Upcycling Comments.

Stasie- http://stasiep.blogspot.com/2010/10/leather-table-runner.html?showComment=1288252647071_AIe9_BEpK1PAoHIOFKYATndd77LBj3IkwxUD_S1_DIDobSKjTdObJ_Oqb8NFyDR6xEPda4vXTE6QcRcjS3Q5iihbqbNK2rAn1oDFYY_cq2iyqJ2y8gDRUmQNCvh5avds1QsBW1Dg4Xq3ww_0eqxeYCZJpSWpXUWpYhTKnqVLH5wIXZTkS2mA_O0tNNQX6UXy0v-M6c0hXKbkuztEDZ4lvnFi8t5pmgqjkjTjKIhGhgdZFrl5ScnxSY4AjvUNduu7_2nOH6H--ZdvZfHE1xA6mRbGy7o2WlDOLoFy1HhiEaPEtgxDrsQbQcbO79EYvXRnrTCYZn0rsly7ap3sXbzUJJ8DM64ncxtrqDakB9LZZIrtM66g-dgg6Pt18bDYmXhVmmY2SDu-4Wee22RP1hfdES_k5OLj3GIyVfGq0YHLRrtWklskB9ZcJi2sVr0n3VYxQ-DBEqRQx8z0ZkLFzVPo1zEL7Vbe_xw7FGe4iuUpIhhyCEsLzAdAubbXBActADuO6JoBEYR55XqAHa5FaRj-GReUPQAYksBSyZVk5Ws6CNBPCp3AV4craQq-vGT6TNq73UZ5wo6hQUyzLjeyky_DSe-UE62x8vmhPxFeAlB0nH5r-JTQ3mFnfpTbaBZAXqqbYBpxzsYDfn2wXT_9UiBkFuOWpi20dh8Z5WwtnrFiLM4Odp1lY71G_A9eUaT-vKLRkVEoY8_wBL_iO3XYEeGbcRq1rVWC299MZF0afyEcMV3gypWhQ4obPCS0hxswn30paxh8ZEyL1Xdgnl3AHStwG2HZEWr_mpCVyyATEXtU1aD5lFde4i_Xgr1BAPWQfkfOXbWWwezlGZ23rdtTR-sLw4jBaYtU1M33r0ymoMtgnuLnf8781Fz2cdnzCxixP8hieeDm_ZSfpvr-O8wGk9wM03Ddqndnqf-CT83Lha8QsRFc1wkHKXQsLbg-aYziVTIPHwrBIsjLKojg#c6545465314679071972

Xavier- http://xavmancini.blogspot.com/2010/10/assessment-2-upcycling.html


Monica- http://monicayllu.blogspot.com/2010/10/upcycling-pvc-conduit-pipes.html?showComment=1288253518629_AIe9_BFXrAyNsFj7AX1jw7S9S-95TOF1hrMXR9c-bEMh3fBqm0t3BSoIX1rakVjOVYdr5sBqiTwbSuwnKKXB6uhqUXMprXCgZeQObfecqIySDBgTVulhBu2nXShtgJYootfBxeZZmSpgvFtSYdEe0b91XUOhvD0V_jzVABkynYVNnIsrxVqIBc6YQx-qkv1NaHWeTu_71r_O3gAAy55NYdxeXjU47NOGfX-B5E5-ODbnD6SWDvPvUKVvD7b2It_o4UM_IhXPNrUsUJwY40R71iXOIQhKymXsZhhcxtfiJ4pgU75ZQ0tF5hbxkS5ENFX8w-anorpHJC4E0FZMlipLryEgMB93-nkim69NKTpizPtORqFykp_Jjr4Qnrc7JRQG1dOHQJy1EXCd1VaQqke0arwEao9shEBQ8jhGvqxuMGUXtT69rQczRCoK097oCVC9TyC1ztthAX55MQHE7cv7Rhhc1EnC36NQPG-__WiiLJyQl3MqmtAKL9Cig4-QwuR6gMstG2-pHrsxFA19U8LHoqd8wbU9FEyzZmhNlYLwH4o1T_QXnWP-GWo8ZdX47W6cln1SS0Kz5z64M7uQhleKS-jcCH0NTfsc80J-axG3fly9EvrZR9RVaNZeY02KgdJ0eVHTtSozG1_6h5KlbHXORXztesvA0zp7QZfyMfwYxDH8RZG3Q9DDgOtBjcsqsQSuI0muCQXq8PnWKni6ACo8aLADoxhqMdjF4YOaBTnAOl82d31VvW_kzUOxoiAH9mVLLTkLu-_iptPmPAlVPXHEMkisJT0cHWGzdempb7UfBH7_b3Q05WDmt7GruqPQrFi3i8Uj3XVvOgGUdAFRfn3ilxr8uNL9i1qcimaf9iFy-eAKS-dTEKkS8JA-5L4-uEOX41Yz10uSuKF6cE1f-hHOrBRrkgLPnfcgUr__ryof0Gwkna9f2XaB93v9BnMXNUDVq7gpmJto4uqd#c9118712069273122948

