THE TURTLET
Michelle Truong
INTRODUCTION
It is not a secret that nature and animals work as ressources of inspiration for humans to create now known design objects. Actually, now more than ever we look more into the processes of nature to understand and use it to better our world.
The final project is exactly about this – creating a design object inspired by nature or animals.
Through modeling the animal itself and then modifiying it to the desired shape, this is a documentation on how the shell of a turtle inspired me to create a helmet.
TURTLES
Turtles are ancient reptiles, with fossils dating back over 200 million years, making them older than the dinosaurs. They are known for their distinctive shells, which are made up of over 50 fused bones, including parts of their ribcage and spine.
Furthermore turtles inhabit diverse environments, from oceans to rivers to deserts, and can live remarkably long lives—some species, like the Galápagos tortoise, can exceed 100 years. Unfortunately, many turtle species are endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and pollution, making conservation efforts vital for their survival.
SHELL
A turtle’s shell is one of its most distinctive and important features, serving as both protection and structural support. The shell is made up of two main parts: the carapace, which is the dome-shaped top, and the plastron, the flat underside. Unlike the shells of other animals, a turtle’s shell is not just an external covering; it’s actually part of its skeleton.
The shell’s shape is adapted to the turtle’s habitat; for instance, terrestrial tortoises have dome-shaped shells, while aquatic turtles have flatter, streamlined shells. This remarkable adaptation enables turtles to survive and thrive in diverse environments.
MODELING PROCESS
I started off with some research and decided to make a low-poly model of a terrestrial tortoise. From a basic shape I modified the geometry to the point of my desired shape for the animal.
EVOLUTION from a shell to a helmet
The turtle’s shell, with its robust and protective qualities, immediately reminded me of a bike helmet. This connection between the two forms was striking, as both serve the fundamental purpose of safeguarding the body from external harm. Inspired by this similarity, I began the process of transforming the turtle’s shell into a functional design for a helmet.
I started deleting all the body parts that I didn’t need until I only had the shell of the turtle. From there I adapted its shape to suit the dimensions of a human head and finalised it by adding important features of a bike helmet.
THE TURTLET
Michelle Truong
DETAILS
The turtlet is a headgear designed to protect cyclists from head injuries in the event of a fall or collision. Whether you are a casual rider, commuter, or professional cyclist, wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of severe head trauma, making it an indispensable part of your cycling routine.
The turtlet has a visor for shielding the eyes from sunlight.
It also has an intregrated light for visibility during night and evening time.
Truong
The chin strap pad is designed to pro vide extra comfort by cushioning the area where the chin strap rests, preventing irritation or discomfort during long rides.
that the helmet stays securely fastened on your head during a ride.
Made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, this liner absorbs impact, reducing the force that reaches your head while having comfort padding to ensure a snug fit.
Michelle Truong
TECHNICAL VIEWS
