Beautiful Solutions

Process Design Think and Make

Beautiful Solutions Veronica Villhard

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Poster Progression

Introduction: 8 Researh paper on Fernando & Humberto Campana

w PART ONE: Beautiful Solutions 11

SUmmary of “Objectified”

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Reflection on “Objectified”

13 My successfully designed objects 14 My reasoning 15

Interviews on the mechanical pencil 16 The Mechanical Pencil sketches 17 Carabineer clip sketches 18 Nalgene water bottle sketches 19

Summary of “The shape of design”

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Response to Shape of Design

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PART TWO: IDEO Deep Dive

Summary of “The writers toolbox” Response to “The writers Toolbox” Summary on IDEO

Reflection on IDEO

The Mind Map

Summary of Deep Dive

THE DESK

PART THREE: Material play (tool or toy)

Reflection on Paper CLip Challenge My paper clip creations

Sketches and photos of Final Model SUmmary: Understanding Comics Reflection: Understanding Comics Summary: Low-Cost Design Reflection: Low-Cost Design

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24 25 26 26 27 28 29

31 32 33 34 36 37 38 39

PART FOUR: Improvised Drawing Tools 41

Reflection on the exercise

43 The Group 44 Explanation of Each Tool 45

PART FIVE: Inside/Outside of the Box

Reflection on the Light bulb box activity Brainstorming, Study models and Refinements Vivid Volts

Reflection on Project Three

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46 48 49 50-51 52

For the endless hours of the weekend spent on every Adobe Creative Suite program there is.

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INTRODUCTION:

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Every object we encounter is an embodiment of an incredible amount of meaning and identity. These objects aid us in our daily lives physically and emotionally. They compliment our personalities, our sense of style, and speak to who we are and who we wish to be. We explored the meaning and functionality of objects over the past month of classes through brainstorming, analyzing, and prototyping. From joining forces to brainstorm a desk for the creative or new drawing tools to working alone, creating prototypes from paper clips and chipboard, we learned the beginning steps for producing consumer goods.

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BEAUTI

PART ONE: IFUL SOLUTIONS

SUMMARY OF “OBJECTIFIED�

Objectified was a film about all things Industrial Design. Famous designers were interviewed and featured in the film such as Naioto Fukasawa, Jonathan Ives, and Karim Rashid. The design process starts with inspiration, discussion, creation, manufacturing, consumer sales, and disposing. Companies such as Apple, IBM, IDEO, and others were also featured in the film as examples of respected companies who excel in design.

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REFLECTION ON “OBJECTIFIED�

While the interruptions were frequent, I managed to get the idea the film was trying to make. I understand that the goal was to inspire the Think and Make sections and get us thinking about products and their roles in our daily lives, and it worked. Perhaps one of my favorite aspects of the documentary was just seeing and hearing the many famous designers. After learning so much about them on paper and making posters for them in the first project, it was really cool seeing how they were in real life. I thought it was very impressive that the creators of the documentary were able to get interviews from so many extremely well respected designers from all over the world. After watching the documentary, I looked at many of my belongings in a new light. One in particular was my laptop. It was interesting to learn more about the design process, but also the idea of manufacturing and how my laptop is made from one sheet of aluminium. There are so many variables in design.

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MY SUCCESSFULLY DESIGNED OBJECTS

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MY REASONING What initially attracted you to this object - physically or otherwise?

Nalgene Water Bottle: I was initially attracted to the price of this product and the fact that it looked like all of the other water bottles (of this style) except it was $5 less.

Carabineer Clip: Once again, I was attracted to the price and the fact that it came in a 2-pack.

Mechanical Pencil: Unlike my other items, I had avoided buying these pencils for all of my educational career because of the price. I was not until I borrowed someone’s my sophomore year of high school that I fell in love with the product. I was attracted to the retractable and replaceable eraser, the finger grip, and the fine point lead. I can not write decent notes without one, now.

How does your object function within your life?

Nalgene Water Bottle: I clip this water bottle onto my backpack or put it in my bike bottle holder.

I refill and reuse this water bottle on a daily basis. This is the bottle I take on outdoor adventures.

Carabineer Clip: I use this carabineer clip on my wallet so I can clip my wallet to my backpack or the belt loop of my pants. I never want to loose my wallet and the clips helps me keep track of it.

Mechanical Pencil: I always have at least one of these pencils with me when I go out. Whether I am taking notes, writing my to-do list, or jotting down a thought in my journal, this is the pencil I use. I feel like it helps communicate my thoughts on paper.

What separates this particular object from similar objects?

Nalgene Water Bottle: This water bottle is durable, light weight, easily replaceable, made in the USA, and has measurements on the side. If I carried around a $25 water bottle, I would be worried about it breaking, being stolen, or some other unfortunate thing.

