Product Design Portfolio 2019

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LIVACREATIVE

Berlin, Germany 49-15738633553

Livins Varghese is a Multidisciplinary Designer; (Graphic, Product/ Sustainable design) from India, currently residing in Berlin, Germany.

With a Master degree in Integrated Design (Dessau,Germany) and a Bachelors degree in Multi-media design (Visual Communication) (India), he holds academic and professional experience in Graphic design, Illustration, UI/UX design, Sustainable Product Design, Upcycling Design, Product Photography. He loves to venture into daily creative adventures of Design & Art to generate and create context driven solutions and expressions, through sustainable practices.

ABOUT ME “The best way to wrap your head around upcycling is to stop looking at objects as waste.�

-Outsmart Waste- Tom Szaky

Product/ Sustainable Design Prototyping | Design research | Upcycling

LIVINS VARGHESE

2009

LIVACREATIVE

Livacreative is a personal project from Livins Varghese. The name formed during the college project in Bachelors back in 2009.

2014

Change in colours, minimal way of approach.

2017

Re-Branding Process

LIVACREATIVE

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LIVAC R E AT IV E

LIVACREATIVE Team player Big ideas

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The portfolio expresses works based on hands-on the practicality of design by making. Each project showcases experiments with form and material explorations leading to sustainable products and environment-friendly solutions. Furthermore, my interests in music and sustainability lead me to explore many projects pertaining to audio electronics, DIY projects and more.

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CO N T EN TS

Prototyping Workshop/ Product Photography#01

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Sustainable fabric/ Eco-Friendly project_#02 12 DIY: Solar Lamp Kit/ Social Design Project_#03 16 DIY: Toys/ Design Research - Sustainable Design_#04 20 Final Thesis Project/ Design Research - Upcycling Design_#05 23 Personal Projects Personal Project/ Speaker_Enclosure_Design_#06 32 Personal Project/ Upcycling- Computer Monitor_#07 34 Prototyping project/Upcycling_Speaker Driver-01_#08 36 Prototyping project/Upcycling_Speaker Driver-02_#09 38 Prototyping project/Upcycling_ Bluetooth Speaker_#10 39 Prototyping project/Low_Pass_Audio_Filter_#11 40 Current Activities 42 A Look Back 44 6

Photo Credits: Livins Varghese

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Product_Photography_2016_Prof. Pollmeier, Klaus_MAID 2015_Anhalt University of Applied sciences

Prototyping Workshop/ Product Photography _#01

Water Sprinkler A 1:1 product modelling and photography project of a technical product. The product was first machine carved out of a polyurethane foam block, with references from 2D blueprints. For further refinement, the block was manually carved with tools and sanded to precision.

Manual Prototyping

Product Photography

Prototyping_Workshop_2015_Prof. Uwe Gellert_MAID 2015_Anhalt University of Applied sciences

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The process gives an awareness of scale and form of products while prototyping. As for the next step, the product model was photographed in a studio set up using soft lights and reflectors. #funtimewithfriends

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#Prototypingstage

Process 2D Blue-Print

Polyurethane block carving

Sanding and Finishing

Studio Photography

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Photo Credits: Livins Varghese

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Sustainable fabric/ Eco-Friendly project _#02

Eco- Speaker Enclosure A material research project to fuse a resin which is eco-friendly, sustainable and applied over to a product, as a speaker enclosure. Epoxy resin and natural wool fibres were first combined, then applied over a mould and sealed with tape for a neat finish, to create an enclosure for the speaker. Next, the resin was applied to three layers of denim in colours of red and blue.

Material Research

Manual Prototyping

Design Research

Product Photography

Eco_Fabric_Project_2015_Andreas Bergmann_MAID 2015_Anhalt University of Applied sciences

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Process Eco-Resin/ Material Research

Product Design

Material Application

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DIY: Solar Lamp Kit/ Social Design Project _#03

Solar lamp Kit for students A social design project aimed at aiding children. The idea behind designing the product was to support education in areas with limited lighting. Due to lack of electricity at homes in certain underdeveloped countries, students face difficulties while studying. The product was designed with an intention to be supplied to schools, wherein students can themselves assemble the product and use it in their homes. The product could help improve their learning and productivity.

