Micah Simon 2016 Industrial Design Portfolio
Here’s a little about myself... I’m currently a fourth year student at the University of Houston, double majoring in Industrial Design and Chinese Studies. I’m looking for a design internship for the summer of 2016. Thanks for taking a look at some of my work. I hope I can make a great addition to your team.
Micah Simon Industrial designer Phone : 281 - 725 - 3381 â—Š Email : m_j_simon@outlook.com â—Š Address: 23231 Willow Pond Drive
Education University of Houston - class of 2016 Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in Chinese Studies
Skills Rendering photoshop, illustrator, indesign, solidworks, keyshot, sketching (quick-vis & detail rendering),
Prototyping 3d printing, spray painting, metal-working, woodworking, lathing (metal & wood), casting, microcontroller programming, sewing, laser-cutting, vacuum-forming
Languages English (native), Mandarin Chinese (conversationally fluent)
Other statistics knowledge, product photography experience, Excel
Experience Barista - Starbucks Coffee Making drings, taking orders, being sociable
Lackey - Westside Grill & Fireplace Repair and maintainence of propane grills and outdoor kitchen systems
Data entry & QC - Fixtures & Fittings Quality control of high-end batchroom fixtures, data entry on received parts, construction of displays for fixtures
content
MAST // CROSSFIRE
|
future of LED street lighting
|
modern take on the tattoo machine
JUICEBOX |
power vending machine
CORDION
|
cord management done right
DongXi
|
east asian inspired bench
MAST // CROSSFIRE LED street lighting solution
Mast is modular approach to street lighting that is updatable and replacable. In conjunction with the crossfire lighting module, the mast pole system could significantly reduce the number of poles in our cities landscapes.
Junior - Fall 2015 - 8 week project SPONSORED PROJECT
The Big Problem :
Condition of utilites in the United States
47, 500
miles of roads
1,000,000
2nd largest infrastructure system in the world
miiles of water lines
2,500,000
miles of gas lines
Water Trouble - 700 water mains break every day ANNUAL COST OF
The cost of replacment is unavoidable. However, effective monitoring can reduce cost in damage
$50.7 BILLION
Natural Gas Danger recent major nat. gas disasters
gas leaks release
>100,000
metric tons of greenhouse gasses, methane and CO2 annually
number of deaths EAST HARLEM, NY (2014)
METHANE CARBON DIOXIDE
SAN BRUNO, CA (2010) CARLSBAD, NM (2000)
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS (1986)
SABINE PASS, TX (1989)
Street Lighting Issue
19%
KEEPING ROADS LIT COSTS
Replace current bulbs with LED
OF TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION
reduce energy consumption by
262,000,000,000 KWH PER YEAR
- 70% -
THOUGH EXPENSIVE, SWITCHING TO LEDS WOULD PROVIDE ENOUGH SAVINGS TO POWER EVERY HOUSE IN AMERICA...
...TWICE OVER
How Xtralight’s LEDlinx Panel Technology Can Help Energy Savings
Integration
Data Analysis
dimmability, instant on/off, change color temperature control
allows for direct feedback and control of linked utilities
data from utilites can be analyzed to detect failures
WAT E R METERS STREET LIGHTS
GAS LINES
save energy while providing a more pleseant overall lighting experience
using a nework of light poles outfitted with communications modules as antennas
as well as improving efficiency and information for future construction
Design problem : Downtown Lighting
street lights : a crude modularity
Bolted On
Patchwork
Contractors
How can we reduce the clutter of downtown lighting in a way that is cost-effective, attractive, and long-lasting?
Design Goals
In-house production
updatable and replacable
Ideation
in-house maintenence
MAST lighting system
Modularity of Mast Mast pole system can adapt to any metropolitan lighting task; from ballards to stoplights, it’s just plug and play into a standard base.
Additional Functions becasue of the modularity of the design and the large hollow space that occupies the center of most street lights, opening up the design to third-party developers could be an attractive option for the future of mast. This would not only make the lighting system more attractive to a client, but would also help to cement Xtralight’s lighting system as an industry standard.
Crossfire Module Lighting module consisting of eight LEDLinx panels provides the same level of lighting of traditional street lamps while only requiring 2/3 of the number of poles. This reduces costs for a city and provides more light. TRADITIONAL STREET LAMP
CROSSFIRE
(WITH LED)
60 DEG
60 FEET
100 FEET 1
2
3
4
5
1. COMMUNICATIONS MODULE 2. SHEET METAL 3. WEALDS 4. LEDLINX PANELS 5. DRIVER HOUSING
Extender Module easy on-sight adjustment using the two holes at the top of the module to be secured with bolts.
Base Piece Fits onto any existing bolts and connect to existing power conduits allowing for easier installation. Easily swappable. Does not need contractors.