Melinda- http://melindakingsland.blogspot.com/2010/10/project-2-upcycling.html

Ella- http://id-ella.blogspot.com/2010/10/upcycling.html

Upcycling.

For the Upcycling project I have to chosen to create the ‘Curve’ Bowl by reusing and transforming two materials. The first material I have selected to reuse is fruit net that is commonly found at supermarkets and is also used to protect trees from wildlife. This netting is extremely hazardous towards the surrounding animals when on trees and when it is disposed of as many are caught, injured and even strangled. As it has become such a danger to the wildlife in Australia I feel that utilising the material into creating a product is a step in the right direction in preventing the unfortunate injuries of animals.
The other material I have selected is perforated aluminium that is used in many various situations such as walkway systems, vent ducts, industrial scraps, fencing and screen doors. Often after use these materials are in poor condition and are needed to be discarded or recycled, however there are a lot of steps in human and machine energy to recover aluminium as a recycled material. Aluminium uses up a lot of energy to produce, recycled and is not a biodegradable material, so instead of recycling and using up energy my product will utilise the features of the product and increase the value of the end of life material.

I have creatively repurposed each material by combining the perforated aluminium and fruit netting and turning it into a multipurpose serving bowl. Curve contains high levels of innovation and elegance, as it is uniquely formed as opposed to entirely function-concerned bowls. The fruit netting holds what is placed within the bowl and the perforated aluminium has become the frame of the bowl supporting the structure.

The bowl is not just practical but also aesthetically pleasing. The aligned streamlined curved shaped of the perforated aluminium contrasts against the netting, which is hanging in its own form. Both materials contain negative space adding another layer to the aesthetic look of the product. My bowl is specifically designed in an inventive way to be on display and not hidden away in cupboards. The owner would be proud to have my product out on display showing it off to their guests. ‘Curve’ clearly displays and highlights that recycled material has the ability to be transformed from off cuts, scraps and discards into a product of greater-value and quality.

Design For Life with Phillipe Stark

Twelve different designers hand picked by the famous Phillpe Stark are invited to join him at his studio in France. Stark’s reality television series Design For Life gives these young designers the opportunity to win a six-month apprenticeship within his company.

After the initial introduction Stark hands down the first task to the students to get them thinking like a designer and so he can understand each students pattern of thought. The task is to collect two products that decipher between gender, functionality and ecology. Some students went for the more obvious approach such as nappies being non ecological, where others went for a more symbolic approach where a joystick is represented as a phallic symbol. Stark was impressed by out of the box thinking as opposed to the unimaginative results.

The next major brief was to create a product that’s is ethical, ecological, democratic, used on a daily basis and non-electric. We follow the remaining students along their journey of inspiration and how they come about their ideas. Some visited exhibitions while others felt more comfortable brainstorming ideas. Some results were t-shirts with a message and a water meter for within the home. At the end of the week Stark was less than impressed with the overall results as many were not technically products and many took the lazy approach. Due to this the brief for the week after was the same to improve what had already been set and again what was produced was not great but better than the week before. We learn of the students repairing their mistakes from the week before and how they go about this.

As the number of students drops the expectations and importance rise, as they focus on improving their projects we are provided into a insight of the different ways designers solve problems. The next step was to pitch their design to Jean Phillipe so he is able to make a prototype, although this is where many of the students realises there are some missing links within their design. Different methods were again shown in the students approach to design a logo and capture their product through one image. Some of the students spent time with the target market and other went to the general public to search for opinions.

