sarah a. morgan
table of contents
//metalsmIthIng 01 identity badge 02 wearable luxury
//woodworKIng 03 a tree falls bench and logo 04 facetable
//ceramIcs 05 candlestick holders
//compUter aIded desIgn 06 packaging re-design 07 taia room divider 08 relevant radio 09 lookout light switch covers
//conceptUal 10 will leather goods 1 1 sustainable street lighting for salem, or
project no. //
01
identity badge wInter // 2010
//the form of this broach informs wearers and observers alike about the many
facets entailed in how we attempt to identify ourselves. this includes what is hidden, what is displayed, and what is uniquely inherent. It is the same scale and form as a badge, so that an individual wears the piece as a form of identification that is also tied with feelings of honor.
//the broach is composed of four layers assembled through cold connection techniques.
001
002
001 Vintage lace was rollerpressed into the copper base piece to allude to the historical, deeprooted, or inherent elements that contribute to personal identity.
003
002 Three layers of 20 gauge copper and nickel are riveted together, then carefully sanded down to create the appearance of a seamless connection. 003 Ideation sketches and concept development ranging from personal identity, culturally recognizable displays of identity, and means of concealing and revealing.
Materials: Copper Brass Nickel
project no. //
02
Wearable luXury wInter // 2010
001
002
//this ring considers the way
in which value and luxury are culturally understood, and the extravagant means through which they are displayed.
//by bringing a large, 003
extravagant item down to a more discreet and wearable scale, the object becomes personal. the enjoyment then comes from the wearer and not from recognition of others.
004
001 miniature recreations of a selection of the most expensive paintings ever sold were created on stretch canvases measuring 1� by 1.5�.
003 the gold frame allows for the interchangeability of the miniature paintings that the wearer wishes to exhibit.
002 the image of a gold frame is culturally recognizable as a signifier of value and importance. the characteristic elaborateness of these frames has been simplified.
004 Ideation sketches and form refinement.
Materials: brass canvas basswood
project no. //
03.1
//after a tree fell onto
the University of oregon provost’s car, the wood was milled down and used to create a series of furniture for the University campus.
// I contributed to the
creation of a bench to be placed in a waiting area in johnson hall and a logo that would be laser etched onto each piece in the series. Materials: oak danish cord
probleMs:
//existing seating does not
facilitate temporality of use
//existing seating does not encourage social interactions between users
a tree falls bench sUmmer // 2010
002
001
001 proof that the tree did, in fact, fall on the provost’s car. 002 early stage of milling as the wood dried out for use. 003 scale models for bench profile. 004 refining dimensions.
003
005 construction of profile pieces.
004
006 prototype to determine ideal length for the bench.
005
007 weaving the seat by hand using traditional methods.
solutions:
//bench length specified
for 3 people to sit closely or 2 people to sit with comfortable personal space
//back at comfortable
armrest height, also acting
007
006
project no. //
03.2
a tree falls logo sUmmer // 2010
// In order to inform people of the story behind the furniture made from the fallen trees when interacting with it, we decided as a class that a trademark informative logo should be visible on each piece in the series. //the intent of the logo was to add narrative
to the furniture and invoke interest in users to inquire about the story.
//the final informative logo was laser-etched onto each piece.
001
001 The image of the tree
//A standing tree tips over and falls to transform into a piece of furniture, signifying the transformation of a local tree falling and evolving into unique furniture created through sustainable means for the University campus.
002 The tree number
//Many trees around campus are numbered and kept on record at the University. The Red Oak that was used for these furniture pieces.
003 The series number
002 003
//Each piece made from this particular tree has been numbered in the order of its production. By marking individual pieces with their own designated series number, they become as unique as the tree from which they were made.
ideation and concept development
project no. //
04
facetable sprIng // 2010
//as an introduction to woodworking, this table was created to display and complement slip cast candlestick holders.
//drawing from the shape of an accompanying candle stick holders, this table has alternating faceted sides that create points of visual interest from different perspectives.
ideation and concept development
002 001
003
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003
Inspiration for the shape came from the complex octagonal form of the candlestick holder, which was simplified into a hexagonal form.
the recurrent curves in the form inspired the curves of the legs, which alternate in width of the opening between sides.
the intricate faceted form was further mimicked through the angled cut of the legs.
project no. //
05
candlestick holders sprIng // 2010
// This project began as a form study in creating a compelling shape through the combination of found objects. //The composite form
was then cast in plaster to create a mold. The mold was used to reproduce the form in slip, which was fired and glazed.
