Design Portfolio

design

about me

BA Furniture and Product Design graduate from Nottingham Trent University. I enjoy approaching design with an equal mixture of creativity and logical thinking. My interests in psychology, well being and sustainability are key drivers throughout my design process. I love being able to create functional solutions that add joyful moments within everyday life.

creative

Sketching

Model Making

Metal & Wood Working

Upholstery

Innovative Thinking

Concept Development

Trend Analysis

Material Exploring

Group Work

Design Research

Time Management

software

Solidworks

SketchUp

Keyshot

Auto CAD

Adobe Indesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Office

September 2018 - 2022

BA Furniture & Product Design

Nottingham Trent University

2:1

2020 - Industry Placement YearSarah Turner Eco Art & Design

September 2017 - June 2018 -

Access

Fashion & Design

Instagram - @delcita.design

Sheet Metal

himmel rocking chair

Himmel is 3 Part detachable cushion showood rocking chair designed for mindful moments. The Rocking chair helps to restore a better work-life balance into the home as it aims to subtly remind users of the importance of taking a break from the fast pace of everyday life. With many individuals struggling from work related burnout whilst working from home, breaking away for moments of down time can feel like an impossible task.

The solid timber rocking offers a practical solution fit for domestic use to provide users with an opportunity to recuperate. Users are able to embrace a momement of stillness and soothe themselves with a gentle rock whilst releasing endorphins that improve the mood and reduce stress.

a tactile approach that subtly reinforms the habitual practice of taking a break

burnout?

initial scope. Employee work induced burnout is becoming ever more increasingly recognized in recent years with (Mental Health UK, 2021) individuals experiencing common symptoms such as feeling “overwhelmed, alone in the work, tired and helpless”.

project aims. This project aims to explore the effects of mental burnout in professions and researching approaches in which this can be prevented.

product outcome. To develop a solution that encourages people to take time out and recharge by investigating ways in which this can be achieved through comfortable seating that provides users with a much-needed chance to wind down from formality by reliving stress.

key focuses;

mental health

relaxation

emotional design

comfort

burnout prevention

rocking chair.

+ Interactive

Mentally stimulating

Soothing benefits - Good for stress & anxiety

Rocking can improve blood flow & muscle pain

-

Some rocking chairs can take up a lot of space.

PRODUCT ETHOS;

art of creating nice savouring moments

relaxation mindful cozy

SKETCH IDEATION SILHOUETTE

ASSEMBLY FIGURATION

Non visable bolt attachment from seat sides midway through to leg. M6 BOLT and threaded insert.

Domino

Domino

Domino Domino

Domino

MDF & PINE

PROTOYPES

In total, 5 full scale prototypes were produced to refine structual and ergonomic details. The radius and form of the rocker was calculated through the combined use of CAD model physical mock ups to perfect the movement most fit for purpose.

refined details

WOOD WORKING PROCESS

The structure of the frame takes inspiration from Mid Century Modern design. The lanuage of the chair remains consistent with the use of subtle tapers and softly routed edges. The solid ash timber frame provides stability, durability and sensory aspects that contribute towards creating a positive user experience aimed to enhance relaxation and contentment. For the arms several different samples of Ash were profiled and sanded down to create the smooth to touch organic apperance which boost the beauty of the timber grain.

UPHOLSTERY PROCESS

As comfort plays an essential role within the project inviduals presented with a selection of fabric mood board samples and were asked to select their most favourable fabric composition that associates with “relaxation”. This helped finalize decisions for the 3 part detachable cushion set.

ULTRA SOFT. PLUSH.CONTRASTING FABRICS.

UPHOLSTERY INSPIRATION

The structure of the chair is designed around two key fundamentals - comfort and performance to support the interlinking factors of both mental and physical well-being. The inclined back angle takes the weight off the spine and works harmoniously with the chairs rocker which helps to create a balancing point of support to the body so users can maintain a comfortable gentle motion. The 3 Part Upholstered cushions with varying medium to high density are used to cradle the user and enhance relaxation.

