PAUL WHITTAKER DESIGN
PORTFOLIO ‘14
CONTENTS A LITTLE ABOUT ME MAJOR PROJECT: ULTRASONIC KITCHENWARE CLEANER IVA: IN VEHICLE ASSISTANT DYSON AIR STOVE FOOD TO GO PACKAGING CONTACT ME
02 03 09 13 18 21
PAGE
01
A LITTLE ABOUT ME I am an aspiring industrial designer seeking my first graduate job since completing the Industrial Design and Technology degree at Loughborough University. In my third year of the course, I completed a professional placement as an undergraduate packaging designer at Benson Group. I am seeking opportunities that will challenge me creatively, while enabling me to further my development as a designer.
MY WORK Every designer is inspired by their experiences and interests, and I am no different. The expectation I have of myself when beginning a new project extends across both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the brief. With this in mind, I have used this portfolio to give you a more detailed insight into four projects, hopefully demonstrating the full range of my design skill set resulting in some interesting outcomes.
PAGE
02
MAJOR PROJECT IMMERSE: ULTRASONIC KITCHENWARE CLEANER
BRIEF The major project was an opportunity to demonstrate the full range of skills that I possessed as a designer at the end of three years of university study. The challenge of the brief was therefore to create a product that represented my interests as a designer, whilst providing sufficient scope to explore these skills and processes.
RESPONSE As the project was completely self directed, I chose to explore a technical solution to a user centered problem, thereby combining my interest in technology with my skills as an industrial designer. The outcome was ‘immerse’, a device designed for the compact urban home, that revolutionises the existing process of washing up for those who don’t own a dishwasher.
KEY SKILLS DEMONSTRATED:
03
PROTOTYPING & EVALUATION DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE
PAGE
INNOVATIVE TECH RESEARCH AND APPLICATION ITERATIVE DESIGN PROCESS
DISHWASHERS HAVE ONLY 40% PENETRATION IN THE UK MARKET
01
RESEARCH PROCESSES
MARKET RESEARCH
The initial insight that had sparked the idea was backed up with market analysis, revealing that the UK has both low market penetration of dishwashers and small average home sizes that often prevents dishwasher ownership.
“
02 THE AVERAGE SIZE OF UK HOMES CONTINUES TO GET SMALLER. UK NEW BUILDS ARE THE SMALLEST IN WESTERN EUROPE.
DIRECT OBSERVATION
Interviews and questionnaires with potential users helped to identify the problems with existing cleaning strategies. This was grouped into key insights that were then used to guide and inform the design process.
- I WASH FROM CLEANEST TO DIRTIEST - VARYING WASHING REQUIREMENTS MEAL TO MEAL - I SOAK SOME ITEMS BEFORE WASHING THEM - STORAGE BEFORE AND AFTER WASHING IS A PROBLEM - IT’S FRUSTRATING HAVING TO WASH STRAIGHT AFTER A MEAL - I DON’T USE MY DISHWASHER - ITS TOO BIG
04
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND PROVING
”
The washing was to be achieved through the application of ultrasonic cleaning technology. Therefore, extensive research and learning of the process was required, as well as some initial testing to prove the concept.
04
The idea for the device was to utilise the user’s existing sink, so direct user observation of a washing up process was undertaken to understand how the operation could be supplemented by the new product.
CAN’T JUSTIFY A DISHWASHER
PAGE
03
USER EXPERIENCES
- I RENT RATHER THAN OWN A HOUSE SO I
Central unit contains the controls and ultrasonic generator PCB
05 COMPONENT LAYOUT
Having established the fundamental technology principles and components in the research, the initial design phase involved determining the most efficient component and device layout, both functionally and ergonomically.
The wooden fascia on the transducer units slides open to suspend the units across the sink
The two outside units contain the ultrasonic transducers
06 ITERATIVE DESIGN
The design process involved several stages of refinement. Quick CAD models were built at key strategic stages to help define size, component layout and aesthetics. THE SELECTED DESIGN CONSISTS OF A CENTRAL PCB ELECTRONICS HOUSING AND TWO MOVABLE UNITS OF ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS. THESE UNITS ARE POSITIONED ACROSS THE SINK
The metal bases sit in contact with the water, transferring the ultrasonic waves
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
TRANSMITTING THE ULTRASOUND WAVES DOWN INTO THE WATER
07 CONCEPT GENERATION
At all stages of design development, quick concept generation was achieved through sketching in both 2D and 3D, depending on the details being developed.
