Adam Parrott Industrial/Product Design Portfolio 2022

ABOUT ME.

DESIGN EXPERIENCE

SIDEY DESIGN ASSOCIATES

Placement Opportunity - Nov 2019 - Sept 2020

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ adam-parrott-491738183/

- Worked as a Junior Architectural Technician for a CIAT registered practice

- Completed 2D elevations, floor plans, 3D renders and promotional merchandise

- Designed an updated company website from scratch, viewable at sideydesign.co.uk

BARTRAM TIMBER

Short Placement Opportunity - Oct 2019 - Nov 2019

- Worked as a Junior Truss Designer for a timber frame manufacturing company

- Used Wolf CAD to generate the design, supports and quote for trusses made on site

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

CENTER PARCS

Current Employment - Sept 2021 ~

- Working as an activity instructor responsible for groups of up to 50 people

- Interacting with public, delivering excellent service for guests of all ages

- Greatly improved social skills, time management and fast problem solving

EDUCATION

NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY

BA (Hons) Product Design - Sept 2017 - June 2021

- Grade achieved - 2:1

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL

2010 - 2017 - 10 GCSE’S A*/C - A Level Business Studies (B) Geography (B) Fine Art (C)

WELCOME TO MY PORTFOLIO!

I’m Adam, a creative and hardworking Product Design graduate looking for an entry level position in the Design Industry. I am especially interested in rapid ideation, particulary sketch work, modelling and 3D concept creation and rendering. I hope you enjoy!

SKILLS

- 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Keyshot, Wolf, Inventor)

- 2D CAD (Adobe suite, AutoCAD)

- 3D Printing and prototyping

- Sketch work

- Communication and team working

PROJECTS.

HOBBIES

- Fitness (Football, Cycling, Basketball)

- Music

- Film and Television

- Fine Art

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

ENVOI is an alternative method of instant messaging that removes screens and reintroduces hand written communication. Designed to cater for all ages, ENVOI can scan, send, recieve and print A6 sized physical notes that can be collected or displayed, providing a more sentimental and personal experience than mobile communication.

DESIGN BRIEF

Design an authentic alternative to digital communication with a key focus on user experience and interaction.

RESEARCH TOPICS

ELDERLY DISCONNECTED SCREEN ADDICTION PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE

Findings

- Despite believing elderly citizens are less technologically able than other generations, this was debunked through primary research, but the demand for a more traditionally focused instant messaging service was highlighted throughout.

- Screen/Mobile addiction is a topic that is often overlooked due to rapid developments in software promising ‘quality of life improvements’, although the mental health impacts found through research clearly indicate a need for change, particulary in young age demographics.

RESEARCH OUTCOMES

- Products such as the Polaroid camera have managed to prolong their life cycle due to their unique user interaction and sentimental value. A longer life cycle creates a more sustainable product as well as boosting the brands reputation, which was a key aim for my project.

Restoring traditional communication techniques will provide nostalgic effect for elderly as well as stimulating younger age groups. Avoiding screen useage will provide a healthier alternative to instant messaging for younger age groups, while also catering more for elderly citizens.

Providing users with a physical by-product, much like the Polaroid, will lead to repeated useage, in turn creating a much more sustainable outcome.

A product like this could lead to various holistic benefits, with the potential for mental and physical health improvements compared to constantly messaging via a mobile phone.

INITIAL

DESIGN SPECIFICATION TARGET

PRODUCT MUST

-

-

PRODUCT SHOULD

-

-

PRODUCT COULD

- Re-introduce hand written communication to the younger generations.

REFINED SKETCH WORK

Adding further detail to chosen shapes, integrating features that would be essential to create the desired function of the product.

SKETCH MODELLING

Cardboard and foam blocks were used to create scaled models of the final designs, allowing for a better visualisation of the size. This narrowed down the final concepts to one design that worked best, while also giving the opportunity to refine the user process with a physical model of the product.

FINAL MODEL 3D PRINT

After using SolidWorks to create a final 3D model, the product was printed to create a finished prototype.

The interface was designed to be useable for all ages, incorporating a unique serial code system for each unit so users can easilly connect to other devices, allowing for up to 12 contacts, all allocated their own button.

The internal system is operated by a Raspberry Pi motherboard, connected to a custom A6 CIS scanner and thermal printer, with easy access to refill with sliding base mechanism.

Powered via a 9v D.C socket found in the rear, the product can connect to internet via ethernet cable.

Further development in accessibility led to hearing aid connectivity, allowing elderly users to be notified directly when they have recieved a message.

BRAND IDENTITY

The name ENVOI derives from the word Envoy, and also links to the French word of the same spelling which translates to ‘a short concluding stanza’.

