PORTFOLIO
Steven Abramsky (845) 313 6676 stevenabramsky@gmail.com
01
EXTRACURRICULAR
PRISUM - SOLAR CAR
2017 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
How might we accelerate the transition to sustainable energy? Can we push the boundaries on transportation powered by purely solar energy?
During my time at Iowa State University I wanted to take an opportunity to push myself. Beginning as a Computer Engineering major, PrISUm inspired me to switch gears and pursue design. PrISUm Solar Car is a collective of students determined to make a difference in the world. This drive lead the team of 100+ students and I to design, build, and race the world’s first 4 seated Solar Utility Vehicle from scratch. While serving as Director of Design for over 2 years and the only design major on this $800,000+ project, I had the opportunity to instate a cohesive design language, educate a team composed primarily of engineers, complete marketing materials, facilitate an aesthetic and functional website refresh, and more.
21 Million
“The single most carbon dioxide emitting power plant in the United States produced more than 21 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2011 – more than the total energy-related emissions of eight states and 120 countries.”
No Limits “There are currently no national limits on carbon pollution from power plants.”
4.2 Million “Worldwide, bad outdoor air caused an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths in 2016.”
Facts provided by EDF.org and Nationalgeographic.com
SOLAR CAR TEAM PRISUM
Working As A Team. Seeing as there were high expectations from the university and sponsors, as well as far reaching implications for the future of transportation, we knew we would have to work as a team. I was among the top directors who coordinated project management to assure an open line of communication. A clear example can be seen to the right, weighing several hundred pounds, we came together as a team to accomplish the task at hand; removing our fiberglass tooling. This will be used to manufacture our carbon fiber parts.
MODELING
CNC Machined + 3D Printed Scale Models Throughout the build process, it was important to test at scale. We cnc machined a 1:4 scale body from high density foam as well as modular parts that could easily be swapped. This allowed us to conduct preliminary aerodynamics performance testing on various body styles. We later performed heavy surface finishing to test vinyl wrap application and begin to devise a plan for part installation. This model was later converted to a “piggy bank� where we would secure donations received during community outreach events.
MODELING
Frame Scale Model, Tooling, and Carbon Fiber Infusion Before we built the final frame, we welded aluminum tubes to test scale and process. From this we gained a thorough understanding of how the material behaves when assembled as well as process and ergonomics. Simultaneously, we CNC’d foam tooling for the lower half of the vehicle. This was then coated and sanded before taken to Delta Airline’s manufacturing facility for carbon fiber infusion where we learned proper technique from the best in the industry.
ASSEMBLY
Part Machining, Tooling, and Vehicle Assembly Many parts were machined by hand in order reduce lead time needed from manufacturers. Once the aluminum chassis was manufactured we married it to the carbon fiber “tub�. This was a huge team effort to ensure things aligned well. Meanwhile, we machined tooling for the rear body panels and doors. One by one the parts went onto the frame including brake systems, steering, suspension, and an electrical wiring harnesses made from scratch.
ASSEMBLY
Headlight Models and Final Installation The headlights became an iconic symbol of this vehicle. Inspired by nature, these headlights utilize advanced 3D printing technologies to push boundaries. Throughout the process I created scale models to explore various forms. This project required that I work closely with mechanical/structural teams to coordinate manufacturing feasibility and installation without compromising vehicle integrity. As some viewed the tunnel as an eyesore, I approached it as an opportunity to define vehicle stance. Structural, capable, and nature inspired.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Demonstrating the potential of solar energy to the community
TEAM CELEBRATION - Finish line in Australia during international competition
02
ENTREPRENEURIAL
LOTUS - WOMEN’S RAZOR
2019 PRODUCT IN DEVELOPMENT
How might we improve the female shaving experience? Why is the razor market primarily driven by the needs of men?
Current women’s razors facilitate a poor experience. Hairs get stuck between blades, moisturizing strips grow mold, rust sports are left on shelves, they cost more than men’s with no marginal improvements, and all the twisting and turning involved in a wet environment before/after a long day can leave users feeling irritable. Our bodies are very organic, complex, and one of a kind, so why is it we continue to run anatomically sharp straight edges across our surfaces? Lotus’ form allows for a more organic experience that functions to catch hairs, prevents the need to hit against a surface to remove them from between blades, and contours to our bodies.
Existing Hair Removal Solutions
~$10,000
7700
64%
During her lifetime, the average woman will spend ~10,000$ on shaving related products. Almost none of which are designed specifically for her needs.
The average woman shaves 7700 times during her lifetime. If 10% of the total shaves included cuts, thats 770 cuts. I believe there is significant opportunity to improve this.
Out of over 500 women surveyed, approx. 64% of them responded they had endured an unenjoyable experience and were unhappy with their current products.
Razors
Waxing
Laser Removal
Razors are not environmentally sustainable, cause cuts, ingrown hairs, razor bumps, microscopic shearing, and are frustrating to use for many.
Waxing is painful, causes irritation, rashes, sun sensitivity, bleeding, infection, and can even cause scarring. This also does not permanently remove hair.
Laser hair removal is expensive, can cause skin crusting, changes in skin color, risk infection, and in severe cases produced blisters and burns.
21 years old Connecticut resident Socially active Outgoing Active lifestyle Regular skin care
Spontaneous Sophisticated Personable
USER PERSONA - Paige Saraya
Why Paige? Most women begin shaving in their early teens. Paige has long endured the same problems with existent products, and a willingness to try new things. Her attention to current trends and dedication to her skin care routine allow her to optimize her bodily care satisfaction. Paige’s active and social lifestyle require her to maintain a clean shave and appealing outward image.
