PORT FOLIO Product design | User research
PORTFOLIO
I’M SULAKSHANA Design to me is an iterative and user driven process, where it’s never completely the work of a single person alone. The process, starting from user studies to the finished prototype is a story, where all the characters play a part to let the story unfold seamlessly. I design primarily with the user requirements and sustainable design in mind and enhance it by visual aesthetics.
EDUCA TION
2002-2017
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Freelance May-Oct, 2020
Graphic designer and illustrator - Worked as a graphic designer for the personal branding of KM Pathi, an educationist and ethics professor. - Logo design for Timeless, a leather products manufacturer. - Logo design for Global AXS Technologies, IT services. - Logo design for Chetana trust, an educational initiative. - Illustrations for Inframe magazine for their issue, ‘Memories’.
UNICEF India Jun 2020, Oct 2020
Illustrator - Collaborated with Inklink Charitable Trust to illustrate a two part series of awareness comic books on COVID-19 for children. The character is based on Lakshmi, hand drawn by the children of Kannagi Nagar, Chennai. - Was part of the core team and collaborated with various schools for UNICEF’s Voice Of Youth Initiative on Children’s day, 2020. Illustrated artworks for the same.
ANALOGUE SKILLS
PROFILE
2017-2021
EXPERIENCE
Industrial and product design, National Institute of Fashion Technology Good Earth School, Chennai
User research methods and UX Design Cane Craft Cluster Oct-Dec, 2019
Design conceptualisation Sketching and illustration Trend forecast analysis
INTERNSHIPS
Visual design and aesthetics Branding and strategising
DIGITAL SKILLS
Photoshop
Illustrator
Indesign
Adobe XD
Craft researcher and design strategist - Researched, studied, documented and ideated design interventions for Bismi Traders, a cane craft cluster in Thaikkal, Tamil Nadu.
Rhino 3D
Keyshot
Cover It Up Jul-Sep 2020
Product Design Intern Worked on the winter wear collection based on pop culture superheroes. Was responsible for design ideation, colour matching, supply chain management and OPA sheet making.
Brandevouz Sep-Oct, 2019
Graphic Design Intern Designed Instagram posts and facebook promotions for Co-Optex (a client of Brandevouz business solutions).
Nippon Jul-Dec, 2019
Concept designer Worked with a team under NIFT Chennai to develop abstract photoshoots and concept illustrations for Nippon Colourvision 2020, a forecast study and book released by Nippon.
Write Leela Write Jun-Jul, 2019
Graphic Design Intern A community project told through visuals in the street of ‘The Thindi Beedi’ (Eat street, VV Puram) in Bangalore.
CONTENTS
01
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Rattan walker
02
Luxury pet furniture
03
Textile Intervention handbag collection
04
Concept lighting for office
01 Aug-Oct 2020 Skills used: UX design methods, sketching, 3D rendering, social design, trend forecast decoding
VATTAM
Vattam in tamil, means circle. The walker focusses on simple aesthetics and soft rounds.
Vattam is more than just a health device; it’s an accessory elderly people can own and be proud of. It appeals to the nostalgic sense of the eldery and takes them back in time.
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FOCUS PROBLEM.
The iterative process works both ways. First, from the perspective of the rattan artisans of Thaikkal, Tamil Nadu and exploring various market opportunities for them. Second, from the perspective of the user, the senior citizen and their requirements and needs. Diary studies from the perspective of the end user was conducted. The process of rattan furniture making by the artisans was also studied and documented. The two aspects of social design were brought together to develop a product.
