PORTFOLIO Industrial Design / Mihir Joshi
Hello, I’m Mihir!
Work Experience
Education
Jacob Jensen Design, Bangkok, Thailand
Raffles College of Design & Commerce, India
Industrial Design Intern, -
01/2016 – 06/2016
Developing Concepts for brands while keeping in mind the Scandinavian aesthetic Visualisations of these concepts through quick paper models Worked on projects ranging from Bathroom fittings to baby monitors
Bachelor of Design, majoring in Product, 2011
Additional Information Analog Skills
Lines Designworks(NL), Bangalore, India Industrial Designer, 08/2016 -
– 03/2017
Developing a line of bedroom furniture for the Thai brand Index Living Mall Visiting their manufacturing units and working with their engineers to see the design through
LUCID Design, Bangalore, India Industrial Designer, 06/2017 -
– 03/2019
Working on multiple projects ranging from electric cycles and plant packaging to DIY toy kits Took lead on several projects and delivered client requirements in very short timelines
-
Concept Sketches Quick Paper Mock Ups Prototyping Wood Work Machine Tools
Digital Skills -
Adobe - Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop Autodesk Fusion and Catia V5 KeyShot 7 Sketchbook Pro Basics
- 2014
Curriculum Vitae.
Electric Cycle Project 1 // Designing within contraints
Jacob Jensen Design Snapshot 1 // Skill Development
Ball-in-a-Maze Project 2 // Reimagining a toy
Lines Designworks Snapshot 2 // Furniture for Index Living Mall
Zuci Project 3 // A new cleaning concept
Electric Cycle Project 1 // Designing within contraints
4 Weeks,2017
Project Brief The scope of this project was to design the frame of an electric bicycle which was going to be used in urban semi-urban areas. The challenging aspect was that the design of the frame had to have a unisex aesthetic appeal while also adhering to the manufacturing, technological contraints set by the client.
My Role Responsible for the design and development for the concept shown in this portfolio. This project was done at LUCID Design India pvt. ltd.
Learning Outcome Arriving at strong client approved concepts in short timelines (~ 1 month) by creating concept frameworks and collaborating with engineers
Project Context
CONSTRAINTS
Using the constraints to create a defined framework for concept generation
No Hydroforming
Why?
This means that, the cross section of the frame’s tubes cannot transition to different forms. Once a profile is chosen, the tube has to maintain the same profile
Battery Pack Position The battery pack’s, shape and position was already decided by the engineers owing to ease of production and procurement
The clients engineering team had already worked out the procurement and assembly of commercially available parts like the pedals, handle bars, battery packs, motors and other components. The task at hand was to unite these individual elements using the cycle frame which had its own specifications as well. The concept generation framework ensured that the creative energy could be channelized into arriving at a design which is in harmony with the set specifications, and not something that isin’t feasible. Streamlining the concept generation process right from the start also helped accelerate the project ensuring that the short project timelines were met.
Unisex Frame Geometry
Rear Hub
The frame had to appeal to all genders, with usability at the forefront. a “familiar but different” approach was taken based on some user study provided by the client
The engineering team had already incorporated the motor into the rear wheel of the cycle, connecting the battery and motor had to be kept in mind
MARKET TRENDS
Research Resources shared by the client and a market study was used to gather inspiration and spark curiosity
The client shared a basic wireframe they had developed. The wireframe indicated the proportionality of the cycle. It also showed the structure and position of their already procured parts. This wireframe would be a base reference upon which the new frame would be designed.