ASSEMBLY
Research Contextual Inquiries Following contextual inquiries with 3 females (and even shaving my own legs) I noticed patterns within hard to reach areas and behaviors that lead to irritating aftermaths. The majority of users shaved during their shower routine in order to decrease irritation and friction during blade to skin contact. This lead to balancing on one leg, twisting and turning, difficult vision, missed spots, moldy moisturizing strips, orange rust spots in showers, and an overall unenjoyable shaving experience. Other insights included the user’s tendency to revisit areas to make sure they didn’t miss any spots, thus increasing the time spent grooming exponentially, and even regular use of men’s razors.
100+ Models 10 Prototypes Each model and prototype aided the process of understanding manufacturing process experimentation, interlocking mechanisms, testing theories of never before manufactured blades, ergonomics, material studies, and receiving valuable user feedback during focus groups and contextual inquiries.
PROTOTYPING
Before
Functional Prototype Testing With Users After 2 years of designing, engineering, and modeling, I invested several thousands of dollars of my own savings in working with top international manufacturers to produce several functioning prototypes. This required that I teach myself the science of shaving with no prior knowledge and self-started initiative. After hard work and dedication I’ve successfully designed and engineered a blade you can move in any direction while solving many problems with existing products.
After
Blade
Blade
FINAL CONCEPT
Allows for easy drainage for contents (cream/ conditioner/hairs.)
No More
Magnetic Holder
Removes the need for razor to sit in puddles that decrease blade life or rust/mold growth in wet environments.
Cuts/Irritation Missed Spots Hairs between blades Balancing/twisting Need to look while shaving Expensive blade replacements Fear of falling in shower Rust spots Short blade life
Blade
Facilitate 360 degree movement while eliminating the need to hit it against anything to remove caught hairs.
Removable Rim
Allows for easy blade replacement, clipping onto the housing.
Ergonomic Form
Creates an experience synonymous with lathering your body with soap. This makes shaving more intimate and engaging. rust/mold growth in wet environments.
Website UX After deciding to pursue this project and build a startup, I designed a website to allows for users to preorder or explore the product in greater detail.
Shipping 2020
03
EXTRACURRICULAR
MIRRO - SMART MIRROR
2015 UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
How might we aid the process of getting prepared for commitments each day? Can we decrease time spent consuming information while preparing for the day/night?
A smart mirror aids the process of getting prepared for commitments each day by conveniently displaying vital information including calendar events, weather forecasts, and news headlines. This allows for users to focus attention on one task at a time. � Throughout this process I learned strong fundamentals of designing parts for quicker cycling time, less material use, assembly cost, and equal wall thickness to ensure the parts can be manufactured with as little defects, investment, and time as possible. I also explored electronics while creating a functional prototype- teaching me fundamentals of electronics assembly and product development.
ASSEMBLY
Sketching and Mindmapping When designing an IOT product, its easy to get carried away with features. Modern technology allows for designers to implement millions of functions, however this doesn’t necessarily mean they should. Throughout this process it was vital to identify exactly what features brought value to the user, and which were invaluable to the user experience. It was also important to think deeper about how people would interact with this product. A touch screen would leave fingerprints and smudges on the mirrored surface, therefore it was logical to opt for voice control (later gaining Alexa support).
Construction I utilized sketching and online research to begin to think through several of the problems that arise when marrying a glass mirrored surface, to an electronic screen, while inside a wooden frame. What adhesives should be used? What joinery? etc.
Models and Functional Prototypes Each model and prototype aided the process of understanding the nature of a 2 way mirror and manufacturability including viewing angles, customizability, mic placement, and overall user experience.
MODELING
User Testing After building a functional prototype I completed user testing with the existant user interface to understand how well the solution fits into the user’s lives. It was hung in the user’s rooms for over a week where they took notes of features they would prefer as well as improvements that could be made to the hardware. Several things including makeup tutorials, more vast music services,
04
DISASTER RELIEF
COBRA - POLICE EQUIPMENT 2016 CONCEPTUAL PROJECT
How might we design state of the art equipment for police officers? Why is current equipment heavy, unreliable, and static? Current protective equipment has vulnerabilities in various areas of the body, encapsulate body heat, are heavy, and limit movement. Communications equipment also suffers as it possesses connectivity issues and cumbersome channel selection. First aid kits lack directions, equipment provided is tailored towards specific injuries, and can only be provided to help one person at a time.
INSPIRATION
Embodying Flexibility and Movement Throughout the process, my team of 2 designers and I utilized sketching, product usability testing, model making, and studying biomimicry to generate an effective solution to provide improved protection, flexibility, and unhindered movement. Through studying the biology of snakes, we were able to understand how current organisms embody flexibility and movement while protecting themselves from predators.
DESIGNED FOR VERSATILITY Flexible geometric architecture What makes the duties of a police officer unique is the ever changing unpredictable environments and dynamic needs. This modular solution allows for our users to quickly adjust their equipment with ease. Addition or removal of communications devices, excess first aid kits, or season appropriate wear is simple and intuitive.
Team Leader, Group Effort. A group project, I lead the team to design a system of products that seamlessly created a cohesive experience. FLEX connects to our wearable communication device and our med kits. Together they facilitate adaptability to ever changing needs and environments.
THANK YOU!
Steven Abramsky (845) 313 6676 abramskydesign.com stevenabramsky@gmail.com