This french inspiration links to an original insight into the product, with a hand-written letter from my sister who lives in France that took over 3 weeks to arrive in England, which was a catalyst in the realisation of how extinct written communication is due to rapid developments in instant messaging technology.

FINAL RENDERS

Using Keyshot the ENVOI product was brought to life in full colour, including exploded views detailing the internal mechanisms and components.

USER SCENARIO

Using the 3D printed model, various user experience examples were able to be demonstrated. This one shows a young adult contacting his Grandparents.

SENDING

RECIEVING

1 - Once message has been sent, it will be instantly printed off by the recipients ENVOI machine.

2 - Via hearing aid connection ENVOI will alert the recipient of a new message. ENVOI will also make a chiming noise to further indicate a message recieved.

3 - The new message can then be collected from the machine to be read.

4 - Messages are intended to be stored or displayed to add to the sentimental value of the design.

5 - A reply can then be created.

FINAL THOUGHTS

6 - The ENVOI contact card can be used to keep track of contacts and their allocated buttons, making the process as simple and intuitive as possible.

The final ENVOI product covered every aspect that it initially set out to achieve. The physical letter it produces creates a more sentimental feeling than recieving a text, while promoting traditional values of hand-writing. The product feels marketable with the potential to be loved and re-used constantly by its users.

CASFA.

BA PRODUCT DESIGN MINOR PROJECT.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

CASFA is a compact, modular storage unit designed for those living in small or rented accomodation. The frame design allows for various configurations suiting any users needs, while optimising any free wall space they may have.

DESIGN BRIEF

Design a space saving storage unit that aims to suit lifestlye in small/rented accommodation.

RESEARCH FOCUS

TARGET USER

- Student/ Young Professional

- Aged 20 - 30

- Living in rented housing

Via secondary research it was found that the average room size has decreased since the 1950’s and will follow this trend in the future due to constant housing development.

Primary research survey found that 81% of students live in a room between 250cm x 400cm (10m2) or 300cm x 550cm (16m2), falling in the small or medium size category.

52% of students also claimed to struggle to find space to store their belongings in their accommodation.

A 42% majority of students were only supplied with a wardrobe, desk and drawers when arriving in their new accommodation.

Selling price will be a big factor within this age group, with 40% of students only willing to spend between £70 - £90 on furniture, and less than 5% willing to spend more than this.

MATERIALS

PRODUCT INSPIRATION

Through primary and secondary research, various examples of space saving shelving and furniture influenced the design of the CASFA product.

MODULARITY

Stacks Shelving utilises oak framing with adjustable joints to allow users to re-arrange their unit to cater for various uses and room sizes.

SPACE EFFICIENCY

Wire frame shelving such as the TT Shelving unit provide a sleek aesthetic while also maximising shelf space.

The floating shelves design also stood out for their practicality and complimentary material options.

FLOOR SPACE

Leaning shelving is an excellent way of utilising wall space with a small footprint.

The minimal framing gives further modularity potential, with clothing hanging space.

KEY IDEAS

Initial plans were clearly noted and categorised

SCALE

Before ideation could begin, a guideline of the maximum size of the unit was created, using my own room wall space as a reference.

INITIAL SKETCHES

The basic leaning framework design was narrowed down to a final concept which was then developed into various modular configurations.

Initial Concept Ammended Design

SHELVING DEVELOPMENT

The initial idea was to have shelves supported at the back by rubber stoppers that would stay in place via friction, however this raised concern for stability.

From using string with the full scale model, the idea to suspend the back of the shelves from a beam at the top seemed more viable, with sturdy framework ladders providing front support.

This was prototyped on small scale and worked well, supporting weight while remaining compact.

SCALE WORKSHOP MODEL

Using timber a 1/2 scale model was created using initial measurements to test the stability of the framework and hanging shelves concept.

The model demonstrated the hanging shelving perfectly, and the framework could freely stand without needing wall support. The rope and cord stops would be replaced with steel wire rope and grub screw stoppers for the final full scale product, with steel framework and pine shelving.

FINAL RENDERS

DISPLAY SHELVING

The original purpose of the CASFA unit, providing storage spaces of various sizes.

All shelves are adjustable by loosening wire rope stoppers in rear and moving pine ladder rungs to different levels.

STANDING/ SITTING DESK

Compact workspace configuration that provides an area for work and storage space.

MIRROR/ VANITY UNIT

Storage and mirror unit creates a more sleek option. The mirror was created to size as an additional product, being completely modular.

OPEN CLOSET

The pinewood beams running across the angled top provide hanging space for clothing and accessories.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The CASFA modular storage unit creates various useable storage and utility spaces in a footprint of 30cm x 140cm. This is exactly what I set out to achieve, however due to material costs the final selling price seemed too high to market to students, and was therefore adjusted to young professionals.

DREAM DISPENSER.