Head Tube
Top Tube
Integrating Lighting
Integrating Battery
Integrating Rear Seat
Incorporating light sources seamlessly into the frame
Fitting the battery into either the top tube or down tube in a clean and minimal way
A design that works well with a highly functional rear seat module
Unisex Frame
Dynamic Design
Wire Management
Mixte, or unisex frame is a vintage design that involves two top tubes. This division of volume appeared quite interesting
The frame had show a certain dynamism, portray movement while still staying familiar
Being an electric cycle, the various wires had be handled in a neat and clean manner
Seat Post
Seat Stay Front Fork Chain Stay
Down Tube
Frame skeleton shared by client
Ideation Exploring various forms over the existing wire frame, certain elements of the wire frame were not to be altered
Head Tube Position
Pedal Hub
Top Tube
The position, dimension and angle of the head tube was already deďŹ ned
The position of the pedal hub, the angle of the seat stay and their dimensions were already deďŹ ned
The top tube must not go higher than this node. Any higher and it would not be female friendly
Ideation Selected proďŹ le was detailed further and visualised
Light Integration Integrating lighting elements seamlessly into the frame architecture
Frame Geometry The top section of the frame consists of two steel tubes with a circular proďŹ le. They join near the head tube and part after the seat stay. The downward angle of the frame was adjusted till it coincided with the node that allowed maximum usability Node: Refer to diagram in the previous slide
Ideation How the battery and rear seat integrate with the frame was also eshed out
Branding Space Areas of the frame that attracted visual interest were reserved for branding
Battery Integration The battery was integrated into the down tube by having two mild steel sections which flare out to accomodate space for the batter module. They are then welded to each other and to the head tube at the top, seat stay at the bottom. A battery lock was provided.
Final Design
Orthgraphic Views
Visualisation of the new frame design integrated with the parts already procured by the clients
SIDE VIEW
TOP VIEW
Design Details
Rear Seating
Rear seat integrated into the overall frame geometry to maintain an aesthetic harmony without compromising on its structural strength
Mixte Frame
The dual tube mixte style frame heped reduce visual volume while retaining structural integrity. (cross section radii suggested by engineers)
Head Tube
The mixte frame wraps around the head tube forming the integrated lighting, this space also manages the wires in a clean manner
Rear Hub
A clean integration of the frame with the rear hub motor was designed by collaborating with the engineering team
Jacob Jensen Design Snapshot 1 // Skill development 6 Months,2016 THAILAND
Internship I was an apprentice under the design director of Jacob Jensen Design Bangkok design studio and learnt the unique Scandinavian JJD aesthetic. I used this knowledge to contribute in personal and collaborative capacities to the various projects during my tenure
Learning Outcome Learnt to build quick and clean paper models to visualise the various stages of the design process. Designing various products under a company speciďŹ c design philosophy and aesthetic. Working in a diverse and multinational design team.
Internship I was extensively involved in the design and development of a line of bathroom furniture for a big Thai brand. I was responsible for one design direction and making scale models for internal reviews. Each design direction consisted of a Faucet, Toilet and a Basin Visualize concepts and design details through quick paper models
Communicate the scale of the objects through proportionate models
Make 1:1 mock ups for more detailed analysis
Internship One of the design directions presented was concetualised and developed by me, it was more geometric and edgy involving chamfers and facets
Faucet
Toilet
Basin
Ball-in-a-Maze Project 2 // Reimagining a toy 4 Weeks,2018
Project Brief Design of a toy for children aged between 8-10. The toy parts had to designed so that the child could assemble the toy themselves. The client wanted to reimagine an existing toy and shift an analogue interaction into a mechanical one
My Role I was the project lead and main point of contact with the client. This project was done at LUCID Design India pvt. ltd.
Learning Outcome Learning more about materials like acrylic, cuppaboard and foam. Designing for assembly, laser cutting and die cutting. Making quick working prototypes to communicate the design
Project Context What is the object and who are we designing it for ?
Who, Children aged 8-10
What, A Mechanical Ball-in-a-Maze Toy
Curious
Playful
Maze Runner
Involve Simple Mechanisms
Children in the age group are often found exploring the world around them
Their interactions with their surrounds are very playful in nature
The task of this game is to bring the ball to the center of a maze which are of varying difďŹ culty levels
Reimagining the maze game using basic electrical components to heighten the childs experience
Tinkerers
Innocent
Easy to Assemble
Easy to Update
This curious and playful approach often leads to a lot tinkering
They take great joy and pleasure in toys that employ electrical, mechanical feedback as they haven’t fully grasped the principles at work
The toy has is to be assembled part by part by the child before they play with it
Children get bored with toys very easily, the toy should be able to swap out some parts to keep the interest going
Specifications
Material Library
The elements that were available for exploration and the the project deliverables
Deliverables The clients offered kids toys on a subscription basis, every few months the child would get a box inside which would a flatpack of educational and leisure toys which the children had to assemble They also catered to various age groups, this meant that they had to develop a large catalogue of experiences, for us designers it meant shorter timelines. Since they were dealing with fairly large volumes we were given a material library, whatever designed had to reference this library in terms of materiality, their dimensions and product components.