Carabineer Clip: This clip may not be for climbing, but it is inexpensive and durable. Many other carabineer clips of this design loose their spring after rigourous use, but mine is still going strong.

Mechanical Pencil: The grip, fine lead, retractable eraser, thick body, and finger grip is what sets this particular pencil apart from others. Also the price...

What does this object tell others about you as a person?

Nalgene Water Bottle: My water bottle says I am an outdoorsy, bare essentials kind of person.

Carabineer Clip: My clip also says I am outdoorsy, perhaps, or that I am a problem solver. It also could tell a person that I tend to loose things, but not this time!

Mechanical Pencil: My pencil says that I know what I like and I am picky. This is not a pencil you buy “just because.”

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FERNANDO & HUMBERTO CAMPANA INTERVIEWS ON THE MECHANICAL PENCIL

Brazilian brothers, Fernando and Humberto Campana grew up exploring their creative outlets, barefooted in the country side, building tree houses and rock pools. At a young age they developed a respect for the earth which

After conducting ten interviews on people who had both used and factored into how and what they designed in their future career and collaboranot used the mechanical pencil, I found the results to be, for the most part, tion. Although they differ in age by eight years, they finish each other’s senpositive. Perhaps the only deterrent from the product was the price. People’s tences in the same way they complete and complement each other’s creative first impressions of the pencil was centered around the unusual width of the thoughts. Their distinctly 21st century creative process birthed universal yet mechanical pencil (in a good way), the tactically pleasing grip, the retractindividual, reinvented works to the modern world in a sophisticated, quirky able eraser, and the finger trigger for lead distribution on the side of the pen manner. rather than on top of it. By popular notice, people tended to really like the

The Campana brothers were inspired by Brazilian street life and flameraser function of this mechanical pencil. Their number one complaint with boyant carnival culture. The vibrant personalities and colors from the street other mechanical pencils is the eraser wearing all the way down and then vendors kiosks, overflowing with teddy bears, and multicultural crowds, rangthe pencil is rendered useless. The retractable, reusable, and replaceable ing from African to European to Brazil’s own indigenous people, inspired them function of the top of the pencil was the favorite function of the pencil. The to create works which communicated universal ideas in a unique, sophistitop three situation in which people said they would use this pen for was note cated fashion. In 1983, the brothers devoted their time to designing furniture, taking, test taking, and doing their math homework/worksheets. One person together. An artistic/design revolution was taking the creative world by storm: said they would probably use it when writing letters to her friends! That was environmental conscientiousness. Fernando and Humberto applied recycling not a reoccurring use in the interviews. The most commonly negative review odds and ends to the majority of their projects, specifically their Sushi line. of the pencil was the price. No one wanted to spend $6 on 2 mechaniUnused textile scraps from the multicultural districts of Brazil were used to crecal pencils when they could get 10 for half that price. The trick that many ate handmade, vibrant furniture pieces. people did not pick up on was that by buying a few of these pencils rather

Fernando and Humberto’s designs can be labeled as “post-nature” than a dozen of the other ones, they would not have to keep buying more and art nouveau with their use of unconventional, yet ecological, materials pencils. One frequent user of the pencils said she has been using the same and optimistic whit. “Creation is about pleasure – even though there is lots of mechanical pencil (this style) for a year. Most people use one of the cheap darkness. You need to go inside yourself to bring out what is new for your soul mechanical pencils for a few weeks and then throw it away when the eraser and for your emotion.” Humberto Campana gives out, thus having to constantly reinvest in cheap mechanical pencils eternally.

Thank you to Cassondra, Julie, Katelyn, Eileen, Morgan, Dayton, Sarah, Maddie, Frank, and Grace for their interviews.

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THE MECHANICAL PENCIL SKETCHES

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CARABINEER CLIP SKETCHES

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NALGENE WATER BOTTLE SKETCHES

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SUMMARY OF “THE SHAPE OF DESIGN”

The Shape of Design is a book all about design. The first chapter was the assigned reading portion, though. The first chapter was an exquisitely written introduction to how and why artists/ the creative person do what they do and the process by which it is done.

Basically, the creative process can be boiled down to an individual in a discussion with themselves and the work. The context of every decision is what makes art more than a brush stroke on a canvas. Context and perspective give everything meaning. The chapter highlighted on the importance of the Why and how it motivates while How enables.

If we stay on the surface and do not dig deep by asking Why, we’re not truly designing.

“Always the beautiful answer who asks a more beautiful question.” e.e. cummings

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RESPONSE TO SHAPE OF DESIGN

While this reading was assigned and I was basically forced to read it, it did not feel that way. I thoroughly enjoyed this reading. I felt inspired to create, proud to be an aspiring designer, and excited for my future, devastating struggles, great epiphanies, and all. It came to my attention that this Part One of the Beautiful Solutions process was to inspire us, and it did. I feel like I already knew what I was reading, but it was nice to be refreshed on the subject. I could relate with the stepping back to view your work from a different perspective. I could relate with the late nights (or should I say early mornings) of needing your face with the hopes of loosening a single creative idea. This chapter was well written and an enjoyable read which I have put in a bookmark so that when I need some inspiration or motivation, I know where to go.