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USER JOURNEY MAPPING AND DIARY STUDIES. Name : Durairaj Age: 70 Occupation : retired health inspector Monthly in-come : rs.30,000 /- (pension) Daily routine · wakes up at 5 am · uses the washroom · reads news paper and drinks tea in the corridor · takes his tvs xl and goes to the farm around 6am · brushes his teeth using neem stick from the farm · brings vegetables or coconut from the farm to the house around 7:30 am · takes bath and eats his breakfast around 8 – 8:30 am · then watches tv or read books · eats lunch around 1 pm · and sleep for 2 hrs · after he wakes up again he will continue reading his books · then drinks a glass of tea and goes to the farm again around 5 pm and checks if all the works are done properly by the farmer and comes back around 6 – 6:30 pm · watches news at 7 pm · eats dinner at 7:30 pm · writes diary (about the whole day) · sleeps at 8:30 pm max weekly routine · shaves his beard and grooms his hair · weekly once he travels 30 kms to see his daughter and grand childrens
n , constipaS. Narayana ing troubles h at re b , 0 is s 9 Age tis, soria lems: Arthri er phone Health prob es talking ov , kin im s et e m iv o it s s , en et s peers crick tion, ded as his g, writing, in in m d a id re g ri s s a ot s alone but Hobbie to listen, n his activitie s t ve u lo o b a e o d g u Attit likes to od fearing, religious, g im, h ily around alker, prefers fam tly, uses w en u eq fr ry m ve the bathroo int treats Other - uses loves chocolate and m wo grandchildren in an es nd t Secret desir on, daughter in law a s is d time Lives with h use Others spen . is ed b o is h hall where h independant time in the is h ll a s d Spen rooms in their own ay 35 years ago aw Wife passed
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Many users, aging between 60-90 were studied, their attitudes, likes and dislikes were also documented. The use of walkers were also discussed where in some users said that the walker as such was designed with only the ergonomic aspect in mind and that in fact in makes them feel more disabled. Some users also mentioned that while they were using the walker, they were unable to carry anything else with them. One user in fact had a small bag tied to an end of the walker to carry her things from one room to another. A rattan walker (with an attached basket) as an accessory was suggested as a solution. From the perspective of the artisans, tcatering to senior citizens would also open a new market opportunity for them.
wakes up from bed
takes a nap
has lunch with family
Falls asleep (mostly discontinuous)
uses the bathroom
brushing and bathing
uses the bathroom
reads book/kindle
takes a nap
wakes up and uses the bathroom several times
Talks to son/grandchildren
Falls asleep by 10:30 pm
Sandhyavadhanam (pray)
writes articles from newspaper/personal quotes
Sandhyavadhanam (pray)
takes medicines
reads newspaper
has breakfast in room or with son and daughter
writes articles from newspaper/personal quotes
has dinner in bed/chair in room
uses the bathroom
Talks to son/grandchildren
reads book/kindle
writes articles from newspaper/personal quotes
INSPIRATION. Keeping in mind the techniques of the artisans, the mood was derived from the WSGN forecast.
KEYWORDS. Soft curves rounds minimal bends less nails
MARKET OPPORTUNITY.
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GENERATING FORMS. Forms were generated and design options were explored, all while keeping in mind user needs and artisan techniques.
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Grip made of cane shavings
Round bent cane - adds to the overall look and the bends and curves also minimise the use of nails in the design
Many users reported difficulty in carrying things while using the walker - an attached woven rattan basket to carry small items
Soft curves and bends - add to the aesthetic of the walker
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02 Sept-Oct 2020 Skills used: User research, UX design, sketching, 3D rendering, mood board making, survey analysis
RISE
Rise is a luxury cat furniture collection handcrafted from high quality rough maple wood and textured sisal fabric. Inspired from architectural columns and wood craftsmanship, Rise aims to cater to the needs of luxury pet parents and provide pet furniture which will also serve as creative sculptures for their homes.
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INSPIRATION. Designs were inspired by wooden dowels, architectural columns, soft edges and simple shapes
WGSN FORECAST REFERENCE.
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USER AND MARKET STUDY. The products are aimed at the growing pet market in India. According to a study conducted by McKinsey and Co, the pet care services and market is projected to increase post COVID in India. As people continue to adopt more pets, the pet market covers a plethora of accessories ranging from play pens to professional grooming. The size of the Indian pet care industry is estimated to be over Rs 25000 crore and is estimated to grow at 17% till 2024. Pet parents are estimated to spend over Rs 5000 a month on pet case products and services.
Does your cat scratch often
46.7% Yes
Does your pet have a specific area to scratch
66.7% Yes
A total of 15 pet parents were interviewed to understand their personality and cat behaviour. Where does your cat defecate?
Where does your cat play?
How often do you spend time with your cat
Do you worry about your cat being stolen/ killed if it does take a stroll outside?
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SometimesO
ftenN
13.3% ever
No
28.6%
Litter box
Anywhere
93.3%
20%
33.3%
71.4%
Inside the house
Where does your cat sleep?