EVA Foam
Cuppaboard
Plastic Nut Bolt
Different thicknesses of EVA foam with an option of single side adhesive. These foam sheets would be die cut
Different thicknesses of Cuppaboard which would be laser cut with an option of single side adhesives
Plastic nuts and bolts of varying lengths and diameters
Acrylic Sheets
Basic Electrical Components
E-Flute
Transparent and opaque acrylic sheets of varying thicknesses which would be laser cut
Simple electrical components like - DC Motors, Switches, Wires, Plugs, Gears and batteries
E-flute cardboard sheets of various thicknesses and dimensions
The deliverables for this project were as follows Working rough mock up Final Design Visualisations Assembly Process Patterns for laser cutting/die cutting
Ideation Questions asked and the creative process that followed 1. What must move?
Questions Asked
The maze needs to more in circular motions around an imaginery axis through its center
2. Why is it moving?
The shaft of a DC motor can perform the same rotational movements needed to direct the balls to the center of the maze
During a quick brainstorming session, these were the over arching questions that pushed the creative process forward
1. What must move? 2. Why is it moving? 3. What is controlling it? 4. What is not moving?
3. What is controlling it?
Switches would be a simple means by which the the DC motor could be controlled to rotate clockwise or anti clockwise
4. What is not moving?
The DC motor, switches, battery casing are parts that are stationery
Ideation After classifying parts based on their functions, a basic understanding of how the product could be built was achieved. A quick form study was also done
Maze Module
These are the part that move, the maze and the ball form the maze module. The maze pattern is the part that defines the game and should be swappable with different patterns
The DC motor’s shaft connects the housing module to the maze module
Form Study Forms familiar to “play” were looked at, the product had to effectively communicate to the children that its a toy
Housing Module
The stationary parts, the DC motor, battery casing and the switches will have to be housed in some sort of structure. This could provide the area required for the children to hold the product
Ideation Housing Top Panel
With a broad understanding about the toys parts and its form, Rough mock ups took the process forward
This would be bottom surface of the top panel, it has a cutout for where the switches might go to control the shaft of the DC motor. The top panel could have the motor fastened on to it using cable ties
Housing Bottom Panel The bottom panel will need to have a die cut foam border to give it the required depth to house the electrical components. A raised foam platform will house the switches which are accessed by the cutout in the top panel
Circuit
Ideation
The bottom panel houses the circuitry. two switches, clockwise and anti-clockwise are connected to a motor and batteries
The mock was developed into a rough prototype used as a proof of concept, before getting into detailing and its assembly process After arriving at a rough volume for the housing module, the inner mechanism were integrated so that one gets a better understanding on how the toy feels and functions
Housing Module
The top panel is fastened over the foam border and the whole assembly is held using plastic nuts and bolts.
Maze Module
Housing Module
Switches
Housing + Maze Module
Strips of foam were used in the mock up for the maze. The maze module was mounted on the motor shaft using a foam cube cut out with a slit
Development After gaining approval, the concept detailing and assembly was done digitally
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
A die cut pattern of foam is stuck on to the bottom panel of the housing module. A sticker printed on the bottom panel guides the child into aligning the foam pattern on to the bottom panel.
Similar to step 1, the motor, battery casing and switch housing are also stuck on to the bottom panel
Once the wiring has been done, the housing module is closed using the top panel, the assembly is held in place using plastic nuts and bolts
The switch assembly consisted of two layers to bring the switch up close to the top panel.
The switch plate and the switch fork are connected and inserted into a slit on the switch housing, a rubber band is used to imitate the “see-saw� motion required (not shown in visualization)
Development After Gaining Approval, the concept detailing and assembly was done digitally
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
A drawing of an acrylic part that mates with a tight ďŹ t with the DC motor shaft was shared. This would be the bridge betwee the housing module and the maze module.