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PART TWO: IDEO DEEP DIVE

SUMMARY OF “THE WRITERS TOOLBOX�

When you think of visual projects, writing is not the first medium which comes to mind. The fact is that with the use of free writing and mind mapping, writing can help generate lateral thinking. It helps to work through the process phase of a visual project. This chapter was a guide in using writing to enhance the creative process. The chapter elaborated on mind maps, concept maps, free writing, brain writing, word lists, and outlines. It also discussed how carrying around a journal or sketchbook is a very good idea. To jot down ideas is to hold onto a thought that would get lost in the shuffle if not caught on paper. Writing can also help unlock more thoughts in a therapeutic way. Many of these techniques were used in the past, such as Leonardo da Vinci, and even more are used today, such as IDEO.

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RESPONSE TO “THE WRITERS TOOLBOX�

The Writers Toolbox is a great resource, not just for design projects, but for all things that require some brainstorming. I learned that it is important to take notes... all the time. This is a great way to keep your brian sharp and active by keeping the ideas flowing. As a visual thinker, it was great to get some pointers on how to be prepared to capture my thoughts on paper. As I am planning to be an Industrial Designer, I am sure mind maps, word lists, and outlines will be used often in my future.

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IDEO

SUMMARY

IDEO is a well respected design firm known for their approach to spur ideas. We watched an ABC News featurette about IDEO’s industrial design department. They were given a challenge to research, brainstorm, design, and create a working shopping cart that would address the problems with current shopping carts.

REFLECTION

I found this video to be very interesting not just because of the unique, creative working environment and small group of people commissioned to complete such a large task, but because I had never heard of IDEO before and thus never knew about all of the popular items they were responsible for creating. I remembered seeing the CEO in “Objectified,” but I did not understand what he was responsible for until this video. IDEO is now on the top list of dream jobs, next to Google.

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THE MIND MAP

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SUMMARY OF DEEP DIVE

A typical “Deep Dive” process would be as follows:

• Understand the market/client/ technology and constraints

• Observe real people in real situations

• Visualize new-to-the-world concepts and ultimate customers

• Evaluate and refine prototypes

• Implement new concept for commercialization Deep Diving is researching and dissecting something so intensely with so much detail that you can fully comprehend the subject matter. This technique is used in design when industrial designers (especially) need to redesign (or just design) a product to solve a problem. Above I have listed the process by which a group would do so.

We used this technique when brainstorming the needs for a creative person and how we could apply those needs to a desk. This idea is used most famously by IDEO.

An example of IDEO using the Deep Dive approach to design a shopping cart

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THE DESK kyle

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MATERIAL PLAY 20

PART THREE: (TOOL OR TOY) 21

REFLECTION ON PAPER CLIP CHALLENGE

I thoroughly challenge. We had functioning object is no better way to than with a little brain the abstractness of I straightened out a into three pieces, and tooth picks! The posendless. That is why put a 20 minute time I decided to create as 20 minutes as I could a few really well put was quite prolific in My favorite idea was roaster. I did notice, different classrooms, ideas were influenced ings. Examples would the table led to a phone saying their ideas out similar objects being one at the same table.

enjoyed the paper clip to look at one already and repurpose it. There wake up in the morning exercise. I enjoyed the exercise, as well. paper clip, clipped it called the three rods sibilities were literally it was a good idea to limit on the exercise. many objects in the rather than work on together objects. I my paper clip ideas. the marsh mellow after perusing the that many people’s by their surroundinclude a phone on stand or people load would result in created by every-

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MY PAPER CLIP CREATIONS

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SKETCHES AND PHOTOS OF FINAL MODEL

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Candle-Light Marshmellow Roaster

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SUMMARY: UNDERSTANDING COMICS Understanding Comics was a comic itself which investigated and communicated the idea of icons, realism, identity, and emotions in art. All aspects of comics show what is the art of the invisible. Words do not exist in the physical world and nor do icons. The idea of lines and how such a simple image can translate into a very detailed idea was explained.

Why is it that a smiley face even looks like a face? How is it that 2 lines and 2 dots can be seen that way? Why do all lines carry with them an expressive potential? Much research and thought went into this comic.

