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A. PRASANT SINGH RAO PROSPECTIVE DESIGNER
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
PROJECTS
4
The big Borris bike problem
INCLUSIVE DESIGN
22
PHOTO-MONTAGE
8
The Kiss of Fragrance
GARDEN TOOL DESIGN
26
LIGHTING DESIGN
14
[box] light
Functional trophy design
Xylem: Garden claw/drill
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
30
DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE
18
Screw driver handle redesign
Product Sketching
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
33
Computer Aided Design (Solidworks)
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USER INTERACTION
THE BIG BORIS BIKE PROBLEM
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01
2. TOPIC PROPOSAL
With a focus on user interaction, explore a service or a product. Understand the visual language of the service. Conduct observational exercises, alongside surveys and interviews. Present the collected data in a graphical format.
We explored the Boris bike system in London, while the system is highly efficient and convenient, the bikes themselves lack key elements of user interaction and ergonomics. They weigh about 25 kilograms and do not have sufficient storage space or any means to aid the cyclist with navigation.
Identity problems in the service and provide solutions through a customer journey map. Maintain focus on visual elements.
The aim was to identify and explore these key areas for improvement and provide design solutions for the same through the use of visual elements. There was extensive research and Adobe elements to the project.
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1. THE BRIEF
3. VISUAL LANGUAGE STUDY
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BIKE HIRE
The bicycles are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and misuse. The robust handle and basket design continues to be a characteristic feature of the Boris bicycles. The docking stands have the station name and instructions.
The Santander app is to find bikes and stands. Markers on the right are integrated with the It uses the same colours used to indicate bicycle scheme. The app is used and visual elements. availability. Pantone 032 C: 0 Y: 100 R: 236 G: 0
M: 93 B: 0
K: 0
Pantone Solid Coated 289C C: 95 Y: 78 M: 50 K: 55 R: 12 G: 38 B: 59 Pantone Solid Coated Black 6 C C: 0 Y: 0 M: 0 K: 0 R: 0 G: 0 B: 0
GRAPHIC ANALYSIS Each of the transport divisions, have their own roundel. The Boris bike roundel is a red circle with CYCLES written using New Johnston. There are strict specifications for using the roundel and the logos.
180 bikes have been vandalised
22,000,000 hires have been made since July, 2010.
is made into running the bike sharing scheme.
3644
.
bicycle repairs
covered by Santander
carried out everyday.
Aver a
ge y rne
time is aro u
bike sharing scheme.
ince 2010
u jo
184,280 londoners have annual memberships on the
s led l e
m
750 docking stations
are present across central London
s h a v e bee n t r a ile v
accounts for the rest.
have been inflicted.
involved Boris bikes.
sponsorships
taxed funding
serious injuries
accidents
£ 1,800,000
£ 9,200,000
12
364
is covered by the official sponsors.
7,000,000
1/6
es ut
annual investment
11,500 bicycles are a part of the scheme.
stolen
o 24 m 18 t in
£ 11,000,000
10 bikes have been
x 600
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Santander
Hire a cycle
nd
taxpayer’s money
4. RESEARCH INFOGRAPHIC
5. TASK ANALYSIS The user locates the nearest docking station, often using the Santander app if necessary.
The user enters the unlock code on the docking stand. The task analysis gave an insight into how exactly the user interacts with the product at focus and indicated clear points of interaction and potential improvement.
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We stopped a tourist and documented the entire bike hire process while asking him relelvant questions to better understand the customer journey. The key problem areas identified were payment, bagging and navigation.
Hire a cycle
1345
potential problem area
Following on screen instructions, the user pays and collects the 4 digit unlock code .
The user places his items and bags into the ‘basket’ and fastens them with the elastic ropes.
Once the light turns green, the user pulls the bike out.
6. CUSTOMER JOURNEY MAP
Touch points 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.
Simple to follow instructions. The option of using the keys to unlock the bikes for regular users.
A pleasant journey with lots to observe. Freedom to explore.
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High lights
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.
Introduce cash payment options for short term visitors.
Have the option of selecting language at the start of the hire process and print instructions in the selected language.
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 mount their phones and follow directions.
Have a summary of traffic rules listed on the bike next to the instructions to improve safety.
Clearer road signage pointing to the nearest boris bike stand.
Clear instructions about closest dock station and complementary time to locate the docking station.
Opportunities
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THE KISS OF FRAGRANCE
02
2. DESIGN CONCEPT
A conceptual project with a focus on graphic communication. Created a realistic product using pre-existing pictures only, followed by a poster capturing the product in it’s true essence. The project involved extensive use of the Adobe Suite and helped develop contextual presenatation techniques. The selected area focussed on female beauty products.
The final concept syndicated the purpose of two products into one, with a lipstick on one end and a perfume on the other. The product was developed using seven images and further put into context through a poster. Branding elements were taken into consideration as well.
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1. THE BRIEF
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3. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
FINAL PRODUCT the sketches formed the basis for creating a realistic CS6 and Adobe Illustrator CS6. The development stages development process. The glass elements proved to be depiction of the product, using pre-exisiting pictures only. involved numerous iterations and changes as the product particularly challenging since the transparency had to be The photomontage was created using Adobe Photoshop took shape, all of which have been illustrated across the maintained all through out.