The last two students were left and had different areas of their product to fix before their trip to the advertising agency. Mike needed to ‘beautify’ his magnetic tray and cutlery set and Isla needed to correct her branding and logo. In the end Stark loved the overall beauty of Isla’s products, which outweighed Mike’s advertising. I enjoyed observing the different approaches people took into their design making process. As young designers we are able to take the effective practices that achieve good results and apply this to our own.

Enrichment Experience Comments

http://henrysdblog.blogspot.com/

http://saritaparto.blogspot.com/

http://khor-ba.blogspot.com/

http://helenholman.blogspot.com/

http://id-ella.blogspot.com/

Technical Drawing.

Four Pleasure Analysis.

Context of use.

The 'Green-Tea-Pot'.

For the experience enrichment project I have chosen to redesign a green-tea teapot. The teapot is targeted at young independent women between the ages of 25-35 who enjoy living a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga, have an eager interest in modern design and of course are familiar with the traditions and benefits of having a daily cup of green tea. When buying a product, a woman values and considers the aesthetics of the design but also needs a certain level of satisfaction of how the tea is brewed, and this teapot design is sure to fulfil both these aspects.

In this assignment I aim to create a teapot that enhances the tea experience from not only the aesthetics but also the preparation and pouring of a fine cup of green tea. My teapot is designed to not be hidden away in the cupboards but be constantly on display in the kitchen. This will be achieved as it is sculpted in an inventive way that the owner is proud to have it on display and show it to their guests. The appearance fulfils the wants of a woman interested in design as it does not pose as an ordinary ‘tacky’ teapot that is entirely function concerned, but is instead also a piece of art. The teapot incorporates the traditional tea rituals whilst adding a modern touch to the experience. This is evident as the rounded base of the inner wall of a vacuum allows the tealeaves to brew perfectly and therefore evenly poor into cups for the same taste. The insulation within the teapot keeps the temperature of the water around 70°c (best suited for green tea), maintaining the excellent tasting tea for a longer period of time, hence improving the entire tea experience.

In addition, the lady is able to connect with the tea rituals due to the teapot being hand held. Without any handles there is a greater focus on the brewing and the gesture of pouring the tea. A vacuum similar to the idea of a thermos insulates the heat so the teapot is able to exist without handles. The two layers of the vacuum are porcelain which is best suited for green tea but these layers contain a gap between them that maintains the heat whilst preventing the outer layer of becoming to hot to hold.

With its innovative features the teapot generates soothing and relaxing emotions by combining a woman’s love of tea with appealing trendy designs. Thus, by fusing the best traditional and modern sides of tea drinking the teapot successfully not only fulfils but also goes that extra bit further in satisfying the wants and needs of its target market.

Objectified.

Relationships are developed between humans and objects within seconds as we all subconsciously make assumptions at our first glance. We assume the object’s function, how well it completes its job, cost and even how heavy or light it weighs. These split second subconscious decisions form an opinion that Objectified explores although not only from the consumers but as well as the people who design them. We are provided an insight into the practice of well-known industrial designers and how their relationship with a product is developed on over time.

We are pointed out the numerous common everyday objects that we all take advantage of. From as soon as we wake up in the morning until we go back to sleep later on that night we utilize many objects from pens to cars to even knives and forks. Although we use these objects everyday we do not realize the amount of time and decisions that has been put in to make the object what it is today. Each product has a story and is embedded with decisions by industrial designers that have re-examined, re-evaluated and eventually re-invented.

Apple is one of the few companies left in the world that takes design seriously and Jonathon Ive provides the audience a look into how the Macbook Air is created and how the experiments of different processes become to be the final product. Ive explains how a sense of hierarchy is needed to determine and establish what is of high priority in the specific design. Despite the uniqueness of apple’s products, they do not follow the traditional ‘form follows function’ causes people to question the design.

Australian Industrial designer Marc Newson is inspired by everyday objects that he collects or ‘things he finds interesting’. He has been highly influenced through significant events throughout his life such as the landing on the moon, but he explains that he bases his designs not on the past but how he can utilize these ideas for in the future. Newson points out that he tries to make his products to last and not wear away although not just the product itself but also the consumer wants to keep. This is apposed to new technology that will last a year and will want a new product in a years time.

The documentary provides different perspectives on how design is not straight forward there are many factors which influence the final product and even when buying as using the product. Design is not simple it plays with the ideas of consumerism, personal expression, sustainability and identity.

Design Confusion.

The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard.