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REFLECTION: UNDERSTANDING COMICS

Understanding Comics was a mind blowing read. I loved it. It was clever, interesting, and filled with valuable ideas. I will be able to look at art from a new perspective now that I have a deeper understanding of how the human brain comprehends images. This read, while assigned, also felt like a fun read. I wanted to finish it. I was laughing. I was even sharing the ideas with friends and further discussing the idea of icons and the invisible. I also thoroughly enjoyed the fact that this reading was much more like a ‘looking’. It was a pleasant surprise opening up a window with more images than words. This has been one of the most interesting reading assigned in Think and Make class all semester.

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SUMMARY: LOW-COST DESIGN Low-Cost Design is a photo essay about simple repurposing of objects in everyday life. Old tennis shoes were cut up into sandals. An industrial spool was reused as a coffee table and book storage. Even bottle caps were used as paint separators/holders. Architects went exploring the world for different ways people live and what objects they adapt to their needs.

Many of the images came from Northern Europe and the Southern Mediterranean. Their goal was to find “spontaneous creativity� that balanced between poetic skill and technological use. A deeper look at daily life.

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REFLECTION: LOW-COST DESIGN

I found Low-Cost Design to be very interesting. It got me thinking about how many inventions, products, and all around things are out there. It was very cool to see how people use their creativity to 1) save money and 2)make life easier. I felt inspired to come up with make-shift inventions to get the job done for the drawing tools exercise. The document was well put together with few words to let the photos to the talking. It was fun trying to figure out what was what and how the heck someone came up with such and idea.

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IMPROVISED

PART FOUR: DRAWING TOOLS

REFLECTION ON THE EXERCISE In this group activity, each group was to design new tools for drawing except we could only use a few dowel rods and whatever was in our art supplies box. We were given nearly 2 hours to create six different drawing tools with different functionalites. I had fun with this project. My favorite tool was the one which allowed you to write on both sides of the table, simultaneously.

I was fun to make and fun to use! This activity as a whole was very fun. It was a creativity playground. Our tools didn’t have to make perfect sense (as far as portability or logic) so with the few guide lines we had, anything was possible. I learned about teamwork, delegation, brainstorming, execution of an idea, and the importance of having fun to spur creativity.

What

roles

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life?

Tools are a constant in all human life. They are what make up human.

With tools, we are able to draw, build, cook, communicate, and the list goes on.

How the

has history evolution of

been shaped by modern tools?

Tools are what lead to the progress of man. In the beginning, man created a tool for hunting, let’s say, and when they used it and researched it’s capabilities, they probably found how they could improve the tool and so they did. We constantly assess what we could do more easily with a tool and then how to make that tool even better. That is why humanity is in a constant state of forward motion

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THE GROUP

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EXPLANATION OF EACH TOOL Create a triangle by tracing around the inside of these dowels.

“The May Parade� is used by 4 people. One holds the top of the dowel while everyone drags and passes the pencils connected to the rod by string to create a spiral effect.

Drag your pen or pencil down the center to get a dotted line effect.

Simply spin the dowel from the top and spin.

This will create 3 lines.

One blue and two red, which outline the blue line.

This tool requires 2-3 people.

One dowel can move up and down to create a larger or smaller rectangle. Ideally, two people hold the poll in place while one traces the inside to draw a rectangle.

From the handle, pull the tool so that the pencils (or pens) leave two parallel lines.

By writing your name on one side of the paper, it will show up on the other end.

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INSIDE/OUTSI

PART FIVE: IDE OF THE BOX

REFLECTION ON THE LIGHT BULB BOX ACTIVITY

Despite showing up to class 30 minutes late and being part of a two man group, I think Sam and I did a good job working with what we had on this project. We utilized our time in a manor so as to avoid any late nights. Also, Sam is graphic and I am industrial so we divided and conquered using our strengths. Together we came up with the concept and then I put it together while she designed the package graphics. This was an enjoyable project.

The reason we choose the triangle shape for the box was because it uses less material, it is more sturdy than a rectangle or cylindar, it is stackable, and it is atheistically pleasing. We left the top open because many light bulb cases are that way, less materials, and the CFL lightbulbs have a bar across the top which act at a great handle to pull the light bulb out of the box. The cut out on the front mimics the spirals of the bulb and at the base there is a recylce logo to emphasis the eco-friendly/ energy efficient nature of the bulb.

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BRAINSTORMING, STUDY MODELS AND REFINEMENTS

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VIVID

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VOLTS

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REFLECTION ON PROJECT 3

This past month of Think and Make I finally got a taste of what my career could entail and I can hardly wait. Problem solving is what I do. Building is my passion. Having fun with in a creative, friendly environment is what I have been looking forward to all of my life. Project 3 could not have come at a better time, though. I had been struggling with my major choice of industrial design just before this project. I am so glad I didn’t listen to myself. I realized that I hardly knew anything about Industrial Design until this project. I think my favorite project was the light bulb design. It was low profile and fun, yet everyone still did really amazing work. I am constantly impressed by the creativity of my colleagues.

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