08 HAND RENDERING
PAGE
05
Certain key concepts were rendered by hand in Photoshop using a graphics tablet. This enabled the communication of key aesthetic concepts quickly in detail.
09 EXPERIENCE PROTOTYPING
Several elements of the project were defined and developed using quick experience prototyping techniques with users, including scale card models and mock 2D control interfaces. MOCK DIAL INTERFACE
O
paring to run a wash cycle k already loaded with dirty e and filled with water. The tchenware cleaner is wered on at the wall, and is standby mode. The e items have quite a thick on them, so you decide ed a more intensive wash he auto mode. Please teps below:
START/PAUSE
AGITATION CYCLE
OFF
INTENSIVE WASH
QUICK WASH
PRE-SOAK + INTENSIVE WASH
AUTO WASH
E WASH CYCLE.
CYCLE.
TO USE THE TAP. PAUSE TEMPORARILY.
HE CYCLE.
15
Min.
HAS FINISHED. SWITCH E OFF.
on with the button ow did you find this design Please think about the ration (imagine your hands rity of information, and the design in comparison to of other household t you are used to using.
THE PROTOTYPING STAGE OF THE PROJECT WAS SUPPORTED BY A JAMES DYSON FOUNDATION BURSARY, AWARDED TO PROJECTS WITH A PROPENSITY FOR INVENTIVENESS AND INNOVATION.
10
IN DEPTH PROTOTYPING
Once the design was in a more refined state, two final prototypes were produced: one to test the aesthetics and ergonomics with users; and one to test the ultrasonic component orientation and cleaning performance.
PROTOTYPING AND EVALUATION
PROTOTYPE EVALUATIONS
06
The final prototypes were subjected to thorough evaluation procedures in order to identify potential issues that could then be corrected in the final design. The functional prototype was used to test cleaning on a wide range of different materials and food contaminants, while the ergonomic prototype was assessed by users for ease of operation and aesthetics.
PAGE
11
immerse
ULTRASONIC KITCHENWARE CLEANER
12
DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE
Building on the insights from the prototype evaluations, every component was designed with respect to its relevant production process, before the manufacture and assembly was costed to prove commercial viability.
FINAL DESIGN immerse is a completely new appliance designed for the compact urban kitchen. Using the power of ultrasonic cleaning technology, it revolutionises the washing up process in the existing sink environment. Based on an extensive process of iterative design, prototyping and user evaluation, the final design is refined both technically and ergonomically to deliver consistent cleaning performance in an easy to use form.
PAGE
immerse serves a genuine user need in the UK, with the smallest average home size in Western Europe, only 40% of people have access to a dishwasher. The device, consisting of a central PCB housing and control interface and two movable ultrasonic transducer units, combines a compact form with a clean aesthetic to fit discreetly into any kitchen.
07
USER FOCUSSED DESIGN
IVA: IN VEHICLE ASSISTANT BRIEF The brief was set by the Royal Society of the Arts as part of their annual Student Design Awards. The brief was to develop a vision and business case for the future workplace that addresses the challenges of changing work patterns.
RESPONSE After thorough research and initial ideation, I chose to focus on a non traditional work environment: the vehicle of the professional driver. The anticipated change to automated control systems in vehicles of the future provided both a challenge and an opportunity for the project. With the driver’s role reduced to that of monitoring systems, the challenge was to maintain their concentration and situational awareness. However, the reduced driving input also opened up new opportunities for other productivity activities while on the road. An iterative design process focussing on these issues resulted in IVA, the In Vehicle Assistant, the next generation of in car peripheral.
KEY SKILLS DEMONSTRATED:
09
HOLISTIC SYSTEM APPROACH USER INTERFACE DESIGN
PAGE
USER INSIGHTS TO INFORM THE DESIGN PROCESS PROBLEM/TREND IDENTIFICATION
USE R
I
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
VIEW ER NT
We use “ vocal checks between
02 A variety of formats were developed to implement the driver assistance aid, such as wearable tech watches, headsets, and in vehicle peripherals. The functionality of the device, including vocal commands and fatigue prevention/ concentration aids, were driven by the insights gained from the pilots.
the two pilots to confirm changes and double check everything
”
01 USER INTERVIEWS
Autonomous vehicles are still in development which meant direct user (driver) interaction was not possible, so instead pilots were interviewed about their experiences of using equivalent autopilot systems, including questionnaires, in depth interviews and video observation.