Design Research

DIY Lamp kit

Sustainable Design

Social_Design_2015_Prof. Mark Kwami_MAID 2015_Anhalt University of Applied sciences

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A

B

E

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C

F

D

G

LED Module

Frame Glue

Process Design something for society

Design ResearchMacro-Micro level

Target groupYounger Students

Solar Panel

Lamp Shade

DIY Lamp Kit for Children

The simplicity of design and materials makes it easy to mass produce, distribute and assemble.

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DIY: Toys/ Design ResearchSustainable design _#04 Download/Buy

Campaigns/Schools/ SEO-SMO

Figure 1.0: How to reach - Service Design

Toys made with waste materials The initial idea was to make a kinetic machine, which was further developed to become a DIY toy kit. The project is based on creating toys out of upcycled materials. It aims for kids to make their own toys using materials available from their homes.

The templates for the designs can be downloaded online, printed and applied into making a cardboard paper converted into a moving car or a milk carton into a boat; by using old pencils, rubber bands, wood etc. This, in turn, will help children improve motor skills and learn more about kinetic machines and develops an understanding of sustainable design.

This basic features of potential energy converted to kinetic energy has been applied in the project, using waste materials to get different motions to make movable toys.

Design Research

DIY Toy

Sustainable Design

Service Design

Machine_Design_2015_Prof. Uwe Gellert_MAID 2015_Anhalt University of Applied sciences

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Exhibition Venue: 18th Bauhaus Fest 2015 | Project Name: Kollektives Blau | Duration: 2 Days

#somegoodmoments@bauhaus

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Process Design a Machine

Design ResearchKinetic Energy

Product Development

DIY Toys/ Service Design

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FINAL THESIS PROJECT A

Study Upcycling History

Reincarnation Of Vintage Audio Era_#05

B

Study Upcycling Companies

In this upcycling research journey, I begin with studying upcycling history and famous companies that doing successful upcycling projects around the world.

Upcycling, known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value.

Project Context Study

Addiction to Electronics

In the modern world, people keep buying electronic gadgets. Even though the old devices are working, people want to buy new upgraded ones. Not to mention that millions of devices are replaced once, twice, maybe even three times a year by customers eager for something better.

According to the EPA, “Electronic products are made from valuable resources and materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing virgin materials.�

23 Final_Thesis_2017 - 2018_Prof. Uwe Gellert & Prof. Mark Kwami_MAID 2015_Anhalt University of Applied sciences

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Project Context Solutions Reuse old devices or their parts Effective use of second-hand goods market Donate them to charities.

Recycle broken electronic devices & computer Trade old electronics for gift cards (trade-in store) Upcycle electronic devices parts.

D

Solution

Upcycle electronic devices parts using BluetoothÂŽ technology.

According to Global Source limited, in July 2016 Bluetooth speakers are ranked first among popular electronic consumer product. Further studies show that people search for consumer products like, Bluetooth headsets, HiFi stereo systems etc which are related to each other in the audio device family. If we take 100 people, 60 of them are trashing their old devices and buying new ones. Rest of them keep or store the old electronics like, vintage HiFis, radios etc for the memories or the value they possess. Given a new life/ repurpose the audio electronics is one of the best segments where practical and a novel sustainable approach can be achieved by providing an alternative option for people from buying new audio devices.

So, in my thesis project, I envision upcycling combined with my interest in audio devices. Upcycling of old electronic devices collected from streets, suppliers, repair shops, flea markets, electronic waste and transforming them into unique exceptional pieces of sustainable art and audio. In particular, focusing on special cases of refurbishing and upgrading vintage devices out of client interests and market demands, which we see people have a passion for.

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Project ReInc

Upcycling of vintage audio devices; such as, Radios, Stereos, Speakers, etc.

Initial Target Place: Berlin Target people: People interested in vintage audio equipment, Collectors The name ReInc derived from the word Reincarnation.

This upcycling project that will be based in Berlin. The main idea behind project ReInc is giving a new life to the vintage audio era at the same time making them compatible and updated to current times. The project also focuses on the upgrading of existing working and defective devices, specialising in vintage devices like, Radios, HiFi, Speakers, Tape Recorder etc. One of the prime criteria is to reduce the consumption of new raw materials in creating new products, which can thereby help in reducing pollution in various forms as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These can also help in reducing the ever-increasing buying nature of people by providing alternatives in reusing the existing devices in a novel and sustainable way.