20%
6.7% Outside the house
0% Pet Climber
60%
20%
20%
Anywhere
Cat bed
With me
60%
20%
20%
2-5 hours
>2 hours
>10 hours
53.3%
26.7%
6.7%
Yes, I would like for it to stay home
No, it takes care of itself
Yes, But I can’t do anything about it
13.3% Maybe, haven’t thought about it
GENERATING FORMS. Forms were generated and design options were explored, for the entire collection. A set of 5 produc;, Pet and human chair, Cat climber, Litter box, and two cat beds were ideated as part of the collection. The products are made with well finished maple wood with wooden dowels and sisal rope fabric for the scratching posts.
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DETAILS.
Cat safety corners in a chair for the pet parent and cat to co-exists and spend time together sisal scratching posts to train your pet to only scratch in a particular area - this will avoid cat scratches all over the furniture and carpets
Sculptural columns - not only for the pet but to add to the aesthetics of the home interiors too
CAT CLIMBER AND SCRATCHING POST
CORNER CAT BED WITH SCRATCHING POST
Columns not only enhance the living room, but also provide adequate privacy for the cat
Cat safety corners also bring your the “play nature” of your cat
PET-HUMAN CHAIR PORTFOLIO
LITTER BOX
SMALL CAT BED
FINAL RENDERING.
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03 Feb-May 2020 Skills used: Sketching, 3D rendering, textile pattern making, Craft study
MAUI
The Maui collection is a collection of bags made from Tapa cloth (barkcloth) and wood. Tapa making is a dying craft of Polynesia. The wood symbolises and reminds us that the cloth came from wood and bark. The motifs and patterns are carved on the wooden panels. While the technique is completely changed from what the tapa cloth artisans usually use, the essence of the human touch is retained though the carving and engraving.
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WHAT IS TAPA CLOTH? Bark cloth, or Tapa, is not a woven material, but made from bark that has been softened through a process of soaking and beating. The inner bark is taken from several types of trees or shrubs, often mulberry and fig, and designs are applied with paints and vegetable dyes of light brown, red, and black. Bark cloth is manufactured for everyday needs such as room dividers, clothing, and floor mats, as well as ceremonial uses in weddings and funerals. Barkcloth making is only followed primarily in paces like the Polynesian Islands and Uganda. However, this textile tradition is fast disappearing.
PROJECT BRIEF.
To make a pattern inspired by and reflecting the essence of Tapa cloth to be carved on a range of wood and barkcloth bags. The carving of the motifs will breathe a new life in the textile to bring it to the contemporary world while retaining the human touch. The body of the bag will also be made of plain barkcloth, it being sustainable material, suitable for this contemporary era.
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Age and gender: 25-35, Female Geography: Worldwide developed countires/cities Market: Ethical/concious/sustainable fashion Personality: Craft concious, sustainable, environment concious Economic class: Upper middle class
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M O O D
TARGET CLIENT GROUP.
Key observations - hand drawn look - earthy colours - geometric iconographic motifs in nature but since it is painted in some cases, looks hand drawn. - Relationship between the craftsman and the product - sense of human touch - lot of triangles and circles placed in a rectangular type pattern - mostly only three colours at a time - lot of lines as means to fill gaps - since most of the are wall hangings/home decor items, all over pattern is not empolyed. - grid like sequence of patterns
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P A T TE R N E X P L O R A TI O N S
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MOTIF.
GENERATING FORMS. Forms were generated and design options were explored, for the entire collection. A set of 3 wood and barkcloth handbags were ideated. The handbags are made from brown walnut wood and barkcloth and designs are engraved on selected wooden panels. The barkcloth and the wood panels are initially stuck together using contact adhesive. The ends are drilled and then nailed together.
THE MAUI COLLECTION.
Legend has it that with Maui, the trickster god, and his mother Hina-kawea made tapa cloth in a cave. The story goes that, because the sun raced across the sky so quickly in those days, her kapa (Hawaiian for tapa) did not have time to dry. So Maui fashioned a huge fishhook and, when the sun came racing across the sky, he threw the great hook at it. The hook caught the first ray of the sun and broke it off, causing the sun to limp across the sky and allowing the kapa craftspeople to dry their bark. The handbag collection is a representaionof the tradition and culture of the Polynesian people brought into the contemporary era. PORTFOLIO
DETAILS.
Tapa motifs engraved on wooden side panels. The body is made of barkcloth
Polished brass finish for the lock mechanism
Basic Cuboid, cylindrical and trapezium shaped bags for a simple and minimal look
Barkcloth main body barkcloth is sustainable, strong, durable for concious women of class
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FINAL RENDERING.
