An Inconvenient Truth - Response

An Inconvenient Truth, presented and narrated by Al Gore is a revealing documentary that focuses on breaking down public barriers and common misunderstandings about global warming and the current condition of our earth. Statistical evidence and rare chart insights about CO2 levels and the temperature of our earth were shown to make evident that the earth is in fact changing unfortunately for worse rather than better.

One of the most interesting pieces of information that reinforces the severity of global warming was the case study presented about ice shelves in Antarctica and how small pockets of water heated to a warmer temperature caused an entire ice shelf to literally disintegrate in 35 days – observed by scientists through satellite photography. This rapid degradation of an ice shelf “the size of Rhode Island” brought to light how serious this situation is, and that we must do more as a population to maintain the current condition of our planet.

Al Gore also raises the important point that it’s a moral issue to protect our earth and environment, and to ignore the current situation and let things worsen is morally unethical. As designers, we must pay particular attention to the mention of ethics, especially in developing products that are to be released into our world and interact with humans. Materials, transport, manufacture and packaging are some of the main factors that, if not managed effectively, can have an immense impact on our environment as a result. As designers, we conceive the new ideas that are to be brought into our world, so we can have an influence over what is consumed by the masses. This influence should be put to great use in promoting environmentally conscious practices through our products.

Lastly, Al Gore ends the film saying that future generations may ask “what were our parents thinking? Why didn’t they wake up when they had the chance? We have to hear that question from them now.” This is a powerful take home message to all of us that promotes us as a people to act now, rather than turn a blind eye toward the issue for it only to worsen and be adopted by generations to come. We are here now, and must do what we can as a people now to improve our earth’s state – we must lay out a healthy working plan for future generations to follow.

As noted in the film, we as a people have come through war, united as multicultural nations, and united to eliminate CFC’s and eradicate the use of chemicals that increased the size of the ozone hole – there’s nothing stopping us doing the same and contributing positively to maintain a healthy environmental and global state. Human will is a powerful thing, and when collectively put to use, great things can be achieved.  

Concept #3 Revised

Concept #3

Green waste unit for apartment living - the design was inspired buy carnivorous plants, and in particular, the Pitcher plant as seen above. Carnivorous plants store enzymes in their systems allowing them to decompose prey such as flies and insects in a slow manner. In the same way, this waste unit adopts similar processes working on decomposition of green waste material over time.

Concept #2

Waste paper bin designed for study / studio / office use - leg design adopts a simple hydraulic mechanism used by spiders in leg movement that, when folded to half size, also shrinks the bin size for easy storage under desk spaces. The leg form is also segmented and tapers to a point, once again reflecting the form of a spider's leg. 

Concept #1

General waste bin inspired by the tulip's clasped petal form as a bud. The bin's opening action is reflective of the petal's own movement when peeled away from the other members of the bud when opening up.

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

Blogs that I have commented on:


http://camillekordek.blogspot.com/

http://rainbow-tam.blogspot.com/

http://darkblender.blogspot.com/

http://vindustriald.blogspot.com/

http://pings19.blogspot.com/

The cheese grater has always been a rather utilitarian object where a large stainless steel grating plate is the dominant feature of the design. Often, existing designs attempt to cater for a number of grating circumstances, crowding or overcomplicating the device. This, in addition to poorly resolved handles and uncomfortable grips has lead to a number of functional, though cumbersome grating devices.   

My design explored the possibilities of creating an entire enriching situation through sharing, presentation and dining, and focused on elements of symmetry, a sense of purity and entire user engagement with the hand tool. A significant change in the grating surface design and proportion was fed by the intended use, and the particular cheese that the design was honed towards.

Specifically tailored to Parmesan cheese, the user removes the well weighted milled Aluminium grater from its housing, hollowed out from the shapely Kauri Pine base. A subtle domed top and groove imply a separation between device and handle, and define the way the grater should be held. Fine grating perforations were chosen to suit Parmesan’s firmness and fine light shavings that result, and the overall shape was kept to a circle that traced the circumference of the handle, lowered slightly and reflective of the shadow cast by the handle.    

Responding to the base plate, the design tapers to a delicate tip which allows the cheese to cantilever over the dining table when resting. The overall design is somewhat reflective of oriental craft and bowl carving, though the shape was influenced by a waiter’s arm movement as he or she presents ordered food to the customer. In the same way, the base offers the condiment to its diners to take and use. 

My Design Career

Initially during primary school I had always been concerned with trying to perfect a situation, or tweaking things to make them better somehow. I remember “designing” book covers and creative posters for work in class, avoiding common plastic coloured wraps. In high school I thoroughly enjoyed and excelled in the compulsory art class in year 7 and 8, and from then on aspects of design began to filter through all things that I would do. It was really in these younger years that through browsing and research I became aware of design, though I had no real understanding of the meaning behind it other than that it was beautiful. Architectural design and interiors really began to click and I found that my interest and love for this aspect just grew as I progressed through school.

In year 10, I continued to complete a Visual Arts class and it was in the same year that I also did 2 weeks work experience with Hassell Architects and Durbach Block, meeting chairman Ken Maher (for Hassell) and Co – owner Neil Durbach (for Durbach Block). Conversations and involvement with them really broadened my understanding of what design meant and how and why it is articulated as such.

Later, I finished year 12 having done Design and Technology in which I completed a major design project where I designed an environmentally sustainable house for a beachside location. This was nominated to be presented at the Powerhouse Museum earlier this year.  

When I first applied for uni I knew I wanted a career in design, and Architecture or Interior Design were my first options for study. Due to missing the higher cut – offs I accepted the offer into Industrial Design.

Apart from design, I also have a strong passion for and appreciation of music, and I would really like to somehow incorporate these two aspects in my future career – not so much as to design musical instruments or equipment, but to design spaces, experiences and environments that immerse individuals and stimulate them. Pleasure and company are essential to life and I think there is real potential to explore these mediums further and create something amazing!

Besides this, I also very much love the design work which is done incorporating delicate materials such as porcelain and glass with heavier or denser highlights and features of cork, woods, metals or natural fibres. I think this combination of raw and refined, delicate and dense is a beautiful exploration of form and, to some extent, function, and would love to be a part of this in the future.  

Currently, I’m enjoying aspects what Industrial Design has to offer and have learnt much in the time that I have been here. I think one of the most important things I have learnt is that today the environment plays a large role in the way we design and have to consider design. I think that being resourceful and environmentally conscious also presents new opportunities for design, and a unique chance to create something more.

Product Sketching