Portfolio Sandra Ramirez 2013

Sandra Liliana Ramirez H Portfolio

EDUCATION 2010 December

BA Industrial Design at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS); Bucaramanga, Colombia.

AWARDS Second place in the Urban Water Movie Contest from Delft University of Technology, 2012, Netherlands.

Nominated for Best Product Concept in the Lapiz de Acero Award 2012 edition, Colombia.

Finalist in the Talentos Design 2010 Contest, in the Product area from the Fundacion Banco Santander, Spain.

Outstanding Student, First academic period 2006 and 2004 from Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Sandra Liliana Ramirez Herrera Address: Avenida del Tejar # 35 - 117,

Boulevar del cacique; Casa 22.

Bucaramanga-Colombia Phone: (57) 7 636 95 10 Cell phone: (57) 316 821 0135 E-mail: srahe@ymail.com

shana_ramirez@hotmail.com

Since Jan. 2011 Company: Fantaxias S.A.S Position: Chief of Design Business activity: Design, manufacturing and commercialization of metallic products for different industries.

Company: Centro de Investigacion en Ergonomia (Ergonomics Research Center, CIE) from the First and second Universidad Industrial de Santander. academic period Position: Research Assistant of 2007 Business activity: Education and Investigation SKILLS 2D: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Flash, InDesign, CorelDraw, Sketching.

3D: Luxology Modo, SolidWorks, Rhinoceros, 3D max.

Languages: Spanish, English, French.

Team player, Leader, and Responsible.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Urban Water Movie Contest Second place 2012

Design by: Sandra Ramirez H Jose Luis Pinzon B

Emergency Drinking Water System

This concept was developed seeking to mitigate the needs of safe drinking water, primarily for victims of natural disasters. aQa (from the Latin aqua) is a portable emergency system that serves to collect, transport and filter water. Securing a removal percentage of coliform and other impurities of 99.98%.

Developed in Colombia, where over 27% of the population suffers or has suffered from lack of clean water, aQa is not a complex system, allowing its use regardless of social class, or educational level. It consists of robust parts and easy to handle, impact-resistant and weather-resistant parts.

Graduation thesis Thesis partner: Jose L. Pinzon B. Thesis supervisor: Professor Juan Carlos Moreno M. Scientific assessor: Dr. Carolina Guzman L. Year: 2010

Emergency Drinking Water System

Design Challenge

The Earth’s climate is changing. The number of people affected and the damage caused by natural disasters are unprecedented.

One of the main problems facing these people is the lack of potable water; 5000 people die daily due to unsafe water, 1000 million people do not have access to it. There could be more than 200 million environmental refugees by the year 2050, according to the UN.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Design Challenge

Environmental refugees experience an unexpected and stressful situation; therefore, their problem-solving skill seems limited due to the stress of these circumstances. Experts in the field of assistance to victims in a disaster; classified a catastrophe in three stages and how they affect people: Pre-impact: In this stage are included the threats and warning prior the disaster.

Threats are general danger, due mostly to location; for example, the proximity to a geologic fault or a river. Warnings are like flood warning or an evacuation. Unfortunately, most people tent to ignore them. Some people are scare to act to soon and look foolish. While others, just ignore them, as a defense to something they wish did not happen.

Impact: It is the period of time during the disaster and the period right next to it. During this stage, there is a lot of emotion, as the victims look for safety for them and their families. It is common to find altruistic behavior from the refugees as they try to safe each other.

Post-impact: This stage last several weeks after the disaster occurred, it is the time when the organism start offering organized help to the victims and the time after they leave. During the time the help is offered the refugees are energetic looking forward to set their lives back on track. This stage is also known as the Honeymoon. Once the organism leaves the disaster area, the refugees find themselves alone and they realize everything changed. This stage is also known as the disillusion.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Brainstorming

We set a focus group for a brainstorming session, with people from different ages and backgrounds, due that a disaster does not discriminate. We started the session with some role games so the people could feel comfortable. After the mood was on, we describe a disaster situation where they could be involved, and asked them what they could do to get drinking water. Every idea was documented and then translated in 2d images.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Prototypes

After evaluating all of the alternatives, the three most viable alternatives were prototyped to evaluate the principle and how they could be used.