// The process was a study in the production and manufacturing of a product. // A three-part mold was created to serve as a means of fabricating a product in multiples.
project no. //
06
packaging re-design winter // 2011
//Most art supply packaging provides
storage for the product, but does not encourage creativity or use of the product. It also quickly turns into waste.
//In order to change the relationship between package and product, this colored pencil box incorporates an interactive element into the design.
//By incorporating stencils into the
case it facilitates the user’s ability to draw, write, practice, and learn. The stencil encourages the use of the pencils, as well as imagination. It gives the package value so that even once the pencils are discarded, the stencil can live on.
//File created in RhincoCAM4 and laser cut.
001
001
A durable nylon cord ties around the outside to quickly open and securely close the case.
002 A series of stencils encases an inner pencil holder and stand, which slides out easily.
003
002
A small tab cut out from the back of the stand slips into a slot on the other side so that it can stand alone and provide the user with quick and easy accessibility to all of the pencils.
003
ideation and concept development
project no. //
07
taia rooM divider
collaborative project with tori russo and Kara williams wInter // 2011
possible configurations:
//project requirements: Use 3 sheets of 4’ x 8’ plywood of 1/4” thickness, use rhinocad/cam to create a modular room divider to be cnc milled, and assembled without hardware or adhesives.
//hexagon clusters allow for modular configurations to customly divide a space as needed. the pieces stack vertically and horizontally to build both up and out.
//rows of notches increase stability while simultaneously allowing for internal closed spaces for storing items. the crossing of planes created by the main structural pieces gives dimensionality to the divider from every viewing direction, creating a visually interesting space that divides a larger space.
002
001
001 after cnc routing each sheet of plywood, the pieces are removed by hand 002 joint pieces 003 hand finishing of final pieces 004
003
004 joint connections allow for the construction of the room divider without the use of hardware 005 form exploration 006 final form and joints
005
006
project no. //
08
relevant radio fall // 2011
//approaching the radio as an object that is becoming obsolete, it became clear that there still are places where it is either necessary or complimentary to activities.
//these locations tend to be in work areas or on the move, so the accommodating features of the radio were expanded to include an adjustable strap that is also a measuring tape so that the radio can be a helpful tool or just an easily adaptable source of music.
ideation and concept development
7 8 5 6 3 4 1 2
1 9 10
Working prototype File created in Adobe Illustrator Laser Cut MATERIALS: Matte Acrylic Magnetic Closure
project no. //
09
lookout light sWitch covers fall // 2010
//an overlooked, yet frequent
point of interaction, the light switch cover serves as a protection from what it conceals, but holds potential for higher functionality.
//these light switch covers
offer a number of flexible courtesy functions including key hooks, an inconspicuous mail slot and chalkboard or whiteboard surfaces for leaving reminders.
//playing on the critical locations at which light switches are located— next to passageways, at arm level and in plain view— the lookout light switch covers provide subtle features to keep organized.
user research and probleM identification
probleM:
//walking through the door with mail in hand
//mail ends up tossed
somewhere near the entryway
//where to put keys after unlocking the door
//tendencies to haphazardly toss keys somewhere
//people need to write themselves important reminders
//these need to be posted where they will be seen
solution:
//a small slot incorporated in the top of the light switch cover to slide mail into
//turning on the lights is likely the first action walking through the door, so incorporating mail placement into one action aids in ease of motion and organization
//create a designated spot for
//designate a spot to write
keys to be hung
and erase notes or reminders.
//Instead of creating a separate
//light switches are visible and must be interacted with when leaving a room, making them a prime spot for leaving notes
key holder, incorporate hooks into the light switch cover, which is located next to the entrance
//Original inspiration came from a card stuck into a light switch cover in order for it to be seen. //It is a natural human behavior to place something that needs to be seen next to something that is used and seen on a frequent basis. //Goal: to push this behavior even further to work to the advantage of the user by keeping important things visible and accessible.
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001 Ideation sketches
002 Quick reminders written in plain view
003-005 hooks for holding chalk and/or writing utensils
006 mail/note slot
project no. //
10
selected design Work for Will leather goods eUgene, or
sUmmer // 2011
//will leather goods is a small
high-end leather accessories company based in eugene, or and nyc, ny.
//during my internship at will,
the company was introducing and continuing to develop their Found Collection.
//the Found Collection is
designed around an appreciation for tradition, and nods to both vintage and modern craftsmanship methods.