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04 Sept-Oct 2020 Skills used: User research, UX design, sketching, 3D rendering, business trend analysis
ACCORDION Accordion is a concept lighting solution for the modern office cubicle. The lighting system is used to indicate whether the user is open for collaboration or not looking to collaborate for work in an office environment. The lighting design concept is as part of a service design solution for the modern day office.
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TARGET CLIENTILE. Occupation: Employee in upper middle end corporate companies like Linkedin, Hike and some mid level startups who freelances occasionally for non competitors Mindset of the office: Casual to semi formal wear, concerned about employee wellness Gender: Male Age: 23-35 Location: Hyderabad, Bangalore, Gurugram, mostly tier 1 cities of India Attitude: Introverted, workaholic, time conscious, frugal, self motivated, looks to learn from surroundings, fluctuating habits and moods, balanced, not too stressed, creative, sensitive, introverted Hobbies: Jogs for stressbusting, quiet reading, plays chess, photography Economic range: Upper middle class – earns 60,000 – 80,000 INR
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USER STUDY.
Do you collaborate with people within your team?
92.3% A sample study of 15 users were conducted, with three personal in person interviews for diary studies. Although a majority of the users felt that they had no problem asking people to collaborate and being asked by people to collaborate, some of the users did feel a little shy and akward talking to people they don’t know, especially those who have just entered the office environment fresh out of college. Offices too were found to pay importance to employee hapiness and wellness and they attempt to keep the office as an interesting environment to work in. Using these inferences, a lighting service system was designed, the benifits being threefold. 1. It aims to avoid akwardness between people who were approached/approach other people for collaboration in work. 2. Serves as an interesting communication method in the dull office environment. 3. It can be used as a personal lamp too, able to diffuse/ focus light as per their needs.
Yes, often
7.7% Yes, sometimes
0% No/rarely
Do you prefer collaborating with people or working on your own in the
90.8% Collaborate when necessary
9.1% Mostly work on my own
Do you collaborate with people outside your team in the office?
53.8% Yes
30.8%
15.4%
Sometimes
Rarely
If so, how do you collaborate with people outside your team in the
30.8% Once in an hour
61.5% Large multinational corporation
46.2% IT and business
46.2%
Online workspace
Go around and ask people
People ask me in person
Open desk space with partition
11.1%
Nothing, feel confident
Little akward if I don’t know them personally
Not sure
How do you feel when someone asks to collaborate with you?
55.6%
33.3%
Nothing, feel excited
Little akward if I don’t know them personally
11.1% Not sure
7.7%
nce in three hoursO Once in four hours
30.8% Small start up
7.7% National corporation
15.4% Software
30.8% Other
Where do you work?
15.4%
44.4%
Once in two hoursO
15.4%
What category does your company fall under?
15.4%
44.4%
30.8%
What kind of corporation do you work in?
69.2%
How do you feel when you have to approach someone to work/collaborate with?
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How often do you take a break to eat/talk/go for a stroll in your
38.5% Open desk space without partition
15.4% Closed subicle
Have you ever been to a Co-working space?
69.2% No
30.8% Yes
15.4% nce in five hours
GENERATING FORMS. The forms were inspired from an accordion and the mechanism of that was used to ideate a lighting system for open/closed cubicles. The final form chosen was a simple cylindrical form which contracts and expands when pushed/pulled.
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HOW IT WORKS.
When the user is open for collaboration within or outside the team, he turns his light facing outside the cubicle/desk seperator, indicating that he is free and open to collaborating. This helps him indirectly convey to his office mates using a sign, avoiding any akward kind of akwardness he might face with people he doesn’t know personally.
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When the user wants to work on his personal projects pr prefers to work alone, he can either turn off his lamp/turn it facing downward, indicating to his fellow office mates that he is not open to any kind of collaboration at that present time. This helps the uesr avoid any kind of akwardnes, specially in case of difficulty in saying “no” to his fellow mates.
DETAILS.
Insulated dark walnut wood outer for a rich look
Coated insulated dark metal
Accordion inspired folds made out of silicone; expands to diffuse the light, contracts to focus the light
Extensions to pull down and push up the silicone body to diffuse/focus the lighting
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FINAL RENDERING.
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THANK YOU FOR VIEWING MY PORTFOLIO.