Designing Dream Machines

From this video it establishes the process of how a product starts off as and what it ends up looking. Id say this process is similar to what us as students do through our assignments. When recieving a brief the process of brainstorming begins. this is where all initial ideas take shape even though we arent to sure about it, my experiences have shown that this is one of the hardest parts, which is to start. Researching is another important point as we need to get to know target markets and clients needs and wants. As research develops we get a sense of what direction we need to head in.

From there the product starts to take shape and working with groups are an important as feedback as to how it can be improved and interaction with others can take your product in a good direction. One of the things ive learnt is that the constant refering to clients as they are the major point in the process, trying to satisfy their wants sort of like a criteria. Having a number of different concepts are good as there are other things you can fall back on if your first concept goes down the drain! So making a product we need it to have appeal so it can standout from others

Treasuring Time

For the treasuring time assignment I wanted to make something that would be used throughout a whole year. With memories building through time and stacking up in our heads. I wanted something that would represent this concept. I ended up using a folding method that would represent a kind of 3d diary. Everyday the user would write on the paper (i picked paper with 120 gsm which is in between paper and cardboard as it would be more stronger than normal paper but not as hard as card) a short message or memory and then use follow instructions to fold then build upon it any way you like through a slotting method. As the year draws closer the 3d diary will become bigger and at the end of the year you will have a collection of memories in a form of 3d sculpture. When it is finished you can decide to take it apart review and look back on your year or keep it for display as it can represent a particular year and then you can start on a new one for the next year.The final model with writing shown on outside

Task 4: Bad Design

My badly designed object is an adapter which consists of two parts, it charges mp3s through the use of an USB cable. This adapter causes problems to users when they use it and plug into the powerpoint. The following photos will outline the faults.
In this image it shows the adapter already plugged into the powerpoint, however as you can see the adapter clearly blocks the switch, making only users with very small fingers able to fit and switch it on to be able to use.
In this scenario, users have to switch the powerpoint on before you plug the adapter in which makes this a hazard.
So when in use the same situation comes up, it is very hard to switch it off unless you just pull the charger out
The charger blocking the switch in another powerpoint
This image shows a different situation as the switch is on the bottom rather than the top, however as this powerpoint is placed right underneath a desk the design of the charger makes it a tight fit.


Suggested Improvements
My suggested improvements is aimed at the smaller of the two parts of the adapter, the circle part. I think the sensible solution would be having the the adapter facing the other way so down instead of up. While it was facing up it blocked the switches and having it face downwards erases this factor, and the function of the charger with the powerpoint is enhanced better. The following is a sketch of the redesign and a before and after shot.



Note: In the after shot, the smaller part is just placed on top as it currently cannot fit in the way the photo shows.