organic so you can use them to make a compost pile or throw them away as they would add to the soil as manure.

The proof of the meal is in the eating.

Found on Google

04. Silicon bags Stasher

what makes it sustainable? REUSE

Where storage meets sustainability. Stasher silicone bags are 100% pure platinum-grade silicon made of healthy materials. These bags are not limited to food storage but can be used to microwave foodstuff. They are also dishwasher safe. They can also be frozen. You can travel with them and they’re TSA-friendly for travel. They come in different sizes: 1/2 gallon, stand up (3D), sandwich, snack, and pocket size. They come in a nice pack. The sandwich bags tend to be more popular.

The silicone bags are re-usable, as opposed to their counterpart, Ziplock bags which are plastic bags that eventually get thrown away. They go a long way in reducing the carbon footprint of plastic bags. They are portable and easy to wash. This is a clever, sustainable solution.

Coined by C.O from Picos, they have the “purity of glass” and the “functionality of plastic.”

Photo credit: Stasher

SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES: • Enable Recycling: Nespresso makes the recycling process seamless by providing a take-back program. Special recycling bags are free and can be dropped off at a number of locations or sent in via UPS. The plastic of the bag and the aluminium are recycled through their facilities while the coffee grounds are used for composting soil. • Provide a second Life: As a result of Nespresso’s recycling program, the materials are directly turned into new products. • Maximize resources: By looking at the systems level, Nespresso has intervened in the coffee beans production pipeline by supporting independent coffee farmers through farm sustainability and afroforestry (a committment to plant 5 million trees), which directly addresses the global climate crisis

05. Aluminium capsules Nespresso

what makes it sustainable?

Fundamentals of Product Design // Fall 2020 // Assignment 6: Sustainability

ENABLE RECYCLING

PROVIDE A SECOND LIFE

Nespresso makes the recycling process seamless by providing a take-back program. Special recycling bags are free and can be dropped off at a number of locations or sent in via UPS.

As a result of Nespresso’s recycling program, the materials are directly turned into new products.

The plastic of the bag and the aluminum are recycled through their facilities while the coffee grounds are used for composting soil.

Photo credit: Nespresso

MAXIMIZE RESOURCES By looking at the systems level, Nespresso has intervened in the coffee beans production pipeline by supporting independent coffee farmers through farm sustainability and agroforestry (a commitment to plant 5 million trees), which directly addresses the global climate crisis.

thank you.