A sticker on the base board of the maze module guides the child to stick the ball receptacle in the right place
The rest of the maze is assembled on a thin ohp sheet, a drawing of the pattern is kept behind the ohp sheet and used as reference
The backboard, the maze assembled on the ohp sheet and a polycarbonate top sheet are all held together by brad screws, their wings are opened at the back to hold the assembly in place
The acrylic part which attaches with the DC motor, and its cuppaboard cap are attached to the rear side of the maze backboard
Final Design Once the design was ďŹ nalised the digital model was used for sharing drawings and required deliverables The ďŹ nal step in the assembly of this toy is the attachment of the housing module to the maze module by ďŹ tting maze module on to the shaft
Way Forward Steps to create a more wholesome playing experience Sticker Guide
Maze Options
Assembly Manual
Stickers on the cuppaboard sheets to help guide the children position parts accurately
The assembly design allows for regulr updates in the maze pattern, the toy could contain 3-4 maze variants
A step by step visual assembly manual for the children to follow and buld their toy
Lines Designworks Snapshot 2 // Bedroom furniture for Index Living Mall 3 Months,2017
My Role
I worked with a Dutch designer to conceive a line of bedroom furniture for the Thai lifestyle company, Index Living Mall. I was involved from from the concept generation stage, overseas client and manufacturing plant visits to the ďŹ nal handover of design drawings.
Learning Outcome Understanding the market and designing products accordingly. Assimilating client feedback and incorporating them into the ďŹ nal deliverables. Working with manufacturers to ensure design stays close to its original draft while staying commercially viable.
Final Design Preliminary explorations using paper models and digital models were used to select a design direction. After visits to their manufacturing plants, the designs went through an iterative process till the ďŹ nal design was shared with Index Living Mall
Design Details
Magazine Publications
ZUCI Project 3 // A new cleaning concept 4 Weeks,2018
Project Exercise This was an exercise to step outside the world of clients and deliverables and give the mind a free reign to think without any major constraints.
Project Aim The aim of this project was to find problems in our daily walks of life and present a solution to that problem. The solution being just a concept had to still remain theoretically feasible, the intention was to find a solution that can catch people’s imagination and kickstart a dialogue on how we can solve the problems that exist around us.
The Problem Few findings on the hazards and dangers of household dust Source mentioned in bibliography
Household Dust Not just an aesthetic issue
Many objects that are a part of our daily lives like childrens toys, cleaning sprays, non-stick cooking pans, cosmetics, furniture, and vinyl flooring are all coated/treated with chemicals like Phathalates and Phenols which are released into our homes over time
“ The findings suggest that people, and especially children, are exposed on a daily basis to multiple chemicals in dust that are linked to serious health problems” The percentage of our lives spent indoors breathing indoor air
Dr Ami Zota
Phthalates & Phenols
What does dust contain? Dust consists of dead cells, hair, dander and some potentially harmful substances “shed” by household objects
Phthalates are found in cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and phenols, found in cleaning products, as well as flame retardants and chemicals used in non-stick cookware. , they are thought to interfere with hormones and scientists believe they cause respiratory problems in children and lower IQs. Small amounts can add up, Many of the chemicals linked to cancer, developmental problems and infertility.
Solutions What can be done to counter the dangers of household dust Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Dust
Removing Existing Dust
Glass Storage
Ceramic Cookware
Wet Mopping
Sealing Cracks
Store food and beverages in glass rather than plastic, since chemicals can leach out of plastics and into the surroundings
Replace non-stick pots and pans with ceramic or glass cookware
Wet mop hard floors regularly, which will prevent dust from accumulating
Caulk and seal cracks and crevices where dust might otherwise accumulate
Organic Toiletries
Wooden Toys
Vacuum Cleaners
Air Purifiers
Switch over to organic brands of toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants, and cosmetics that are free of phthalates
Minimize use of plastic baby and child toys, opting for those made of natural wood or fabric instead
Use a powerful vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters to remove dust froom hard to reach spaces
Install air purifiers in the air conditioning system or place free standing ones around the house.
Research The types of Vacuum cleaners and the spaces they are used to clean Floor, Carpets, Tiles, Hard flooring
Walls, Partitions, Ceilings, Doors
Canister vacuum cleaners & Floor bots
handheld vacuum cleaners with attachments
Furniture, Counters, Sofas, Tables
Tight Spaces, Blinds, Curtains, Below tables, shelves
Canister vacuum & long neck wireless cleaners
The existing vacuum cleaners have difďŹ culty handling non rigid surfaces like blinds and curtains. Also tight spaces like storage and spaces below tables and sinks requires the cleaner to have a certain flexibility
Research Focusing on handheld vacuum cleaners, what are the factors that limit their flexibility ? Various handheld vacuum cleaners were used to figure out the factors which are limiting the usability of these devices on surfaces that require greater control and in spaces that require a small footprint.
