Portfolio 18

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A. PRASANT SINGH RAO Product Designer (in the making)

PORTFOLIO

Ken Peters

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“

Designers deal in ideas. They give shape to ideas that shape our world, enrich everyday experiences, and improve our lives. Where there’s confusion, designers fashion clarity; where there’s chaos, designers construct order; where there’s entropy, designers promote vitality; where there’s indifference, designers swell passion; where there’s mediocrity, designers imbue excellence; and where there’s silence, designers lend voice.

CONTENTS

Academic Projects

01. INTERACTIVE LUMINAIRE Lighting Design

04. STEAM PARK Preschool, LEGO Education

02. SANTANDER BIKES User Experience Research

05. EV3 FIRMWARE UPDATER Mindstorms, LEGO Education

03. FUNCTIONAL TROPHY Design for Manufacture

06. DIGITAL EXPERIENCE Front End, LEGO Education

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Commercial Projects

01.

INTERACTIVE

Briefed by tp24, a renowned lighting design company, to design a luminaire to facilitate the execution of a task.

The light was intended as an interactive luminaire with adjustable light dispersion levels. The motion and form was inspired by Wall-E. The project involved investigation of appropriate light sources and extensive mechanical study of the scissor lift mechanism. The design and form was the result of several mechanism and interaction prototypes. The design required converting lateral into vertical movement which was quite challenging.

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LUMINAIRE

THE [BOXX] LIGHT

CONCEPT [DIRECTION] The Boxx light incorporates a scissor lift mechanism as indicated in the name. The user can manipulate the light dispersion by pulling apart the two halves of the box as it lifts the bulb out.

This concept can be adapted into interactive children’s lights and be integrated into furniture concepts, where a desk light is manipulated with a drawer.

inspiration

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‘Taking lighting to the next level’

Due to the unexpected complexity of the scissor lift mechanism, several quick cardboard prototypes

were required to ensure feasibility and calculate dimensions of the scissor lift and internal elements.

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[CARDBOARD] PROTOTYPING

The final mechanism included many slots and internal linkages to reduce the degree of freedom to facilitate a smooth

interaction.

A blue (arguably teal) acrylic with a light ash wood was used to create a playful vibe.

FINAL DESIGN [REVIEW]

However, the final mechanism was relatively flexible and can be applied in varied contexts. It added to my understanding of mechanical interaction.

The branding element of ‘boxx light’ emphasised the form and function and

added further value to this concept.

[For the next iteration] The outer casing deserved some more attention, the width could also be reduced to a more anthropometric scale specially for children.

There was also potential for sliders to reduce the effort.

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The final prototype proved the principle and worked relatively well.

02.

SANTANDER BIKES

The brief included identifying an existing system, understanding how users interact with the system and identifying a pain-point and resolving it. The project was addressed in groups of two.

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USER EXPERIENCE RESEARCH

We explored the Santander bike rental service. I identified problem areas in the customer journey through surveys and observational study. The data was recorded and delivered in a comprehensive visual manner with background into the service.

The research led to the re-design of the bike basket which was addressed by my partner.

(Nick Ansell/ PA Archives/ Press Association Images)

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[RESEARCH] INFOGRAPHIC

USER [OBSERVATION] STUDY

2

4

LOCATING DOCK

PAYMENT

Hire a cycle

3

UNLOCKING

LOAD BELONGINGS

5

potential problem area 1345

UN-DOCKING

payment, bagging and navigation.

I used these insights to draft a customer journey with highlights, painpoints and potential solutions.

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1

We observed a tourist through the bike hire process (with permission for pictures) while asking relevant questions.

We identified the points of interaction and areas for potential improvement as

The journey was documented across two A3 spreads

[CUSTOMER] JOURNEY MAP Destination

Locating dock

Payment

Load belongings

Un-docking

Riding

Docking

25 minutes

10 minutes

5 minutes

10 minutes

5 minutes

18-24 minutes

10 minutes

Hire a cycle Hire a cycle Hire a cycle

1345

Comfortable with using technology makes the task a lot easier

Excited at the prospect of finally riding the Boris bike

The on screen instructions are easy to follow and execute owing to the illustrations.

Easy instructions.

The option of using the keys to unlock the bikes for regular users.

The journey is pleasant with lots of freedom to explore.

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Highlights

Pain points

No option for cash payment, making it difficult for tourists without local credit cards.

The unlock code and instructions are only in English

The basket does not have sufficient space. It’s often wet, forcing users to hang bags unsafe.

The over ties are very stiff, and often too short to go over all the bags.

There is no means for navigation while riding the bike.

The pedals are quite stiff.

Users are often unaware of the traffic rules.

It is difficult to locate a docking station on the app, while riding the bike.

Docking stations are often full and do not give clear alternatives.

Re-design the bike basket to have better storage and rain covers.

Replace the over ties with a flexible elastic strap across the sides of the basket.

Have a phone holder on the bike to enable the user to use their GPS.

Have a summary of traffic rules listed on the bike to improve safety.