These prototypes were made with different materials and objects that were easy to find, looking for this step not take a lot of time and we could came back to presented them and test them with the potential users.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Testing

To improve the interaction with the users on the final result; we made a test with some potential users, different than those who were on the brainstorming session. We tested the understanding of the prototypes previously made, asking for the participants to organize a sequence of use of each alternatives.

The most understandable alternative was the one with the least errors made on the sequence.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Final Alternative

After analyzing the result from the tests with the users and looking for increase the chances of survival of the refugees, we decided to merge the attributes of each alternative.

This made that with the final alternative, users would be able to collect water from different sources.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Attributes

Preventing leaks of water and the proliferation of bacteria inside the device, we designed valve, threads and joins that are easy to clean but keep the water in.

We design pieces that could have double function to diminish the number of components; facilitating the assembly, cleaning and reducing the chances of missing a piece. We also think about how to pack and improve the water filtered, therefore, we facilitate and stimulated the use of the SODIS method.

All these, was developed with the assistance of the SolidWorks software, making easy their analysis before construction.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Construction Part of the prototype was made by a prototyping machine, specially the components that needed dimensional precision. The main container for the dirty water was made with serial planes of cardboard covered with putty and polyester resin. The flexible parts were made with a silicone used for dental impressions.

All these materials simulate the materials that the product would be constructed.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Validation We test the interaction and used of the final prototyped with potential users and had great results. We could not test the aQa System with an actual refugee due that there were none in the proximity’s; but been Bucaramanga a city that it is in a geologic fault, there were a lot of potential users.

Emergency Drinking Water System

Verification To verify the effectiveness of the aQa system, with the help of the Dr Carolina Guzman, took samples of water from different sources and filtered with the system. We analyze the water before and after; and get a removal percentage of coliform and other impurities of 99.98%.

After using the SODIS method, wish is effective when there are not particles in the water, we got a of coliform and other impurities of 100%.

Emergency Drinking Water System

1.Collection

[

Fill th divice with water, accoring to the source you have access to.

Hold the device

][

Hang the device Hold it with one hand and with the other thread the bottle

2.Preparation

Quick Guide

]

Exposed to the sunn

[ ] [ ] During 6 hours approximatly

99.98% percentage of

total coliform removal before using the SODIS method

Pre-filter to be used in case of high turbidity in the water source.

4. Radiation

3.Filtration

Pull the valve to start filtering

Filter made of pressed cotton and activated carbon (replaceable)

Easy access for washing and maintenance.

+ SODIS 100% safe drinking water

6L aprox

Emergency Drinking Water System

Assembly 2

1

[ Insert [

Collection

[Thread [

3

[ Rotate [

Deep the device for getting water through the cover until it is full.

For the rainwater harvesting remove the cover and place it at the bottom, joining as shown in the figure. the device can be placed directly under the rain or under a channel.

Collect the rainwater, 5 to 10 minutes after having started to rain, to prevent dust particles and gases present in the first drops of rain.

If the water source is not very deep, remove the cover and tilt the device as shown in the figure.

Rainwater Moving water Stagnant Seawater

Emergency Drinking Water System

Dirty Water Entry

Stage 1 (Coarse Sediments)

Mesh Coupling Flange

Aqa reuses discarded soda bottles , mineral water or other bottles that meets the conditions of the SODIS method, reducing the impact of pollution in the affected area

Aqa has a strap for transport over long distances.

Reducing fatigue in the upper body and back. This belt is printed with a quick guide to using the system

Aqa floats in case of accidental loss in some water recollection source (lakes, wells, rivers)

Aqa has a display and level meter, making easy to see the amount of water inside the system

6L Container

6

5 4

Stage 2 ( Prefilter For High Turbidity ) Optional Prefilter

Stage 3A ( Filter for Impurities and Coloring )

Activated Carbon Pressed Cotton Fiber Filter

Stage 3B ( Filter for microorganisms ) Sedimentation Area

Coupling Ring Valve Internal Vacuum Standard Bottle Thread

Potable Water Exit 1.2L per min. approx.