A SLEEK MACHINE FOR THE ASPIRING TATTOO ARTIST Working with two other team members, we created an mock company to produce a line of small power tools. Together, we created Fin tools, a company that provides designer houseware and equiptment for the young adult. Junior - Fall 2014 - 4 week project
Tattoo Machines
Problem
Awkward Weight
Ideations
Vibration
Uncomfortable Grip
Solution : Fitted Ink
Weight Distribution
Ergonomic Shape
Vibration Dampener
1
2
3
4
1. 35mm power supply 5
2. adjustable contact pin 3. disassembly pin
7
4. magnet 5. EM coil 6
6. needle holder screw 7. bread board
fitted-ink
Fitted Ink’s goals Fitted ink is for anyone who wants to get into tattooing without going through the cumbersomne process of apprenticeship Fitted ink aims to provide a comfortable, compact, and easy to use platform for any amateur artist
fin tools
JUICEBOX Juicebox is your one-stop-shop for mobile device charging in the form of a battery dispensing vending machine that’s been designed for convience and the cultural habits of the competition’s host region, Taiwan. Sophomore - Summer 2014 - 4 week project a project submission for Taipei international design award
Design Prompt: How can we make life in a city easier? Classically, we would invent a tool to solve these problems...
But the perfect tool for life in the city already exists
Cell phones : the omni-tool
Navigation
Business
Wallet
Networking
Entertainment
With one fatal flaw... But what can you do about it?
be stuck to a wall?
carry another battery?
be disconnected?
what if you could just borrow a battery when you need it?
What is Juicebox? Simply put...
Redbox for Batteries
Need
Use
Return
Business Plan Subways
Airports
Shopping areas
Ideation
Battery Pack
Quarter Scale
JUICEBOX The Network Juicebox is an innovative network of mobile device external battery rental machines. It allows individuals the freedom of knowing they will never need to remain tethered to a wall socket when their device inevitably loses power. Whether you are running to a meeting, going out to lunch, or out late, there will be a Juicbox to provide a portable charge for a small fee. Customers can walk up to a Juicebox and quickly receive an external bettery capable of recharging their mobile device to a full charge while on the go. Once charging is complete, customers can return the battery to any Juicebox location. This saves both the hassle of needing to carry a phone charger and the time wasted from being forced to wait in one place for your device to charge.
User Interaction
Swipe credit card
Select type of charging cable
battery pack is dispensed
card is charged return to any juicebox location once returned
How it works 1. sheet metal cover 2. touch interface 4
3. credit card reader
2 6
4. battery bank
5
5. cord pack bank 1
6. battery dispenser
The battery pack 1
2
3
1. rubber insert 2. charging cable 3. assembled pack 4. battery 5. cord pack lock 6. cord pack 7. cord head storage
5 4
6
7
3
CORDION CLEAN, CONVENIENT, AND TOUGH ALL-IN-ONE LAPTOP CHARGER Cordion can contain, organize, and protect your laptop charger and accessories in an intuitive way for the on-the-go person. Junior - Spring 2015 - 6 week project
Why Manage Cables?
Tangled cables waste time
Tangled cables are more likely to break
gives a professional impression
The Backpack : AKA the Bookbag
Books
Laptops
Laptop charger
Tablets
One of these things is not like the others...
whats wrong with it? fat box with two strings
flat, thin rectangles
vs fits awkwarly takes up a lot of space
fits into the flat, thin cavity perfectly
what would be a better solution?
What is Cordion? Home
for everything your
laptop
power mouse accessories
needs
need
take it out
put it back just as fast
Ideation Portability
Protection
Convenience
CORDION Convenience of Cordion
Cordion is the all-in-one device that holds everything your laptop needs in a slim and convenient high-quality package. Simply pull out and use and put away just as fast. Keeps your laptop cables organized as well as safe while providing an excellect platform to store smaller everyday laptop accessories such as thumb drives and usb cables.
Features
retracting cables
universal adapter
accessory storage
Internals 1
2
1. Outer Cover 2. Components Cover 3. Adapter
3
4
4. Cord Reels 5. Components Housing 6. Pull Tab
5
7. Storage Space
7
Use
Pull cables to desired lengths
Plug it into the laptop
Plug it into the wall
When finished, pull the cable a little
let go and cord will retract automatically
6
DongXi DongXi is an artpiece meant to symbolize the conflict and unity between East & West. It’s name comes from the Chinese word “東西“(dongxi), meaning “a thing” but literally means “east and west.” Senior - Summer 2015
Cultural Inspiration
As part of the North East Asia study abroad program, we went to Taiwan, Korea, and China to gain inspiration from local crafts and traditions
Eastern & Western Philosophy “Man is a part of nature”
Rooted in Chinese culture and language, Bhuddhism, Confucianism, and nationalism
“Man is above nature”
Roots in Greek and Roman culture and language, Christianity, and mercantilism
Philosophies Reflected in Furniture Design Hidden Jointery No Fasteners Status Symbols Few Materials
Exposed jointery Fasteners Privacy Mixing Materials
What is DongXi?
Western Furniture
Western Philosophy
Dichotomy
Ideation
Eastern Philosophy
Eastern Furniture
Features
Maple Wood
Metal Fasteners
Tete-a-Tete
Wood Joints
Common in East Asia and throughout Europe.
Symbolize the Western philosophy of reshaping an environment
constrast & sameness of two sides
Symbolize the Eastern philosophy of working with nature
Construction
Technique Power tools and hand tools used in construction. symbolizing old & new
Final Model
DongXi
thank you!