Have you ever wondered where all the ‘stuff’ you buy comes from? And where it all goes when you throw it out? Well Annie Leonard decided to further investigate this linear system known as the materials economy. This system is simplified into 5 main categories: Extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. Through Leonard’s investigation she points out the specific sections, which are identified to have a negative affect on not only the planet but as well as us humans.

The first category, extraction is the exploitation of the earth’s resources. Leonard explains how we are living on a finite planet, which is not able to keep up with the demand of resources needed in this system.

Another category pushing a limit of our earth is Production. The combination of using energy and toxic chemicals with natural resources to make products that are contaminated is not healthy for humans and does not benefit the planet in any way. Humans are becoming so involved in the production process due to a necessary job for example that it has to come to the point where mothers breast milk has been affected by the poisonous chemicals included in the making of products.

Distribution of these chemical contaminated products is the next step in convincing people to buy not necessarily essential goods. By keeping the prices low the consumers are drawn in to buying these products but really all the companies are doing is externalising the costs of the path to the creation of this product.

Humans are made to believe that consumption buying new things is essential in everyday life through advertising. It is the terms called ‘planned obsolescence’ and ‘perceived obsolescence’ that achieve this goal. Society has come to a point where we demonstrate our personal value by how much we contribute to consumption. We are tricked into buying products that wont necessarily last and if they do the production companies will release a new look of this products persuading us to have this ‘new look’.

The disposal of products is a big issue in today’s society as the options have a very damaging affect on our earth; From burning the waste, which releases toxic chemicals in the air to landfill, which pollutes the land air and water. Recycling is an good alternative although it will never be able to keep up with the rate of disposal and waste within the materials economy.

Looking towards the future there are currently other alternatives trying to make this system user and environmentally friendly through products of sustainability, renewable energy and many others. The system in crisis is linear although there are many points of intervention that will hopefully enable it to become a cycle that does not harm humans or the environment.

Donald Norman on Emotional Design.

In taking a new approach in life, Donald Norman has decided to appreciate a newfound ‘beauty’ through discovering not only the cause and reasons behind fun and exciting design but also what affect these products have on the human mind. He explores and assesses the relationship between design and human emotion and how one influences another.

Norman challenges the audience and plays with the idea of why products that are fun attract more attention such as the Alessi Juicer by Phillipe Stark as he explains that he has it displayed for decoration not utilizing its function of making juice. Even the mini cooper car is not necessarily the best technically built car but the enjoyment whilst driving this car out-weighs the faults.

The subconscious mind of humans automatically determines how we react to different situations. By experiencing an intense confronting moment, it is the fear emotion that paralyses you causing you to focus although in a positive and happy mood we are trained to think out-side of the box and let more creative ideas come about.

Norman believes there are three levels how emotions are evoked and translated through design. The first being visceral, an instant subconscious judgments whether a person believes that a design looks good or not. Such as the example provided of a water bottle where people buy water bottles not for the water yet for the bottle so they are able to keep it and maybe show it on display. This can be controlled by colour such as red for danger or excitement, shape, different fonts or materials used.
The second level being behavioural experience, which is all about feeling in control of a product that you are using. This is achieved by having an understanding of what is occurring and having the feeling that you are truly in power when handling the product. Such as being in control when driving a sports car around a bend.
The last level is reflective, being the ‘inner-voice’ that we have no control over. The products we own and see on a daily basis attract reactions and attention from people. For instance purchasing an exclusive watch or car such as a hummer, which may not function as well as its cheaper counterparts although it will attract a lot of attention promoting the owner’s image and this is due to the fun and noticeable design.

By watching the video a greater understanding is developed on the relationship between human emotions, interaction and understanding. When you combine the way products are design in order to achieve these certain pattern of thoughts, we are able to have a clearer vision of how product design can be influenced by emotions.

Design Excellence

A traffic light is designed to save energy through the use of solar panels. These power the single-unit light, which switches between the go, slow-down and stop symbols. I believe the concept of this product design is well thought out as it meets the demands of societies need for environmentally friendly products. The aesthetic design suits the aim of this product keeping to the idea of less is more, although in creating a single tiered design, I believe that the led screen should be a larger size in order to stand out more whilst driving.