In collaboration with

alto customizable modular shelving system

alto is a flat pack modular shelving system designed to display house plants within the home.

With the rising popularity of house plants, the self-assembly system allows users to customise and display collections to their own unique personal preference. Designed to tackle issues surrounding lack of footfall within the home, Alto provides an adjustable shelving unit that allows users to situate plants for maximise natural light exposer.

Alto is characterized by its adjustable dowel legs, solid ash slat shelving and brass fixture accents that create a contemporary feel. Designed with sustainability in mind, alto aims to abide to circular economy principles that are considerate of the minimal use of natural materials and conscious production methods.

greenrooms. Greenroom is a botanical market place for plant lovers that brings together the best independent sellers of plants, pots, and plant accessories. With a community of over 180 independent plant shops, growers and designers across the country they have the opportunity to share the best innovative designs within their market.

project brief. To design an innovative house plant accessory to be sold with the smalllarge independent plant / homeware stores.

product requirements

Observational consumer primary research showed that

observational primary research; consumer house plants within the home.

CONSUMER TRENDS

80% have stated their plant collection is inspired by social media

primary research

DEFINING CONSUMER ISSUES

80% poor lighting

75% live in rental property

80% have limited space & footfall

45% unable to hang baskets & drill shelving to walls

65% of plant lover participants within the survey are ages 25-35

40% live in high rise building - not able to carry heavy items easily

MODULAR CONFIGRATIONS

Behind the concept developent of Alto CAD models were drafted up to explore various modular arrangments that were possible to ensure the shelving is funtional and adaptable to the users preference.

ADJUSTABILITY COMPONENT

male & female brass screw joint pin

The joining device, greatly inspired by a snooker cue cane allows users to extend the shelving unit to an additional higher level to accommodate the users growing plant collection.

RETAIL PACKAGES

Alto provides a system that as equally purposeful as it is sustainable by offering the correct amount of components to suit the customers needs. Customers are able to purchase additional packages to extend the shelving as their needs require thus keeping the shelves complexity to a minimum.

In addition to this- repeating shelf components will potentially mean less complex manufacturing processes by keeping shelf sizes consistent. It will also help to minimise both unnecessary costs and material waste by abiding to circular principles. Dowel legs will differ due to the male and female joining requirements which will extend them vertically.

STARTER PACK DIMENSIONS

sheet metal side table

The project brief was to design a side table made entirely from one sheet single of metal to utilise the material.

Made from a 4mm sheet of polished copper with a hammered finish this Side table has been designed on CAD software to achieve this 4 part fold with 2 geometric shaped table tops accompanied by linear contour perforations to achieve a sleek contemporary feel.

This design is highly functional and conscious of users surroundings as it maximises floor space by offering two table tops suitable books and magazine storage.

sheet metal inspiration folds coating perforations

Sheet metal objects are simplistic yet distinctive for their ability to cleverly explore the potential of single use materials. Their are many advantages to be considered with non weld products such reducing cost and manufacturing processes. Additionally with innovative planning, creativity and the assistance of technology sheet metal has the potential to produce many unique forms and configurations.

Sheet metal fabrication process for the side table involved creating a net on Solidworks which then is sent to be cut using a Plasma cutter to achieve fast accurate production.

The project brief was to convert and explore the potential of different uses of waste materials to create an original unique upcycled lighting piece.

This upcycled light shade is entirely made of scrap material resourced from Non Profit Playworks. The piece promotes ethical sustainable design by exploring the potential of used objects and materials by giving them a new lease of life.

upcycled

thread & wire upcycled lighting

material exploration

The use of discarded a wire frame and intertwining thread was used to produced a subtle atmospheric shade intended for over head pendant lighting. For an contrasting feature a metallic copper sheet of plastic paper was wrapped round the base of the metal frame and melted with heat for a glistening embellishment. With lighting both on and off it provides a decorative element to any setting.