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZhVDC4GY9M&feature=plcp

the aqa system ONLY dismiss after using it for 190L, the actived carbon and cotton, making it more environmentally friend

The Aqa system has different fasteners , whether is the transition of shape over its body or its various straps, allowing a more enjoyable use according to the user (men, women and children) and according to the recollection source (lakes, rivers, rainwater, etc.).

x+3

x

Design by: Sandra Ramirez H Vivian Suarez M

Corbis images

Design Challenge For the last course of design, in 2009, the assignment was to design a technical aid for people with some sort of disability. We (a colleague and I) had to work with blindness.

Blindness, is the condition of lacking visual perception due to physiological or neurological factors. There are different degrees of visual impairments, therefore, being legally blind does not mean have total blindness. After the preliminary investigation about blindness, in addition to spending a lot of time observing and sharing with blind people, at the school-workshop for blind people, called ETACI, for its initials in spanish. We realized that, as a society, we tend to isolate people with some sort of disability.

Furthermore, in the local market, there are lots of gadgets for blind people, and the common thing in all of them is that all are exclusively for people with no sight.

Blind people have special needs, and they need to learn certain skills to be able to live by their own, some of them are refined sense of touch, braille writing and reading, managed of spaces, improve memory, among others. The inability to read others’ nonverbal signals or knowing what kind of body’s language to use, can make, at times, challenging making friend and getting along with others. That is why social skills are also important.

Corbis images

Corbis images

Design Challenge

How to adapt the game “Connect the Dots� for all kind of sight levels?

Why a game? Games, and specially board games, have the quality to merge people from different ages. Depending on the game, one can stimulated the developing of differents skills needed like movility, sensorial perception, improve the cognitive capacities and specially the social contact and comunication.

Movility and skill: Any game that required the coordination of body movements, contributes positively on keeping the sensorial and motor skills, maximizing the self knowledge and the surroundings.

Corbis images

Sensorial perception: Any sort of ludic activity, increases the attention, improving the perception and stimulating the senses.

Cognitive capacities: The learning and memorization of the rules of any game contributes to the wellbeing of the cognitive skills.

Multiplayers games are oppotunities of developing and the lenguage use.

Corbis images

Social contact and communication: shared games encourage social relationships and communication, furthermore, stimulates emotional satisfaction and safety.

Corbis images

Socialization of the game

Being the classic game, connect the dots, a game based on sight; most of the blind users have never played it. Therefore, we had to evaluated the understanding of the game, and understand how blind users relate and interact to new experiences.

For this, we designed and constructed the 3d version of the game, it consisted in a board with a grid, where the lines that are made usually with a pen, were sticks that fit in the grid. For marking a point, we used geometric shapes that they could glue in the middle of the squares.

Render

Create - Users Test Before started sketching, we gather all the information, from the user research and from the result of the socialization of the game, and made a list of special attributes that blind users need for this activity to succeed, as well as, a list of requirements that the game needed to fulfill.

We made different prototypes, looking for best shapes and textures. Additionally, With the help of a student of Electronic Engineering, called Oscar Mauricio Rueda, we developed a functional prototype and it was tested at the ETACI school.

Interaction After all the tests and feedback from the users, we defined what the system had to do in order for the interaction with the users was optimum. Once this was clear, our electronic engineering partner, helped us develop the hardware and software for the game.

For the game to succeed, it was necessary a constant feedback, in aspects like instructions of the game, whose turn is it, who is winning, and who won.

Prototype

The final prototype, is a functional model made, mostly of serial planes of cardboard with putty. Other pieces are made of acrylic sheet and electronic components.

The high of the prototype is due to the electronic components that we were able to find in our location and with our budget.

Final Prototype

With the final prototype we were able to verified that the game did all that it was expected, and we could validated with the users, testing it with different combinations of users, both blind players, one blind and other non blind, both non blind player. All the combination with excellent results.

Final Prototype

Score

Rules

ON OF

F

For playing TRIAX, there must be twoplayers, it does not matter the level of sight of them. First, you have to start the game, sliding the button up towards the plus sign, this button is on the side of the board game, out of the playing area.

If the players had never played it before, they can press the rules button. If they know the rules, they can started right away. The person that plays first, it is going to be known as Player 1.

