705931 - M1 Ideation

DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2015 M1 JOURNAL - ‘QUIET’ JACKIE PHAN - 705931 Michelle

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Measured Drawings The umbrella has many interesting features. There are, however, few dominant structure and logic that I am particularly excited about.

First and formost, the collapsible ability is the most dominant feature. From nearly 1m wide, the object can be conpacted vertically to 1/3 and horizontally 1/5 of its original size.

Second, the logic behind umbrella’s basic element - its arm - is another fastinating feature. I personally find it hard, yet stimulating when studying this element. It incoporates many simple but efficient logics to hold the structure as it is. This will be analyze further throughout the next section.

Last but not least, the realtionship between the fabric (skin) and the ribs (bone) is noteworthy. At first I think the fabric is connected to the ribs just like a coating element, this is interestingly not the case.

Plan and elevation were measured by measuring tape. Other dimension was done quite ineptly, using tape to measure each element on physical model.

Plan view

Plan view (when fully collapse) Elevation

Arm elements 2

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Analysis

Realtionship between skin and bone

Fabric acts as a constraint

Arm movement

When studying the arm, it can be seen that fabric is not only a coat for the bone but also acts as a constraint, so that v

Runner (to direct force)

The logic behind umbrella Elements to control rotaion angle of their joining elements

Material system How the fabric connected to the arm

Elements get smaller when they are far from the force source.

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Metal Strong material to support structure

2 metal wires Flexible

Plastic stick Elastic. This part of the structure recieves an unbalanced force (as shown in the picture), so if it’s not elastic, the element will break in half.

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Digital Model

Plan

Eevation

At first, I was so intimidated by the software that I decided to build a sample one first (on the left). After that, I model my object to scale. I did not model the object the exact details, as I was, again, afraid that I could not complete it, so I played it safe and simplified the object, which is a big mistake; as I get used to the software, it became less overwhelming.

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Skeleton structure

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Sketch Model

Prototype

Released form

Start to exert force

Fully developed

I use a string to act as a connector helping an element apply force on the next element

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The hinge always produces 90o angle However, the rotation angle is unpredictable, due to the material nature. I am still working on the material system to produce a predicted result.

The hinge

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Personal space

Target area for future design

This reconfigured object was based on the connection between skeleton and fabric of umbrella. The fabric is stretched held still because their is a balanced force exerted on it, mimicking how the fabric on umbrella works.

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Sommer (1969) pointed out that introverts seem to need more personal space than extroverts. This reminds me of the book ‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain, which is about the power of introverts.

The interesting thing is, while extroverts need crowd to fit in, introverts need space to thirve.

In the society where everyone tries to blend themselves in the crowd, people standing alone might seem akward, yet lots of the world’s most famous people are introverts.

It is important for reserved people to have plenty of personal space, so that they can observe and think freely. Personal space mapping is done based on my understanding of introvert’s confort zone.

I want to dedicate my future design to this special group.

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Sketch Design #1

Sketch Design #2 HERO - FREEDOM IS STRENGTH

SECLUSION

What is your idea? [Maximum 5 key words]

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How does this respond to your personal space?

How does this respond to your personal space?

It depicts how introverts react when their personal space is invaded.

They will not feel safe once their fence has not been put up.

It expands our personal space, give us the feeling of freedom, which consequently brings energy.

I take the analogy of heros, who are most of the time alone, so they have plenty of personal space. Can that be an explanation why they are so strong?

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Appendix

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