MOUNTING
CONNECTING
CUSTOMISING
03
IVA
STORE
APP
HOLISTIC APPROACH
EMAIL CLIE
DELIVERY
CONFERE
IVA APP
TRUCK ST
NT
PLANNER
NCE CALL
ER
OP PLANN
NEXT DELIVERY
UPDATES
MR J. STEPHENS
Following the next delivery please make your way to PR2 2EN. There is an urgent collection which needs returning directly to base. Thanks.
24 WINDSOR RD. PR2 1BD
i
IF OUT PLEASE LEAVE WITH NEIGHBOUR AT NO. 22
VOCAL PROMPTS
TRAFFIC
ENGAGED
AUTOSYS
DRY
WEATHER
AUTONOMOUS DRIVING
55 SPEED
TRAFFIC
ENGAGED
AUTOSYS
MANUAL DRIVING
DRY
WEATHER
EXPERIENCE PROTOTYPING
The safety & concentration functions of the device were to be delivered through vocal prompts/questions. This was developed & proved with an experience prototyping process where pre-recorded questions were asked of participants in an imaginary autonomous driving scenario.
10
55
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN 5 MILES
04
PAGE
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN 5 MILES
SPEED
ER
Selecting an in vehicle peripheral concept with a Head Up Display, all elements of the concept were developed including the device aesthetic and functionality such as a voice control system, the HUD display interface which overlays the road, and an associated app and store to purchase productivity apps relevant to the driver’s needs
05
Injection moulded case components
FINAL DESIGN
CAD MODEL
Following aesthetic development of the selected design format, a CAD model of the final design was created. Research was done into existing HUD devices and future technology such as full windscreen HUD projection to inform the size of the device.
Variable angle projection to fit different windscreens
Suction mount
IVA, the In Vehicle Assistant, is a windscreen mounted Head Up Display device for professional drivers of autonomous vehicles. Communicating with a complementary app on either the vehicles smart system or a smartphone, IVA performs two functions. Firstly, it helps the driver maintain concentration and situational awareness through a real time HUD overlay and periodic vocal prompts and questions. This means even when not in control, the driver is prepared to provide control input if required. Secondly, it brings customisable industry specific productivity opportunities to mobile professionals, from live delivery information and routings to email clients, all controlled via voice input and visual HUD information.
Windscreen
Battery indicator
Speaker grill
Power switch
RSA STUDENT DESIGN AWARDS 2013/14 TOMORROWS WORKPLACE BRIEF LDS SELECTED ENTRY HUD Projection window
RECENT EMAILS MR J. STEPHENS Todays Meeting MR P. WHITTAKER Urgent Accounts
DIARY 10.30 Meeting with clients 12.30 Lunch with Jeremy at the Black Bull 2.45 Conference call
MRS C. WELLINGS Business Conference
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN 5 MILES
SPEED
55 TRAFFIC
ENGAGED
AUTOSYS
WET
WEATHER
06 HEAD UP DISPLAY
IVA
PAGE
11
Key to the device functionality is the Head Up Display interface. The interface is two tier, the bottom half containing an augmented reality safety overlay to help driver awareness, while the top half is dedicated to the productivity apps, which are only enabled when the vehicle is in autonomous control.
DESIGN FOR A BRAND
DYSON AIR STOVE BRIEF The brief was to take the ethos and styling of a well known British brand and apply it to a new product that could provide a hot food experience in a specified outdoor environment. The brand that I focussed on was Dyson, and the outdoor environment was the winter mountains.
RESPONSE Research into the winter sport market and the Dyson brand enabled a more defined approach to be developed for the project. The growing popularity of extreme winter pursuits, including off piste, ski cross and endurance trekking offered a market for whom an on the go food solution would be attractive. In terms of the brand, it was clear that Dyson products are differentiated primarily through their functional performance, with styling and aesthetics being secondary.
KEY SKILLS DEMONSTRATED: BRAND UNDERSTANDING MARKET RESEARCH PRODUCT FUNCTION DESIGN AND INNOVATION
PAGE
HOLISTIC SOLUTION APPROACH
13
01
03
BRAND RESEARCH
In order to understand the Dyson product ethos, research was undertaken into their existing product range.. This helped to identify both the functional innovation and performance aspect of their products, and some key styling cues for aesthetic coherency.
HEATING TECHNOLOGY
A relatively low tech principle, the Chimney Kettle, was selected for heating as it is light weight, simple and therefore rugged and offers fast heating performance, all vital parameters for a device for active users in the mountains. Another innovation was to form the chimney directly in the food canister, directly heating the food and reducing device size.