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Labious Dulche is French translates for ‘Sweet-Lips’ which directly reflects back on my concept of combining a lipstick with a sweet-smelling perfume into one seamless
4. FINAL CONTEXTUAL POSTER Studying the market trends, highlighted the importance of beauty products. The original picture was modified to change associating products with a face especially in the case of a the colour of the rose, the ring and the model’s lips.
THE BOXX’ LIGHT 14 | singh rao | portfolio
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1. THE BRIEF
The task was to design a specialised task light to facilitate the execution of a task through investigation of appropriate light sources in further context. Carry out and document market research at the London Design Festival with a focus on lighting.
2. DESIGN CONCEPT Box light as I like to call it, incorporated a scissor lift mechanism to allow the user to control light dispersion by pulling apart the two halves of the box, with light levels increasing subsequently. While the box is closed, light shines out the top. As the box is opened the scissor lift comes closer and lifts the bulb, this mechanism can be adopted into children’s lights and integrated with furniture, where the light comes up as a drawer is pulled.
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Briefed by tp24, a renowned lighting design company to design a luminaire in accordance with their identity.
3. CARDBOARD MODELLING: were built using single ply card and soda boxes. The later prototypes were further refined and included laser cut acrylic parts.
The scissor lift mechanism proved particularly challenging since both the lifts had to move simultaneously, several linkage iterations were carried out to
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4. FINAL PROTOTYPING:
Starting with cardboard, I had to carry out numerous iterations a prototypes to develop the mechanism precisely. The initial card board models
MECHANISM
ASSEMBLY
The scissor lift was held together using nylon screws and screw caps mounted on the outer surface, the inner mechanism was acrylic while the outer body was made of Ash wood since it
is durable and complements the blue colour of the acrylic. The final prototype assembly has been illustrated on the side.
5. THE FINAL MODEL
The bulb used was a 5 W bulb, 1400 lumens with a 360 degree light dispersion. It had to be frosted for a diffused effect. The final mechanism is flexible and can be applied across a number of children’s lighting and furniture solutions.
THE RISE
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The final prototype proved the principle and worked smoothly, the few drawbacks were the box was made too wide since I did not take into account the tolerances of the panels when gluing the box. I branded the light as ‘boxx’ to capture the simple shape.
FUNCTIONAL TROPHY DESIGN 18 | singh rao | portfolio
04
2. DESIGN CONCEPT
Design and prototype an award/ trophy to be given to level 3 students at the prize giving ceremony during graduation. The design must have an added element of secondary functionality with increased manufacturing methods.
The final trophy design has the added feature of a tube light, that lights up as the user lifts the top of the box.
Deliver a detailed report with all the manufacturing considerations which are to be kept in accordance with the design rules for different manufacturing processes, carry out the cost analysis as well.
Magnets wired to the LED, are used to complete the circuit as the wooden handle is lifted up to expose the light. The battery is connected to the top bracket with and as the magnets attach to it, The trophy was designed taking into account manufacturing processes, with the aim of reducing scrap and cost without compromise on quality and aesthetic.
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1. THE BRIEF
INTERNALS
Brass spacers: Material cost: £10.48 Lathe turning cost: £479.00 Total cost: £105,279 Cost per unit: 1.05 Cost per unit: £0.04
Acrylic brackets: Material cost: £33,000 Laser cutting cost: £23,700 Total cost: £27,625 Cost per unit: £0.2 2 units/trophy = £ 0.4
Acrylic rod: Material costs: £14.67 Time taken: 5 secs/cut Operator cost: £20/hour Total cost: £85,000 Cost per unit: £0.85
ABS Internal Brackets: Mould costs: £974 Setup/Labour cost: £333 Total cost: £93,070 Cost per unit: £0.93 3 units/trophy: £2.80
Electrical parts: Resistors(x20): £0.20 Batteries: £1.65 Material cost: £1.86 Electrician wage: £13/hr Total cost: £2,06,000 Cost per unit: £2.06
Overheads: Administrative: £26,460 Payroll taxes: £10,170 Insurance: £34,300 Rent: £28,400 Total cost: £1,97,330 Cost per unit: £1.97
Total: Through comprehensive analysis, I calculated the cost of producing 100,000 units, with a per trophy cost of £10.87 including over heads.
COPPER
BRASS
TESTING
Copper brackets: Material costs: £400 Time taken: 30 mins Metal punch operator cost: £40 Total cost: £420
WOOD
ACRYLIC
CAD
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3. TROPHY MANUFACTURE
ABS BRACKETS
Wooden Parts: Material cost: £1,70,200 Time taken: 8.3 hours CNC operator cost: £40 CNC rental cost: £137 Total cost: £170503 Total cost per unit: £1.7
4. COST ANALYSIS (100,000 UNITS)
The trophy manufacture process was carried out as closely as possible to industrial manufacturing techniques to get precise time margins for the cost analysis. We used manufacturing methods such as CNC machining, hand turning and laser cutting. The 3D printed parts were laser sintered. The electrical parts were ordered in and assembled in house.
