where LG got its logo from

essential products that we need

If i can design a product that will end up on late night shopping tv, i know i've made it as a designer!

Searching for Inspiration

Foldable trolley that converts into a stretcher. Might be a bit uncomfortable to lie down on due to the material used.

A warning sign that also converts to a stretcher during emergencies. Telescopic legs that allows extension.

Collapsible water barrel. Saves space after use.

The woodfire bag/education tool i propose to design will no longer have the ability to unfold into a bed. There just isn't any rational reason for it to do so due to the space it would take up in the small hut/houses that the people of Bangladesh reside in. Instead i think it should serve its purpose as a bag that will retain firewood when the children are not at school and helping their families, but when they go to school, the bag will simply turn into either a seat for them to sit on in class or as the table that they will use to put their books on while they write/read. This will hopefully be accomplished with the same materials proposed by the first concept - hessian fabric wrapped around bamboo skeleton to form stability. The issue of the strength of the 'table' will need to be adressed though, perhaps the wood that they collect can line the bag and create the stable base that they need to write up against. A day in the life of a child after a cyclone...wake up, eat, collect firewood, carry it in the bag and keep it when they go straight to school, go home, use wood for whatever purposes, could use the bag as a seat inside the home as it's not as large. Maybe the family could have several bags that they use around their home for seats, small desks or tables.

I guess whats good about the device is that the materials are readily available in Bangladesh and it can be quickly manufactured. Using what they have to return to their lives after a disaster will help to re-familiarise them with the land, etc. Instead of introducing them to high tech gadgets that will assist them in everyday tasks, the use of a simple device such as the woodbag/seat/desk product is a less daunting object. gee i need to think of a name for this product.

model making

most people dont see the soul of inanimate objects, however, there are a few who do...in an intimate way.

Inspiration music

this is what i listen to when i need inspiration for designing..

designing for disasters concepts

got owned by mar today for concepts. seems there needs lots more refinement.
also saw that i had the 2nd highest ecological footprint in the class.

education in bangladesh:

facilities are evidently not at a standard where children would be comfortable to learn in that environment.

clear lack of seats, tables.

The Concepts:
Hessian and bamboo firewood bag (drawn on a very muscular child). Converts into a bed when not being used as a bag. Designed for the aftermath of a cyclone when the people of Bangladesh are trying to rebuild their lives from what little possessions they have. Will be taking this concept further, but to also implicate education into the design and use of the product. How can the product encourage children to use it and go to school too? There's a big gap between helping the family gather firewood to stay warm, cook food, stay alive, etc and getting an education. If the product could help in both those aspects of the kids lives, it would be more beneficial to them than just a plain old fire wood bag that they can sleep on. Also the houses they live in arent that big at all, so the bed might even be a waste of space with such a large footprint when its unfolded.

Cyclone head gear. For before, during and after a cyclone. Strong winds can pick dangerous debris up and cause damage to buildings, infrastructure and people if they aren't prepared. The helmet will protect their heads during the cyclone and can aid in rescue efforts for aid workers. It utilises a visor, air filter mask and includes a radio with headphones powered by a small crank that folds away when not being used.

The water purifier/light bottle device. This concept was probably the weakest one. I wanted to combine the use of a shake up light with the effects of water purifying tablets. Basically you chuck a couple of tablets into a bottle of water with the tablet dispenser. Then attach the dispenser to the light, insert it into the bottle and screw the cap on which is attached to the device. Start shaking the bottle - the shaking powers the light while helps to dissolve the tablets in the water. U can remove the light and drink the water afterwards or maybe leave the light in there and create a lantern type thing. Thats where it fell apart. If the water was dirty, the light wouldnt be strong at all in the bottle. And why the hell would u wana do that anyway. It's basically a light in a bottle of water. I thought of answering that question before presenting and i couldnt even think of a reason. Inspiration for the design came from some of Batmans gadgets because theyre generally small and really useful.

The 11th Hour

Task: “Reflect on the catastrophic effects of environmental neglect and abuse. How should industrial designers reshape their activities in order to avoid large-scale ecological problems in the future and to restore the natural balance?”

There’s a shocking truth to all of the facts and figures that The 11^th Hour exposes that no one would like to confront. It’s disgusting to think that we overlook these problems. I agree with the documentary when it suggests that the earth is infected and that we humans are the infection. Natural disasters like hurricanes and floods, “...are not the problem, the problem is the way we are thinking. The problem is fundamentally a cultural problem.” It could be said that were responsible for causing the destruction we see done by these catastrophic disasters through the way we live our lives and overlook the effects done to the environment.

Global warming, climate change and greenhouse effect are terms we are continually confronted with. We face the greatest challenge ahead as we not only have to deal with events to come, but we also have to attempt to repair the damage done by our predecessors. The role of designers today is to restore some balance and look to the future to see what can be done to fix society’s lack of understanding.