Inaccurate Movement of Mouth
The movement intended by the wrist and the resultant movement of the mouth don’t match due to the distance between them
Internal Components
The heavy parts like the motor, filter and dust chamber sits inbetween the handle and the vacuum mouth. This leads to stress on the wrist and a bulky device movement
Stress on Wrist
The weight of the whole device falls on the wrist. Due to the weight, the device cannot be controlled easily
Ideation Restructuring the parts in relation to the human body to facilitate greater device exibility
Wearable Vacuum Cleaner?
Integrate into palm
Re-position component housing
Bringing the mouth of the vacuum cleaner into the palm of the user bypassing the bulky internal components. By bringing the vacuum mouth into the palm, vacuuming becomes as simple as wiping using a piece of cloth
Moving the heavy internal components away from the wrist and allowing the user to “wear� it on their waist. This new position facilitates greater flexibility as the users arms, wrists and palms are free to move and flex in any angle
Connecting both modules
Ideation Collating and creating inspiration for the form and the appearance of the wearable vacuum cleaner Along with the creation of inspiration boards for the product’s materiality and aesthetic, various forms for the “waist volume” (motor+filter+dust chamber) were explored through quick digital models
Transparent Volumes
Smooth Transitions
Soft Materials
Hand module form type
Concept “ ZUCI ”, pronounced Zu-Chi means “Clean” in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit
Concept The three main parts of the wearable vacuum cleaner
Waist Volume
Lumbar Belt
Palm Module
This is the part that houses the motor, ďŹ lters and the dust collection chamber. It snaps on to a belt which is worn around the waist. This shifts the bulky parts away from the arm facilitating greater flexibility and usability
A broad belt on to which the waist volume snaps on to, its made out of soft skin friendly fabric with an added cushion layer to provide padding to the wearer. It has the device controls integrated into the belt in the front
This is part worn by the user on their hand, a strap secures the module under their palm. This module is connected to the waist volume by a silicon hose, its form ensures a comfortable and stress free cleaning experience
Concept Breakdown of the waist volume
Waist Volume
Waist Volume
Waist Volume
Snapped on to the belt, it can be released by pressing the button on the belt. A strap built into the volume allows users to pick it up easily
This part consists of a pill like housing, divided into two sections. the satin finished aluminium section houses the motor, Hepa filters and the vents. The frosted plastic section houses the dust chamber
When the device is switched on, and the hand module sucks dust in, the dust is pulled into the waist volume through the silicon hose. Here, the dust is trapped by the hepa filters and the filtered air exits through the vents
Concept Details of the Palm Module
Palm Module
Palm Module Interior
The palm module is a molded silicon part, this gives the part the ability to flex and adjust to the space being cleaned
The underside of the palm module is concave like, grooves run along its inside channelizing the dust into the hose and to the waist volume
Research RedeďŹ ning how the user interacts with a vacuum cleaner Apart from handling tight spaces more effectively, Zuci approaches the users interaction with the device from a more ergonomic point of view. Through this approach, Zuci attempts to shift the experiences associated with cleaning from being just an unavoidable task into a more positive and playful experience.
Light and Flexible
The user can now use the human arm and wrist to its full potential and reach hard to reach corners and spaces
Device Range
The relation between the users height and the hose length decides the range of the device. But the aim of this device is to reach tight corners around us and not ceilings
Bulky Components Repositioned
The internal components have been repackaged in a contemporary casing and repositioned so that it doesn’t interfer
Bibliography Context & Research Images
Images sourced from stock photography sites like UnSplash, Pexels and Shutterstock
Zuci - Research Source How cleaning could save you
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/1783244/dangerous-chemicals-found-lurking-in-dust-can-cause-cancer-and-infertility/
What dangers are lurking in your household dust
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/09/12/household-dust-danger.aspx
Zuci Research Page Icons
Dust icon created by Veysel Kara for Noun Project Alert icon created by Yo! Baba from the Noun Project
Thank You