Interesting Facts Reincarnation is the philosophical or religious concept that an aspect of a living being starts a new life in a different physical body or form after each biological death. It is also called rebirth or transmigration and is a part of the SamsÄ ra doctrine of cyclic existence.

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Old Vs New: It's quite unfortunate that mainstream manufacturers have long back given up selling receivers based on sound quality. Basically, if we cross-examine an audio receiver built in the 1980s to that in the present day by any mainstream manufacturer, the quality differences in make is quite evident. From circuit design, components, materials technology and above all sound quality delivered everything is getting compromised and in fact, the industry is going backwards.

All that manufacturers care about is the feature list to keep up with market demands and by doing so they end up paying a lot of money in the form of royalties and licensing fees and have to make do with whatever is left to make the receiver sound good. Manufacturers no longer take pride in their engineering skills and designing entire receivers in-house as in the 1980s. We still come across the 80s made devices running well in comparison to the short life of recent devices. The mass stream production and focus on maximising profit add to the quality deterioration. So if we care more about sound quality than features, look around for a great old receiver

During the quest to start this project in Berlin, the important question was, where to find the devices. The quest finalised into two major categories,

Where from Collection through project leads In this method the project's sources of devices will be from individually collected and studied devices from the following possibilities: A. Flea market | B. Second Hand Store | C. Repair CafĂŠs | D. ReInc Pop-up stores | E. Electronic dump from the streets and corresponding companies F. Online Platforms Where to Individuals out of personal interest Drop Off : In this method interested individuals or organisations can request for the upcycling of their old electronic devices or they can donate to project ReInc. This is basically done in three different ways as explained below.

Pick Up : The customers have the option to turn up directly at the project hub, organise a direct pick up from the project people via phone or email request or they can choose to ship the devices.

Shipping : The customers can communicate with the project organisers and then choose the program they would like to take up over the project online platform.

Through the platform, the customers get free shipping labels with which they can send their devices to be recycled or upgraded.

Flea Market

People

Pick up

Drop Off

Shipping

Repair Cafe

Online

Collecting

Project ReInc Online

Upgrade Source

Online

Flea Market

Online

Shipping

Customer

(Figure.02) Working model of Project ReInc.

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Product Development/ Prototyping

Audio out Bluetooth audio receiver module 5v Power supply board from Old Charger 5v out to the module Radio circuit board -Locating the on board amplifier.

And Power supply

Bluetooth module audio output to Radio Amplifier Power supply

Tape audio in (Use as aux input) Power supply from the Radio Connect power supply Setup the Upgrade circuit boards to the radio

Bluetooth power on Switch Extended to Outside.

Switch placed in the top for easy access.

Project ReInc Case #01

Property of Project ReInc, Berlin

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Building an upcycling personal project in a certain place needs to have a strong and effective advertising strategies. This is being done in different ways to make the project reach the people.

1. Offline

2. Online

1. Offline Ground level marketing and awareness, which is more of a direct individual based experience is the key in this method. Upcycling festivals, flea markets, design markets, social meet ups are all the different platforms which can be effectively put into use. For instance, there are a lot of NGO’s doing upcycling festivals around the world to reach the people with their projects and ideas. These NGO’s collects consumer electronic products and upcycle them and the money from this is used for charity. Any NGO’s or upcycling projects from around the world can be part of these. Giving free workshops through these sort of festivals is one of the best ways.

Some examples are:

Americaupcycles(Cause International Inc) | YEE's International Upcycling campaign | Recycledcreativity Festival, Berlin | Design Market, Berlin | Social meet up

2. Online The project is also being given a public reach through paid online platform network marketing options such as SEO (Search engine optimization) and SMO(Social media optimization).

Social Meetup(Online) www.meetup.com

1. Challenges in Project ReInc

Impact

There are a few issues that almost any old receiver will have, even if they had been well taken care of by the previous owner. These issues stem from the limited lifespan of certain components. Three main issues are Old capacitors, Scratchy controls, Blown bulbs. One of the other main challenges is the lack of availability of compatible replacement parts.

1. Environmental impact While having the latest and greatest electronic devices can be fun, necessary, or both, our addiction to having them comes at a high cost to ourselves and our planet. Enormous amounts of raw, often limited, resources are used to make these devices.