//I worked on a series of
accessories that complemented these larger projects and referenced their forms and details.
//above is a sample of the
actual dhurrie blankets used to create the Found Collection of bags (examples below) from which the smaller accessories would be complementing in style and referencing in form.
oo1
oo2
//patterns to be laser-etched onto ipad2 cases. oo1 Inspired by patterns found in the various dhurrie rugs used in the Found Collection. oo2 Inspired by patterns from traditional and vintage tooled leather accessories.
project no. //
11
Sustainable street lighting for salem, Or
collaboration between the university of oregon and the Sustainable cities initiative Project collaboration with Kristopher Schaefer and Nathan Eschleman
winter // 2011
// A lighting concept created in order to maximize user considerations and minimize environmental impact, this light fixture would replace existing light fixtures and technology, while utilizing existing poles.
// The project was completed as part of a collaboration with the Product Design program and the Sustainable Cities Initiative at the University of Oregon— a cross-disciplinary attempt at improving the overall sustainability of a city. The project focused on the issues specific to Salem, OR.
// *This project corresponds with a personal Honors thesis entitled Sustainability Through Design: The Economic, Environmental, and Social Contributions of Design in Collaboration With Businesses, which further explores the implications of the project. 001
001 :: Resea r c h
technology
market
users
// WHY LEDs?
// opportunity for improvement:
// METHODS:
• Long lifetime • Recyclable • Improved visibility • Efficient energy usage • Reduced carbon emissions
• A light that reduces its impact while improving the user’s experience
• Intercept interviews • Surveys • Direct observation
//Case studies • Oregon cities • US cities of comparable scale • International
001
002
Rendering of fixture and light distribution on site
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+
Survey results showing user groups and their respective concerns
003
USER CONCERNS
003
ABILITY TO BE SEEN ABILITY TO SEE OTHERS
002
LIGHT COLOR PREFERENCE
SAFETY
WHITE
NAVIGATION
YELLOW
User groups as determined through research: motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians
002:: o b s e r v a t i o n & p r o b l e M identification //existing light distributions were determined and analyzed using a light meter at several locations in salem
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2 3 4
//the following site-specific
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3 2 1 2
problems were determined to be most important to address:
2
1 3 ft. increments
• light in the wrong places (001-002) • not enough light (003) • too much light (004) • costs and inconvenience of maintenance (based on feedback from city
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002
003
004
8 11 7 5
1 4
representatives and maintenance workers)
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1 2 1
003:: u s e r n e e d i d e n t i f i c a t i on
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lanes bikebikelane
sidewalk sidewalks
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//an individual ideal light
street
streets
distribution was created for each user group based on observations and user survey results
X X
X
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X
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X
X
X
X X
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X X X X
//a composite light
distribution was formed to meet the needs of all user groups
//this was used as the ideal distribution for our light fixture
004:: i d e a t i o n a n d c o n c e p t r efineMent
001 Initial ideation sketches
002
003
001
004
002 decision to turn light around onto the sidewalk and distribute light out to the street
003 light fixture form refinement for sidewalk-facing streetlight
004 rough scale models for testing light distribution
005:: f i n a l c o n c e p t d e v e lopMent
eXploded vieW mounting bolts armature housing
heat sink led array lens
15’’ // height lowered to achieve ideal light distribution and facilitate maintenance
considerations light distribution and consistency
Final concept
all user groups are accommodated by the improved light distribution
eXiStinG liGHt eXisting light
Maintenance
Final concept
rather than requiring muliple maintenance workers, a cherry picker, and blocking a lane of traffic, the lowered light can be reached by one worker on a ladder on the sidewalk
eXiStinG liGHt
sustainability // enVIronmental • reduced energy usage and carbon emissions from the use of lowered wattage led light bulbs • minimized number of components and use of recycleable steel for fixture and armature reduces the impact of the manufacturing of the implementation of the new lights
// socIal • higher level of user consideration creates a more socially sustainable product • higher level of visibility of all user groups without a higher wattage light bulb increases perceived safety (a concern expressed by all user groups in the survey)
// economIc • the cost of lighting was a primary concern for the city of salem • lowered energy expenses from lowered wattage led light bulbs • high quality product with high level of considerations wards off obsolescence (i.e. the need to replace after a relatively short period of time)
Contact: Sarah a. Morgan
sarah.aleise.morgan@gmail.com (541) 778.4416 @SarahAleise http://issuu.com/sarahmorgan/docs/designportfolio