Bill Moggridge Response

Bill Moggridge’s inspirational speech on design really highlighted how broad the field of design is, and made these ideas accessible to the general public – people both in the design field and those who are not. His quote, as many have previously stated, that “everything is designed” really brought home the fact that when it comes to design and the creation of a new product, or even the re-design of an existing object, possibilities are really only limited by one’s imagination. Furthermore, for those who do not understand design, it is ever more important for us as Industrial Designers to work towards products that are “clever” in their form and interaction with the end user – if something is designed right and is comfortable to use, it should appear that little design was done at all to get to that stage, and that pure enjoyment or ease of use results.

Moggridge also emphasises that the designers are in demand more now than ever, which is a fair statement as our world progresses into the future and tight competition between technology and innovation brings designers to think harder about systems interaction and user – friendly devices that blend into our at times over – scheduled lifestyles. With technology specifically, we are progressing from the stage where it controlled our lives – now we are starting to control it, much of the credit due to good design and innovation.

I believe that this short presentation is a must see for designers in any field, and also those in the general public. It re-confirmed why I chose a path in the design field, and helps those who do not quite understand the concept to grasp a basic understanding of what thinking goes on behind the scenes of their favourite consumer item or technology piece – in many cases, it’s not just one guy behind the desk whiling away ideas until he strikes it lucky, its team work and networking that makes design what it is today. 

Commented on the following blogs:

http://studio1-bee.blogspot.com/2011/10/project-2.html?showComment=1318922480383#c4662226261553604456 - Eugenie 

http://lovedbyee.blogspot.com/2011/10/project-2.html?showComment=1318922709639#c8466921514290126328 - Stephanie (Cai Min)

http://ocarabezides1031.blogspot.com/2011/10/upcyclced-utility.html?showComment=1318922949466#c299531875154510945 - Oscar

http://thesolidstate.blogspot.com/2011/10/up-cycling-unwanted-materials-lamp.html?showComment=1318923328352#c6516289041091438619 - Jesiah

http://ides1031-z3332715.blogspot.com/2011/10/hero-shot.html?showComment=1318923538680#c9130262444427336618 - Jimmy

Cutting Diagram

Rationale: Threads Pendant Light Concept

My ultimate aim for this project was to create a sense of simplicity and delicacy through the design of a pendant light. The pendant was preferred as it in its form is simplistic, hanging from (at bare minimum) the singular power cord that illuminates the bulb, and dismisses the need for stands, supports or complex additions. Going further, there is a whimsical nature about pendant lights and the way in which an illuminated source hangs freely and responds to the movement of air around it, glowing at or above eye level. This freedom and movement brings beauty that other light forms cannot replicate in the same way.

The initial concept designs for this project were heavily focused on exploiting forms and designs that could be achieved through circles. This began with circles manipulated to create closed in cone masses and cylindrical interlocking forms, though it was apparent that these could not be duplicated using the polypropylene material supplied by JCDecaux.

From this, an exploration into circular rings began and a flat – packable pendant with three folded and interlocking rings demonstrated the sense of simplicity and delicacy that I wanted to achieve. This design, although promising, was discarded after being test – made at 1:1 scale in polypropylene.

The final design is an expression of simplicity and delicacy that celebrates the natural movement and flow of the recycled polypropylene material. Rather than forcing the material to do too much, the design was stripped back to a basic planar form (1 square sheet of polypropylene) which was slitted to create texture and interest, as well as to let light through. Two custom designed and integrated C – shape holdings were also thought into the concept to allow the shade to be fitted to the light source. Although a clear halogen bulb would have added to the pendant’s overall aesthetic, the difficulty in finding a mount that was not chunky or bulky made this unachievable. This said, and in keeping with the theme of recyclability and ecologically sustainable design, the warm fluorescent globe chosen was a sufficient option.

In terms of packaging, the pendant was chosen to be packed in a mailing cylinder for two specific reasons:

1)      The cylinder would enable the sheet of polypropylene to remain curled in one direction – an essential part of the design which, when assembled, allows the fitting to hang curvaceously and splay at the ends

2)      In terms of transport and shipping / storage, the cylinder was the most efficient space – saver, and allowed for greater volumes of the product to be transported at once had it been mass manufactured. In the long run, this would also reduce transport carbon emissions.

Also, in order to keep the design in one piece and aligned until the user is ready to display it, the design remains contained within an outer “frame” of polypropylene, which can be popped off similar to that of a jig-saw puzzle piece, loosely secured by threads of the material that have not been fully sliced through. 

Light Design - Paper Study Models