The final trophy design reflected a prestigious product, personalised to a Brunel graduate with the logo engraved on the black acrylic.
Wooden handle Acrylic tube cap Clear 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
The internal electronics and the functional aspect of the trophy was captured in a tag line, which was also engraved on the outside ‘Bright ideas lie within.’ Through this design we added a new dimension to a trophy making it functional as compared to just a show piece on the side mantel.
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5. EXPLODED VIEW
6. FINAL MODEL:
INCLUSIVE HANDLE REDESIGN
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2. DESIGN CONCEPT
The project was focussed on Inclusive design, described as “The design of mainstream products and/or services that are accessible to, and usable by, as many people as reasonably possible without the need for special adaptation.� The brief focussed on redesign of a screw driver handle for a person suffering from Osteoarthritis, a condition that affects bone tissues and particularly joints. Verify the impact of the design using an empathy tool designed to replicate the condition.
The screw driver handle design combines two different types of screwdrivers. Sticking to the traditional progressively curved design, I added two supports on either side of the screw driver which reduced the need to bend your fingers as much as with the traditional screw driver handle, thereby reducing the strain on the users joints. The design was inspired by the work being done at OXO to improve everyday tasks for people with minor disability, up holding the principles of inclusive design.
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1. THE BRIEF
3. INITIAL TESTING
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The empathy tool was designed to restrict movement along the joints as would be the case with an arthritic person. The original screwdriver handle was made using blue foam and was tested using the empathy tool. This gave a clear indication of stress points and problems faced by the user.
EMPATHY TOOL
ORIGINAL SCREWDRIVER
The final handled was modelled using foam, on a hand made lathe. The design included two detachable supports on both sides of the screw driver, as observed on the left side, the additional parts provided support to the fingers in all orientations and redued the need for bending and the subsequent strain on the user. Since the supports are detachable the screw driver can be customised for different users depending on the the severity of the condition and comfort preferences. The project gave an insight into the implications of inclusive design and helped brush up foam modelling skills which proved to be extremely essential in subsequent projects.
FINAL DESIGN
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4. FINAL PROTOTYPE
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XYLEM: GARDEN CLAW/DRILL
2. DESIGN CONCEPT
Briefed by Bosch garden to design a cordless battery powered hand tool for the Lawn and Garden business sector. The task was to conceive and develop a new product based on an existing manual garden tool using engineering design justification for the concept.
The final concept improved the garden claw, adding a drilling element to the tool. With an internal suspension mechanism, and an additional electrically rotating auger bit, the claw’s functionality was improved, enabling the user to cultivate, loosen, aerate, weed, and dig the soil without mechanical effort.
Incorporate the detailed design development process touching on product aesthetics, design of the transmission, specification of the motor, battery and switchgear and the product casing, while maintaining a clear brand identity.
The tool had a switch on both the handles, to prevent accidental turning on of the tool. The tool would only turn on - if the main power in on and both the buttons are completely pressed down.
3. BRAND
xylEm At one with your garden
The tool was a part of a larger brand family, Xylem. Our key aim was to make garden tools less intimidating The tools boasted of neon safe technology, all the sharp edges were glow in the dark to avoid injuries when handing the tools in the shed. The brand values were Sustainability, Economic viability, Innovation, Ingenuity, Safety and Comfort.
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1. THE BRIEF
RODS Most parts were turned on the lathe to the right dimensions, the outer casing was hexagonal to keep in line with the brand identity of Xylem. The casing was made of 6 sections each with a hexagonal cross section. These were glued together.
SPRING
ELECTRICAL PPP
HANDLES
CLAWS
AUGER
ELECTRONICS
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FINAL PARTS
The electrical components included a PWM circuit to control the speed of the drill bit, alongside a dual switch safety feature which meant the tool could not be turned on without having both hands on the tool. A PPP was assembled for the electronics. The grips on the handles were massive tubes of heat shrink to fit the handle.
4. PROTOTYPE MANUFACTURE:
SPEED CONTROL CIRCUIT
The prototype was assembled in numerous parts to accommodate for the suspension mechanism on the inside, for the purpose of which I used a ventilation hose. The prototype was made primarily out of eurial. The claw and the auger bits were hand fabricated out of stainless steel and later welded together.
The final prototype was sturdy and did the tool’s job fairly well. It included a locking mechanism to lock the suspension, when the drill is not in use. In this state the tool can be used as a regular garden claw.
DIGGING
AEREATING
WEEDING
LOCKING
With a seamless colour scheme all xylem products performed well and maintained a good standard of safety thereby living upto our brand values.
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5. FINAL MODEL
PRODUCT SKETCHING
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1. FORM DEVELOPMENT
3. CONCEPT IDEATION
4. STORY BOARD
5. MARKER RENDERING
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2. USER INTERACTION
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
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3. CONTACT LENS CASE
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2. VENTRILIN INHALER
4. JACK DANIELS 50 ml 35 | singh rao | portfolio
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK?
+44(0)7778303673 mynameisprasant.22@gmail.com uk.linkedin.com/in/prasantsinghrao
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THANK YOU