02 MARKET RESEARCH
Market research led to the identification of winter sport trends that would impact the performance requirements of the product. Several hero users were developed into full personas, which enabled potential concepts to be ‘tested’ against their need.
04 STYLING AND PACKAGING
PAGE
14
At all stages of the project, across different technology and device iterations, sketch development was used to create and develop potential solutions to deliver the final concept.
05
COMPLETE OPERATION EXPERIENCE
A new style of food packaging tin, designed to allow the user to cook and eat the food directly. The tin contains a fuel capsule, creating an all in one solution. The user can buy their preferred meal pre packaged in resort, eat it on an excursion, and then recycle the tin at the end of the day, simplifying the experience.
15
A smartphone app for users of the product to research and recommend places to eat within their locality, e.g. good places to cook or nice views.
PAGE
The brief for the project specified the creation of a hot food experience. Therefore, all aspects of the device’s operation were considered, not just the heating of the food. This led to more innovations that supplemented the actual product itself:
airstove FINAL DESIGN
06 FAST HEATING PERFORMANCE
PAGE
16
Utilising the chimney kettle concept, the stove draws in air across the burning fuel capsule and accelerates it out of the canister chimney, quickly heating the food. The user can enjoy a hot, nu trio us meal at their convenience, while maximising time spent enjoying their chosen activity.
The Dyson Air Stove concept offers winter sports enthusiasts an on demand nutritious hot food experience to help sustain them during a days activities. The innovative modular design is lightweight, rugged and offers fast cooking performance. Users have the choice of pre prepared meal tins available in resort or a cooking canister in which they can transport and eat their own meals. Solid fuel capsules, simple set up and the ability to eat directly from the device result in an ease of use experience that maximises the time available for enjoying all the mountains have to offer.
DESIGN IN INDUSTRY
INNOVATIVE SANDWICH PACK BRIEF Whilst on placement, I was set a brief by a client who wanted a new design for their in store sandwich packaging. Some of the requirements of the brief were unachievable with carton board (the material my company manufactured in), however the resulting work offered a new opportunity for our business.
RESPONSE By designing a brand new sandwich pack from a clean slate, innovation was introduced at every level of its functionality. The result was a pack with advantages for both the retailer and consumer, which was ultimately protected by my placement company before being released to retailers.
KEY SKILLS DEMONSTRATED:
18
REAL WORLD PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE DESIGN PROTECTION
PAGE
CLEAN SLATE DESIGN INNOVATION WITHIN STRICT DESIGN PARAMETERS
02 A BRAND NEW SANDWICH PACK
01
EXISTING PRODUCT ANALYSIS
Current variations of sandwich packaging were researched to identify opportunities for improvement. Despite the specific brief being unachievable, there were obviously big opportunities for innovation in the sector.
CAD DESIGN MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
The new design was created to offer a completely new take on sandwich packaging but within the restrictions of material and manufacture available to the company. Using an innovative centre fold design, it can be folded completely flat for storage prior to filling, and then once filled, the central flaps create a dividing shelf to keep the sandwiches separate.
03 DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE
04 PROTOTYPE TESTING 19
The design was tested and improved with the use of prototypes at every stage of iteration, to find the optimum balance of structural integrity, material use and ease of manufacture.
PAGE
Working in conjunction with our manufacturing team, the design was optimised through iterative development for maximum efficiency in print and glue runs on the manufacturing presses.
BENSON GROUP DECIDED TO PROTECT THE DESIGN WITH A EUROPEAN DESIGN RIGHT REGISTRATION BEFORE RELEASING IT TO CUSTOMERS. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME A PLACEMENT STUDENTS WORK HAD BEEN PROTECTED.
05
BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES
The outside of the pack offers ample area to print branding and product information, helping the pack stand out on shelf in conjunction with the windowed product view.
FINAL DESIGN
The new pack offers innovation across every level of its function. For the retailer, it offers the same volume of container, but in a format that is stackable for transport and also on shelf, allowing retailers to stock more product in a reduced area. For the consumer, the pack offers excellent product visibility, a compact form and a redefined eating experience by transforming into a tray to eat from. It also offers the opportunity to re-seal the pack, should you want to save some for later. All this has been achieved in a design that uses no more material and can be manufactured efficiently using existing print press technology.
PAGE
20
CONTACT ME CALL ME 07969322508
EMAIL ME pwmail@hotmail.co.uk
WRITE TO ME Paul Whittaker 24 Moss Lane Garstang Preston Lancashire PR31HB
CONNECT WITH ME linkedin.com/in/paulwhittaker1
PAGE
21