Task 1: Shape of a Scent

On the first week of Design Studio 1 we were put into groups and given a scent to interpret eventually into sculpted plasticine ‘bottle’. The scent my group was given was overall strong, at first I smelt floral scent similar to jasmine but then there it contained a musky and vanilla scent. As a group we brainstormed on our opinions of what the scent’s colour, shape, line and texture would be like in order to help us transform it into the sculpture. My plasticine ‘bottle’ focused on the layering of the many odours within the one perfume. The curvaceous floral shape of the plasticine represented my initial response but as you look on there are layers representing the other levels that were within the perfume.

Video Reflection- "Human Centered Design"

I believe that David Kelley’s video ‘Human Centered Design’ contained some insightful thoughts into the way human activity has been able to inspire a whole different approach to the design process undertaken by industrial designers. As Kelley reflected over time, back to the mid 1980’s where he suggested that many Industrial designers from that time heavily focused on just on the products being produced as opposed to displaying and investigating the relationship formed between “man and machine”. This was contrasted against examples of the latest exciting products such as from the PRADA store in New York where custom technology has been applied in order to enhance the retail experience of their customers. RF tags have been attached to every item in the store that allow scanners to display information about the item selected including available sizes and colours also suggestions how it may be worn. I see this as a clever idea to attract the attention of the public by putting their shopping experience above their other competitors. The products are created through thinking outside of the box allowing the ideas and the products to become fresh and innovative. The technology benefits not only the needs of the consumer but also the workers as they gain a greater understanding of their clients needs.

From viewing this video I have learnt the importance of allowing human personality and behaviour to become a major part of the process of product design. The innovative new approach of products has and always will amaze me; inspiring me to create and think in the same mind frame when brainstorming ideas. The human relationship concerned with the product has demonstrated the thorough research and amount of time devoted into the creation of a new product. Kelley’s video has provided me with a clearer understanding on the where the field of Industrial design is heading and the extreme variety of unique new ideas that are being changed into products.

It is of high importance that industrial designers are able to acknowledge a wide range of videos, other new sources of technology to expand our knowledge and also to become aware of the product design occurring throughout the world although not just of the modern day but also what is expected from the future as well as learning about the past. As industrial designers, we will all benefit by having a deeper understanding of the future of industrial design and to develop our abilities in determining what makes a product successful.

My Design Career

Throughout my schooling at Brigidine College Randwick I learnt the wonders of the art world from the combined mixed media of Robert Rauschenberg even to the unpredictability of Frank Gehry. It was these select few that inspired me to develop my own unique style that allowed me to gain a greater understanding and true appreciation for the beauty of the artistic process undertaken to transform ideas in artistic forms


My curious nature and peculiar imagination would often find me challenging the concepts of artists, why certain decisions were made and their intentions portrayed through their works of art. This lead to questioning not just artworks but also why objects existed in their form, how they operate and their purpose. Due to my pattern of thought in combination with my interest in the art world would eventually lead me to make the decision of selecting to become a designer and study Industrial Design at UNSW.


When the time came to submit our UAC preferences for the course that we wanted to study I was still quite confused in which path of study I wanted to pursue. I was interested in a few of the courses in the Built Environment Faculty at UNSW, where I had heard many stories of the achievements that students who had attended were able to achieve. Although there were a few incidents that convinced me to select Industrial Design; one being a friend’s sibling who spoke highly of the course describing what was involved. Another turning point in my decision was when I attended a careers day at UNSW sat down and spoke to Rina Bernabei; who at the time persuaded me that the course was an excellent choice as it would entail discovering new innovative ideas whilst still keeping in touch and expressing my creative side. Although she did mention it would not be easy and that hard work and effort is a necessity, acting as a challenge that I will be able to achieve.


After having experienced and completed the first semester of the course I have enjoyed learning the basic principles and understanding of what becoming industrial designer involves. The new range of skills that I have learnt will benefit me for the future and allow me to explore my interests. One of these main interests is my strong passion for animal welfare and through my education it will allow me to make a difference in this field. Growing up with animals I have experienced the strong bond between an owner and their pet. Unfortunately I have also experienced the feeling of what it is like to loose a pet. I hope to find solutions through creating products to current issues surrounding the well being of animals. My fascination with the art world is another interest that I aspire to explore throughout the future. I plan to design unique artistic inspired products that can express both my own personal style and reflect the style of the artist. I plan to keep designing in the future, utilising the skills I have learned from the Industrial Design course at UNSW.