The objective of the game is make triangles, pressing one side of a triangle in each turn. The game will announce when someone makes a point and who did it. It also will remind the players whose turn it is.

The players can known who is winning, by pressing the score button. Wins the player that makes more triangles and he or she will be announce by the game.

Final Prototype

The game counts with different textures and color contrast to facilitate the interaction with the users. The color contrast are not only for people who can see, but also for people who has a small degree of sight and are able to see shadows and high contrast.

P1

P2 Press

Points

s

P1 Press

Press

Samples of the work done at Fantaxias s.a.s

As chief of design, at Fantaxias S.A.S, a company with a wide variety of metallic products; I had the opportunity of working in the designing and manufacturing process of products for different industries such as Fashion, hardware, merchandising, among others.

Some of my responsibilities are, but not limited to: Design and develop innovative and creative new products, as well as updating and improving current products and their manufacturing process.

Create drawings, sketches and renderings to convey new product designs and ideas.

Translate trends into concepts that respond to business needs.

Work with and communicate effectively with cross-functional team members.

Lead teams.

Design and develop fairs exhibitions.

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Finalist in the Industrial or Product category

Concept package / lamp design for Philips

Pull

Information off Universal PLEU line

Based on the analysis of the Artichoke flower, this product is designed to be reused after being a package. It can be used as a screen for the light bulb it contained, creating different environments with different graphics. The goal is minimized the environmental impact produced by product packaging.

No Glue

Artichoke Flower

Light Screen

Material: Polyester sheet Production: Printing, cutting with a die, folding.

Year: 2009 Class assignment: Analysis and abstraction of plant bionics

TalentosDesign’10

TalentosDesign’10

Link: http://www.fundacionbancosantander.com/visita_virtual/talentosdesign10/

Concept package design for Quiksilver T-shirts

Printing Roll

No Glue

Being Quicksilver, a proactive brand towards the environment, this T-shirt concept package is made using non toxic materials or chemicals on the ink. Its production has a low impact on the environment, the printing design reflects its enviroment policy and looks for brand recognition. It displays the important information when it is in storage.

RN#114199 CA#52199

6369510

Nature Friendly

Storage

SIZE L BLUE

Material: Cardboard sheet Production: Printing, cutting with a die, folding.

Year: 2009 Class assignment: packaging of a product in the market that reflects the identity of it.

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Corporate image and package design for pet collars brand

Roll

No Glue Pet’s Style is a company that produces fashion accessories for pets. This package allows custumers to differentiate these products, as well as the logo from regular collars for pets. The package is transparent so the customers know what they are buying and they can differentiate the size for their pets.

Designed Logo

Storage

Material: PET Sheet Production: Printing, cutting with A die, folding.

Year: 2009 Project developed for a friend’s company

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Tea set design

No burning hands

Plates

This tea set is designed based on the Chinese tea ceremony but with a minimalistic look. The tea cups are held with both hands, the cubic shape of the cup allows only the corners to be in contact with the hands, therefore, the users will not get burned.

Chinese Tea Ceremony

Material: Ceramic, non toxic painting.

Year: 2007 Class assignment: Design and construction of ceramic products

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Different Environments

Different Positions Texture

These tiles can be arranged in several positions and are texturized in order to create different environments and feelings when walking on or touching them.

Material: Ceramic, non toxic painting.

Year: 2007 Class assignment: Design and construction of ceramic products

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Plant pot for separate spaces

Shadow Reflection

ht

Lig

Create Spaces

By Colombian law, establishments can not build walls in the space between the entrance and the sidewalk, but it belongs to them and they can use it. Namaste is a flowerpot designed to separate and create these spaces. Also creating different atmospheres and exalting the beauty of its plant by lighting it and reflecting the shadows on the sides.

Yoga

Material: Clay, Polypropylene, Circuits, Stainless steel Year: 2008 Class assignment: Product design

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CD LANTERN

Winner at a lantern contest at

2007 Lantern made of old cds

CD LANTERN

Award Winner

No Glue

Upper view

Blank CD

In response to the amount of waste that we are producing.

This candlestick is made of old CDs, and reflects an amazing rainbow when the light passes through.

Material: Blank CDs Year: 2007 Self Initiative

CD LANTERN

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