There is a lack of respect for the environment and the reality is that most people won’t walk away from watching this documentary and do a complete 360 and begin living their lives eco-friendly. We overlook these things because our priorities don’t always involve the environment. It’s up to the designers to change the way consumers think and use products in an effort to educate them the importance of being more environmentally conscious. “Our planet is seamless,” and perhaps by fitting good design seamlessly into the consumer’s day to day activities and using sustainable manufacturing processes, the waste produced by these products could be minimised and consumer’s would be none the wiser. Or finding ways to prolong the life of products could be beneficial in the future.

I believe that there is much hope in society that the natural balance of things can be restored, however, the truth of the matter is that earth has reached a point where restoring what was sustainable can no longer be achieved. There is great truth that, “We’ve lost the beauty of the world and we make up for it with attempting to conquer the world or own the world, possess the world.” Today, the damage done to earth is irreversible and to an extent in which all the efforts in reducing further damage is only a start to something much larger and can be seen as an unreachable goal. Modern design has changed to adapt towards sustainable design in an effort to reduce waste. But is this all this effort a little too late? Nevertheless there is hope in society; I just think that hope may be futile. We can do what we can now to achieve better results than in the past and hopefully educate people to stop destroying the earth.

charette reflections

· How will the proposed solution improve the emotional attachment of the user to the chair?

· What are the proposed materials?

· How do you expect the consumer to use it?

· What stimulus will encourage the user to modify the chair or buy the aftermarket attachments for the chair (eg, change in life circumstances, etc)?

1. By giving the chair an added function/feature such as the stable table, there is an extra benefit that would attract the user. It's no longer a generic chair with one function, it's become a multi-function chair that has added value. For those who are space conscious, the stable provides a space saving solution and a way of making their lives simpler. They could simply use the stable for when watching tv and having dinner, it becomes their dinner table, or coffee table for magazines, drinks, etc. With all these great functions, the use of the chair and stable will be multiplied enormously and that'll get the user to form a tight bond to it.

2. The chosen materials were treated plywood and a dowel joint.

3. The consumer is expected to purchase the chair first and the stable is an optional attachment that requires minimal assembly. The stable is accessed by swinging it from underneath the seat. When not in use or when one chair is placed next to the other, just rotate it back into its concealed resting area.

4. Single people living in small apartments would benefit from the stable since it saves space. Also, since its concealed when it's not being used, there isn't a large footprint and so storage is quite minimal. Change in jobs, downsizing, getting a divorce or having no income might persuade users to buy the attachment instead of buying a dining table. They could be living in a tiny apartment with absolutely no space and so the stable would be the next best thing to an actual table.

___________________________________________________________

· How has this task challenged your design thinking about promoting long-term satisfaction, product attachment and product endurance?

· How do you feel about designing beyond the original product?

· How did you feel about the collaborative problem-solving activity?

· If you were to design a piece of furniture from scratch, how would you do it differently? (Sketches not required, I just wanted to know if you have a design philosophy that you’d like to follow).

1. By giving a product something that makes it personalised, individualistic or unique, the user has the chance to make it their own and reflect themselves through the product. That personal attachment to the product results in longer satisfaction and therefore a longer life within the household. But it was hard to think of what could personalise such a generic object. Vinyls, visual cues were the main things i could think of.

2. The original product was kinda shoddy in the beginning. It was uncomfortable to sit on and looked really average. It was good to design beyond it, but difficult because a chair basically has one function and some of the ideas that came up to give it some other function were wacky. A couple of fish tank chairs and bumper sticker chairs popped up.

3. The collaboration activity was challenging, mainly because there were too many changes in ideas happening and since i was in charge of the rendering, i had a few people telling me to draw different things. In the end the group pulled through as a team and we did really well i think.

4. I would definitely design something thats sculptural. I know that its not exactly design and maybe more towards the arty side of things but thats what i like. Something different like having instead of a backrest, using that as the legs and the legs as the backrest so its like some type of upside down chair or if it was on its side, etc. Something zany.

charette 1 p2

our final design: stable.

A convenient storage saving alternative to a side table. It is a table that is fixed to one chair leg that allows you to swing it from underneath the seat via a dowel joint in the corner. When not in use, its concealed under the seat rest. You can place your dinner, cups, magazines or any other objects that can fit on that area.

There's about 3 components to the stable - the moveable table, the dowel joint and the attachment block that is connected to the chair leg and the table.

The rendering drawings and the storyboard:

We got a fair few stickers for the design

Charette 1

Todays studio class involved us forming groups and putting together a chair which we then had to design accessories for. All of our ideas, drawings culminated into designing one useful accessory that will personalise and prolong the attachment/use of the chair.