Clearer road signage pointing to the nearest bike stand.

Clear instructions about closest dock station and uncharged time to locate the docking station.

Opportunities Introduce cash payment options for short term visitors.

Have the option of selecting language at the start and print instructions in that language.

03.

The group project focussed on designing and prototyping an trophy with an added element of secondary functionality using at least five industrial manufacturing methods.

Our trophy incorporated a light that turned on when it was pulled out of the casing. The idea was to have a good visual aesthetic while being intuitive and sturdy.

The design was made in accordance with the design rules for different manufacturing processes, and delivered with an accurate cost analysis. I was responsible for the (3D printed) injection moulds and the over all cost analysis.

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FUNCTIONAL TROPHY

AWARD FOR

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

After explorations with holograms and laser pointers, a 10V light was identified as the most value adding function to a trophy. Walnut wood and black acrylic was used for an illustrious vibe.

The trophy worked on the principle that magnets conduct electricity.

When the trophy was pulled out the magnets between two wires of the LED clicked and the circuit was complete.

Button batteries were embedded in the brackets to power the circuit. The light was diffused through a 10 mm frosted acrylic tube.

Different manufacturing processes were simulated with the aim of reducing waste and optimising cost.

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design excellence award, 2016

CONCEPT [DIRECTION] trophy + desk lamp

(collaboration)

Wooden handle Acrylic tube cap

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Frosted acrylic tube Wooden centring mount Acrylic bracket 10 V LED bulb Copper spacers 3D printed brackets Brass spacers Acrylic plate Walnut casing Lower acrylic mount Wooden base

[PROTOTYPING] The protoyping process was aimed at simulating industrial manufacturing processes. We used several methods including CNC machining, extrusion, laser cutting, heat bending and 3D printing. The electrical parts were bought and assembbled in our workshop.

I was able to gather an understanding of the time and materials used for our prototype to calculate the costs for 100,000 units in a mass manufacturing context.

The final design reflected a prestigious product personalised to a Brunel graduate.

100,000 units including the material, labour, machine, rental and overhead costs of admin and insurance.

The aesthetic of the final product was slightly compromised since the focus of the project was on manufacturing systems.

The underlying narrative of the design was captured as “Bright ideas lie within” which was engraved on the side of the trophy.

We managed to constrain the cost to £10.87 for

“Bright ideas lie within”

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FINAL DESIGN [REVIEW]

04.

LEGO Education

The STEAM Park was intended at communicating concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths to preschool children through creative play. The set is full of dynamic builds and games themed around an amusement park. It also includes inspiration cards and teacher guides to communicate the learning principles.

I was involved with this project from initial concept to launch over a period of 7 months. Working with the concept team, I was able to gather an overview of the different segments involved with a large scale project in a commercial context.

Explore a snippet of the set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR6nfFj17_g

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Preschool: STEAM PARK

DESIGN [ROLE] My role was embedded in the concept team as I was involved with extensive user testing and communication

through videos and presentation boards.

I also worked on the packaging and design of the in-box materials.

45024 6219714 XXXXXXX 2A 1B

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45024 6219714 XXXXXXX

45024 6219714 XXXXXXX

2A 1B

2A 1B 45024 6219715 XXXXXXX

3A 1B

45024_BI_2A_2

B.indd 1

45024_BI_2A_2B.indd 1

45024_BI_2A_2B.indd 1

5/25/17 4:40 PM 5/23/17 10:28 AM 5/25/17 4:40 PM

5/25/17 4:40 PM

B.indd 1

45024_BI_3A_3

The different iterations and the design process are covered under LEGO’s intellectual property and can not disclosed here.

05.

The EV3 brick is the brain of the LEGO Mindstorms experience. This simple app was designed to recognise the existing firmware on the brick and update it with the latest version.

I was responsible for drafting the user flow and the initial UI for the app, while taking into account all the predefined content. The app was designed using the visual guidelines from the LEGO Mindstorms app for chrome books. I also delivered an interactive Axure prototype of the app.

The positive outcome of this project resulted in my move to the digital experience team later in my placement.

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LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Firmware Updater

UX [FLOW CHART]

WELCOME

2.1 READY FOR UPDATE

3.0 FIRMWARE UPDATING ...

UPDATE

Searching for EV3 Brick

4.1 UPDATE SUCCESSFUL

CLOSE

Learn how

2.2 CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS

4.2

FIRMWARE UP TO DATE

UPDATE FAILED

UPDATE ANYWAY Learn more

RETRY

TRY LATER

0.1

1.0 Welcome Screen

2.0 Update Prompt

3.0 Installation

4.0 Update Status

The welcome screen included connection instructions while the app searched for the EV3 brick.

This update screen displayed instructions about the update while the app checked the existing firmware on the brick.

The screen included a loading bar and displayed estimated upload time.

The final screen displayed the revised firmware on the brick and a ‘retry’ option in the case the update failed.