2nd YEAR SLEEP MATTERS PROJECT.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Dream Dispenser is a gender neutral diffuser designed to help users fall asleep and wake up happy. Using essential oils mixed with weak sedatives such as Melatonin and Adensoine, it promotes a healthy sleeping schedule and a positive start to the day.

RESEARCH.

DESIGN BRIEF

Create a product which will relieve sufferers of sleep deprivation and insomnia without impairing comfort or the natural sleeping position.

RESEARCH FOCUS

To achieve the brief set out, it is important to assess every process of sleep.

SWITCHING OFF DEEP SLEEP WAKEFULLNESS

Findings

- 33% of UK citizens above 55 years old say that they struggle to fall asleep fast. Over 7.5 million (14%) of Brits get only 5 hours of sleep, with the average UK adult sleeping for just 6.5 hours. Primary research found that 91% of students get to sleep between 2am6am.

- Research studies have found that consistent deep sleep will improve mood and decision making, while reducing the risk of dementia, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Only 32% of UK citizens get between 7 - 9 hours of sleep, indicating potential health risks.

TARGET CONSUMERS

- Primary research found that 62% of students feel unmotivated to start working in the morning, with an average of 2.25 hours spent before starting any work. A lack of good sleep and motivation in mornings can lead to narcolepsy, which is most commonly found in 30 - 50 year olds.

Research found that students and elderly citizens are the worst affected by sleep deprivation, however the aim is to create a product useable by all ages and suit all genders.

SKETCH WORK

Sketch ideation included developing a basic shape into the functioning product.

The key aim of reusability was demonstrated through sketch modelling, with refillable capsules being the main detail.

FINAL RENDERS

Using SolidWorks rendering software these studio product shots were created to demonstrate the size and functions.

Each refillable pod contains a different stimulant, one with Melatonin to aid falling asleep, one with Adensoine to promote deeper sleep and one with Acetylcholine that boosts wakefulness to be diffused before waking up.

FINAL RENDERS

Updated SolidWorks renders show a more funtional Dream Dispenser with new details such as a custom rechargeable battery, internal oil distribution passages and a removable diffuser.

Further development could include colour options and sustainable packaging, in particular the desposability of refillable oil pods.

SLIDE STOOL.

2nd YEAR DESIGN FOR PRODUCTION PROJECT.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Slide Stool is an interchangeable high chair and stool combination designed with one continous sheet of material, with steel, perspex plastic and wood ply being highlighted. Various colours and materials allow the stools to fit into any given environment.

DESIGN BRIEF

Explore the commercial home-ware market and develop a product specifically suited to sheet material manufacturing techniques.

PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES

Manufacturing methods that were researched and analysed are as follows.

COLD/HOT ROLLING

PROS

- Hot rolled steel is often cheaper to buy than cold rolled steel.

- Hot rolled steel has improved tensile strength.

CONS

- Residual stress can be caused by uneven cooling.

- Hot rolled steel is weaker than cold rolled steel.

- Cold rolling is much more expensive.

LASER/PLASMA CUTTING

- Able to cut all conductive materials.

- Comparatively cheap for medium thickness cuts.

- Fast cutting speed.

JET CUTTING

- Noisy and generates excess fumes.

- Risk of creating Heat Affected Zone

- Questionable quality for cutting thin sheets.

RESEARCH OUTCOME

- More sustainable than laser or plasma cutting.

- No risk of HAZ

- Cheaper to operate than laser or plasma cutting.

- Expensive initial CNC setup cost.

- Longer cutting times reduces output.

- Waterjet orifices are prone to breaking.

Cold rolling techniques stood out due to the strength and stability of furniture that can be created, despite its higher cost to manufacture.

Sheet metal furniture was a key inspiration into the design, particulary with its stackable and modular capabilities.

DEVELOPMENT.

SKETCH WORK

Focusing on using one sheet of metal, an initial design of two interlocking stools was created.

Although cardboard couldn’t accurately represent the stability of the initial design, it did give a good visualisation of the size and depth.

STUDIO RENDERS

Using SolidWorks rendering software, these renders were produced to show the SlideStool in different finishes.

Although using various materials provides different aesthetics for the product, the issue of stability arose, especially due to the harm it could cause for users.

The sheet metal option with a 6mm thickness gives the most stability.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT.

FUNCTIONALITY IMPROVEMENTS

The SlideStool’s only original function was as furniture, but by tweaking the design it can be made more ergonomic and practical.

MATERIAL FINISHES

Powder coating provides a textured finish in different colours, creating posibilities to maintain stability while adding colour variations.

MODULAR ACCESSORIES

Due to the laser cut hexagonal pattern on the legs, additional attachments could be provided to add functionality to the product.

Magnet hex attachment, allows for storage of metal items. Held in place by twisting rear.

Hook can be used to hang clothing or items.