These were the initial concepts i came up with to give the chair an individual feel to it.

headrest: physio-attachment. functions as a headrest

storage under the seat: could be physio or psycho/socio-attachment. By using it as a purely functional or the objects placed underneath could be significant to the user and act as some type of emotional attachment.

painted layers: psycho/socio-attachment. having layered paints randomly painted onto the chair and with the normal wear and tear over time, the scratches will reveal a different story every time one is made. this gives it that added personalisation.

interchangeable components: physio-attachment. the user can choose different backrests, seat covers, etc

leather seat cover: physio/psycho/socio-attachment. the leather will give added value over time. ages with dignity

different seat covers: physio-attachment. same as above just cushioned or pin cushioned. could be marketed towards the younger or yoga market that like sitting on nails, etc.

users choice: psycho/socio-attachment. something a bit abstract. the user can get the option before even purchasing their seats by choosing what tree will be cut down to make them. added value to what their buying. it'll be more worth keeping since they had more of choice in the materials.

rubber leg socks: physio-attachment. gives the chair added stability. more appealing to look at perhaps. makes it look fun

objectified p2

There is an underlying notion that the objects we surround ourselves are a reflection of our personalities. However, at times people are unaware of the relationship they have with the object and its significance. In today’s society, designers are not just designing products but are designing scenarios that coincide with consumer’s lives and lifestyles.

A common theme between designers and consumers is that both share a connection with objects. Though, the difference is that designers create these connections through these manufactured objects to appeal to consumers. Often users are unaware of what draws them to a particular product, yet there is a subconscious attraction to certain products in which designers are responsible for.

“...a silent connection is established.” – Naoto Fukasawa

Design has, with intent or not, assimilated itself seamlessly into our lives and created a world where interacting with our surroundings has been somehow influenced by design in a distinct way. Constant advances in technology have resulted in a desire for the new by consumers that will undeniably continue as time goes by.

“...we tend to want new things...and make whatever that used to be now to look like then so people will buy the new now.” – Rob Walker

Designers have the ability to foresee what consumer’s desire and are constantly faced with the challenge to deliver new products. Looking to the past for inspiration has become the way to redefine what was old and what is now considered new. These objects are becoming a combination of technology with things that get better over time which shows that though we yearn for new products, we subconsciously want what has always been readily available to us.

“Every object speaks to you.” - Jonathan Ive

Products are designed with a hidden language intact that speaks to each distinct user uniquely. People have different preconceptions of objects and surround themselves with products that they feel are some type of statement of their individuality. These objects have become a meaningful story of our lives through the way design has implicated this language in the form of products. This personal insight is not only a statement to the world of who you are, but more importantly, it’s a reassurance of oneself of their identity.

There is a constant process of designing with designers always questioning the new and what can be done to change, remove or improve manufactured objects. While consumers are the fuel to the designer’s creative fire by continually craving the new.

yike bike

http://www.yikebike.com/site/

Weight: 10kg (22 lbs)
Frame: Carbon composite
Price: £2,995 Pounds -- €3,440 Euros -- approx. $4,450 USD
Drive: Electric chainless
Brakes: Electric anti-skid, regenSpeed: 25 km/hr
Power: 1 kW, 30min re-charge
Battery: LiFePO4 - fast charge
Range: 10 km
Fold size: Super compact 43 litresSeat: Leather super comfort
Height limit: 163 cm - 193 cm limit
Wheel: 20” hubless
Weight limit: 100 kg
Lights: Built in LEDs

pimp my ride

Inspiration

i wish i thought of designing these

objectified

Task: “Reflect on society’s complex relationship with manufactured objects and the people who design them. What can we learn about who we are, and who we want to be, from the objects with which we surround ourselves?”

initial thoughts: its a simplistic approach into the world of design and the people behind the products. design really has found a way to integrate itself seamlessly into our lives.

Bangladesh exports

they rely heavily on exports eg garments, jute, leather, seafood, rice, wheat and bamboo

72hr survival kits

Being prepared in an emergency/disaster

essential items for survival:
-ponchos
-and other equipment













this public service announcement really makes you think:

Bangladesh

Some facts on Bangladesh:

Official language Bengali (Bangla)
Official religion Islam
Population estimate (2009) 156,051,000
Total area (sq mi) 56,977
Total area (sq km) 147,570

taken from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/51736/Bangladesh

A brief history of severe cyclone activity:

Nov. 1, 1876 - About 200,000 people died.
Nov. 12, 1970 - Up to 500,000 people died.
May 24, 1985 - 11,000 people died.
April 29, 1991 - 140,000 peole died.
Nov. 29, 1997 - 150,000 people died.
Nov. 16, 2007 - 10,000 people died

figures taken from Xinhua General News Service report and elsewhere: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/bangladesh-cyclone-47111603

















The aftermath of Cyclone Sidr of 2007

Bangladeshi climate is tropical with a mild winter from October to March, a hot, humid summer from March to June. A warm and humid monsoon season lasts from June to October and supplies most of the country's rainfall.

My ecological footprint

this seems about right

What Bear Grylls Did

His ability to create shelter from natural resources could be a possible idea to take further.

Finding food

And water.

Project One: Designing for Disasters

I think I will be conducting a fair amount of research on Man vs Wild for this project, as his survival techniques could be applicable to disaster relief.