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1.0

USER [INTERFACE] MOCK-UPS 1.0

2.1 EV3 Firmware Updater

EV3 Firmware Updater

EV3 Ready for Firmware Update

Welcome to the EV3 Firmware Update

3.0 EV3 Firmware Updater

1. Turn on your EV3 Brick

Updating the firmware will:

2. Connect your EV3 brick to the computer using the USB cable 3. If you are having trouble, enter update mode manually

• Delete all saved programs • Reset the EV3 brick to factory settings • Update to the latest firmware Version (1.9.0)

Your Firmware is being Updated Please wait while your firmware is being updated.

Do not disconnect the EV3 Brick or close this application.

Once updated the EV3 Brick with restart.

Estimated time left 3:49

If you are having trouble establishing connection try manually entering Update Mode on the Brick. Learn how.

If you are having trouble establishing connection try manually entering Update Mode on the Brick. Learn how.

Cookie Policy

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Privacy Policy

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Cookie Policy

Terms of Use

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Terms of Use

0.1 Close

EV3 Firmware Updater

Welcome to the EV3 Firmware Update

2. Connect your EV3 brick to the computer using the USB cable.

3. If you are having trouble, connect Press the back, middle Release the back button manually. and right button until once the brick restarts. the light turns off.

Release the other buttons, when screen says “Updating.”

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4.1 EV3 Firmware Updater

Firmware Up to Date

Updating the firmware again will: • Delete all saved programs • Reset the EV3 brick to factory settings • Update to the latest firmware Version (1.9.0)

Update anyway

Searching for EV3 Brick

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2.2 EV3 Firmware Updater

Your firmware is already up to date!

1. Turn on your EV3 Brick

Cookie Policy

Firmware successfully updated!

Congratulations!

Your EV3 brick has been successfully updated and is now ready for use!

Close

If you are having trouble establishing connection try manually entering Update Mode on the Brick. Learn how.

Cookie Policy

Learn More

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Terms of Use

Cookie Policy

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Cookie Policy

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Terms of Use

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Update Firmware

Searching for EV3 Brick

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FINAL DESIGN [REVIEW]

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/search/mindstorms The final interface can be found as an extension on Chrome.

The final app was developed by an external agency based on my design guidelines. The UI was

slightly modified and the first two stages of the update were included as one step. The rest of the flow was maintained.

06.

As a shared resource on the ‘Front End’ team, I was involved with designing and drafting digital interfaces for a number of segments including Preschool, Middle School and Elementary.

I also drafted the final design guides for LEGO Education’s revised web identity.

Besides project specific assignments, I was involved with strategic workshops and work sprints with designers and developers from MIT and other partners.

Since the Front End team worked on projects with a potential 2-5 year release plan, all my work is highly confidential and can not be disclosed here.

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LEGO Front End DIGITAL EXPERIENCE

Non Disclosure Agreement: 5.1 The Employee therefore undertakes, throughout the period of service of the Employee and after termination of service, to keep confidential all information in relation to the internal affairs, business principles, future products etc. of the Company and the LEGO Group.

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Clause 5.0

Sajith Ansar

Rikke Baunbaek

Kevin Andersen

Peter Juhl

CEO and Founder, Idea Spice Design sajith@ideaspice.com

Concept and Design Lead, LEGO Education rikke.baunbaek@lego.com

Sr. Interaction Designer LEGO Product Technology k.andersen@lego.com

Digital Experience Manager LEGO Education Front End Peter.Juhl@lego.com

Prasant was a remarkable young designer in a myriad ways. He folded his sleeves and jumped headlong into every project that came his way.

He displayed maturity and strategic thinking way beyond his age. He was a team player and got along like a house on fire with each person in the office. He was involved from start to finish and his attention to detail was impressive.

Prasant wasn’t really an intern.

He walked in like an employee embodying the values of the organisation and wearing the hat of a senior designer.

Prasant has been my intern for 10 months and he has been working with me on new product concepts for LEGO Education Preschool.

I can only give Prasant my highest recommendations as he is extremely talented. He is very professional in every aspect of the design process and has great ideas along with amazing visualization skills. He is not afraid of throwing himself into unfamiliar territory and will learn any competence needed for a project. He is helpful, dedicated and always very open minded, positive and great fun.

You’re a very talented designer, and if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll be fine. You possess some of the most important qualities of a designer, that a lot of people often never learn, or forget along the way.

You listen and you’re humble. This is a great quality, especially in a corporation where people tend to show themselves off. Because it makes you feel less like a threat, and it makes people around you feel more inclined to help you.

You share. The best designers I know share their work, a lot.

You dare to be dumb. And you’re not married to your tools. This is incredibly important. If you want to keep doing this kind of work, you have to be tool-agnostic.

It is not often I meet a person like you that is so willing to learn (and fail to learn more), contribute, work late and at same time look so calm and be so inclusive.

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References

“

+44 (0) 7721983699 mynameisprasant@outlook.com uk.linkedin.com/in/prasantsinghrao

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Thank you for your time!