This results in a large amount of hazardous household waste that is often irresponsibly discarded in the trash. When electronics are not recycled properly, the raw materials inside them leak toxic chemicals into the ground, spoiling both our water and food supply for decades, at least. For this reason, it is extremely important to recycle electronic devices in a proper manner.

In addition to recycling, if we’re able to use our devices longer, we can reduce the number of them produced, which will save vital limited resources and conserve much-needed energy as well.

2. Future of Project ReInc project ReInc looks forward to being in line with the trends in the market and it's quite obvious from the market study that the feature list is what attracts most of the customers. for this Project ReInc is in the process of adding features such as wifi audio streaming, project ReInc developed Bluetooth modules and amplifiers.

2. Social Impact The aim of the project in the long run is to show recognition to the people who have fewer chances on the Labor market and to contribute to their inclusion. Possible target groups that can be included in the production are the disabled, elderly, long-term unemployed and asylum-seekers.

Want to know more?

Project ReInc is a work in progress as a startup in the heart of Berlin...

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PERSONAL

P R OJ EC TS

SPEAKER DESIGN

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Process

Personal Project/ Speaker_Enclosure_Design _#06 Detachable Speaker box easy packaging

Sustainable Quick Prototyping

Other Speaker Design Sketches

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SonyÂŽ vgn-a270p laptop to Computer Monitor The project was to upcycle a monitor screen from a damaged laptop, and turn it into a finished usable product. The LCD panel was first detached from the laptop monitor and then connected to an LCD controller board. An external switchboard was placed on the framework to give access to power controls. The frame was then set over a custom made stand, with board sheets and wood, mounted using Neodymium magnets. The whole framework and stand were then covered with denim fabric.

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Personal Project/ Upcycling- Computer Monitor _#07 LCD Controller Board

LCD: Sharp LQ170M1LA04 (from, SonyÂŽ vgn-a270p laptop)

Neodymium Magnets for easy installation

Denim fabric to cover

Customized Switches 34

Upcyclng_ Speaker Driver The project focuses on creating a speaker using upcycled parts to be assembled with minimal use or complications of attachments and fittings. The speaker’s driver is first mounted on small wooden stilts for structural stability and support. This is then fitted comfortably into the plastic casing, which is basically a healthcare product container, re-used to serve as a compact and durable enclosure for the speaker. The product can be dismantled and re-assembled with ease, by simply twisting the lid to open up the casing.

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Prototyping project/ Upcycling_Speaker Driver-01 _#08

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Upcyclng_ Speaker Driver In this project, the plastic container was turned into an audio speaker, once again using upcycled materials.

The container was first cut open to fit in the dual speaker drivers, and next it was sealed close using denim fabric as an external finish. The whole project was made at zero cost and only out of recycled materials.

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Prototyping project/ Upcycling_Speaker Driver-02 _#09 A

D

H

C

B

F

E

G

I

Speakers I found it in the street.

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Prototyping project/ Upcycling_ Bluetooth_Speaker _#10

Bluetooth Speaker An experimental prototype project to explore board paper as a material to make a speaker out of upcycled materials. The casing encloses dual speaker drives and a circuit board to enable Bluetooth connectivity.

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Prototyping project/ Low_Pass_Audio_Filter _#11

Low_Pass Audio Filter A Low-Pass audio filter device used to separate low frequencies from stereo signals. Made out of Wifi LAN box casing, improvised using aluminium and wooden knobs to control bass level and other audio controls for an external speaker.

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Current Activities

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Multimedia Streamer Concept Media streamer with inbuilt 300W RMS soundbars. The streamer allows you to play all kind of media files, which include 1080p videos etc. It has also DVD™, BD™ drive in it. Through USB 2.0 port we can play any media content, which has also got 500GB internal storage.

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A Look Back (2014)

Woofer Enclosure Design A Vented subwoofer design allows for much deeper bass and The pyramidal structure adds on to acoustics benefits. The vented and pyramidal structure designs were integrated into a subwoofer enclosure. The quality of bass is improved over conventional forms.

For more projects, http://bit.ly/2tVn6Qt

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Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.

-Michelangelo

issuu.com/livinsvarghese

linkedin.com/in/livinsvarghese

www.instagram.com/livacreative

THANK YOU

RETHINK | INVENT