Project One: LIFEBUOY

Rationale

1. Research

Based on the research, for normal lifebuoy in china, the outside diameter is more than 725mm and inner diameter is more than 440 mm as well as the thicknesses are more than 107mm. However, the weight of the lifebuoy will not large than 2.5kg and buoyancy is not less than 14.5kg in fresh water up to 24 hours. Also, shell High density polyethylene buoyancy material Polyurethane foam mini order 500 pcs (in one container).

Actually, there are several materials can be mainly used in China. Most of the Life Buoys are manufactured in durable high visibility orange synthetic material and requires no maintenance, but this kind of material is not the eco material. Same as the orange synthetic material, PVC is another popular material for lifebuoy because of the cost, manufacture and durability reasons. However, the cork wood is different from others. It can satisfy all requires about durability, manufacture, and cost especially environmental friendly requirement.

2. Cork wood

Cork wood is used to describe wood from conifers. It may also be used to describe these trees, which tend to be evergreen, notable exceptions being bald cypress and the larches. The woods of longleaf pine, douglas fir, and yew are much harder in the mechanical sense than several hardwoods.Cork wood due to many air-filled cells, good insulating material, lightweight, floats. Cork cambium develops within the secondary phloem.

The brief description of the production process:

1. Cork harvest

2. Seasoning

3. Cutting the wedges

4. Boiling

5. Corkwood sorting

6. Slicing

7. Punching

8. Drastic reduction

9. Mechanical finishing

In the world wide, cork wood come out 350,000 tons per year. The main producing country is Portugal which produces 50 percent of the output of the world volume of production. China as the large producing country output 50,000 tons per year.

3. Buoyancy

The calculation of the largest weight for cork wood life buoy can be carry.

G= ρ*g*V

=0.03m3* 0.24* 103kg/m3* 9.8N/kg

=70.56N

F1=ρ*g*V

=1* 103kg/m3* 9.8N/kg* 0.03m3

=294N

F= F1- G

=294N- 70.57N = 223.44N

G=mg (g= 9.8N/kg)

∴223.44N* 9.8N/kg≈2189Kg

Based on the calculation the cork wood lifebuoy has enough buoyancy to carry a person.

The average height and weight of Chinese people:

Male: height: 1.697m weight: 67.7Kg

Female: height: 1.586m weight: 59.6Kg

4. Ergonomic

For a handle which is to be held in a power grip, the handle length should be sufficiently long to provide space for the whole palm (generally 100mm, but 110 to 120mm may be preferable). Diagonal hand width is a good approximation to define the minimum length, but the handle should not be so long as to contact the wrist. Handle of circular cross-section (and appropriate diameter 30 to 50mm) will be most comfortable to grip since there will be no possibility of high spots- but they may not provide adequate purchase for exertion of high force. Rectangular or polyhedral sections will give greater purchase but will be less comfortable. When a handle is used in a gripping action, its shape should reflect the curves of the hand- a concave surface described by the fingers opposed to a convex surface formed by the heel of the palm and base of the thumb- but with a gentle curve which does not risk exerting excessive pressure in the palms of users with small hands. The handle should be able to be used equally comfortably and efficiently by left- and right- handed users.

Reflection

The project is designing for disasters and our group force on 1998 Yangtze River Flood in China. In research part, we tried to find as much information as we can so that we through information to design the most necessary product for victims of a natural calamity. We did research on disaster events, response efforts, reconstruction efforts, socio-cultural issues, personal interview and trade literature. Based on research information, we found during the flood we can do nothing because everything was destroyed by the flood. However, it is necessary and useful to design a kind of products use to preventive and post-disaster rehabilitation for flood.

1. Concept

From the basic information, I realize that concepts most sample and useful so that people do not need to decode the usage when the critical incident appended. So, I come out three concepts which are lifebuoy, rubber bracelet and flashlight. The material of the lifebuoy is rubber and it had container build-in, because it used for emergency so I choose orange. The rubber bracelet use to generate personal information and health conditions. The flashlight I want design it becomes a tool box. At last, I choose to develop the lifebuoy and to make it become the ergonomic and convenient design.

2. Development

The firstly, I have not consider that material need to be eco material. In deeply research I found that cork wood can be used for lifebuoy. Cork wood use to be the popular material because cork wood due to many air-filled cells, well insulating material, lightweight, floats. Cork cambium develops within the secondary phloem. Also cork wood is strong, light, high buoyancy and anti- corrosion material. However, the old design of cork wood life buoy does not follow the ergonomic method that if people want to grip the life buoy the only part they can use is the rope around the life buoy. So, I decide to change the original shape of the life buoy that people can easier grip and the rescue can throw it relaxed. Based on the research, the handle length should be sufficiently long to provide space for the whole palm, generally 100mm, but 110 to 120mm may be preferable. Also, Handle of circular cross-section and appropriate diameter 30 to 50mm. At last, for the convenient reason, I decide to make my life buoy as a package bench which was located at bus station, bridge, and some high terrain place so that when disaster happening it can produce the best possible results.

3. Improvement

As the industrial designer, I realize that during the concept stage I need to consider the eco material must be the first choice for me to use. To use eco material is not only the behavior to sustain environmental friendly but also it is the way to improve the value of product. As well as, for the mature design I need to consider as much using situation as I can. It is responsible behavior for all users that can develop ability of the design and the project.

Comments:

Darmawan, Stanley

Lam, Angela

Shao, LuFei Vivian

Zhang, Menglei Claudia

Zhu, Jen Jun

TASK 2a RECYCLING

Video: Recycling Innovations

Sorting recycling process is a new technology for me to learn and it helps recycling a lot about separate waste. I realize it is necessary to do refuse sorting consciously by out self, because use machine to separate waste is the environmental behavior although it is a kind of energy waste.

Video: Recycling Glass

The video describes deeper about sorting recycling on glass. We usually use glass bout normally do not think about different colour glass can be separate recycling. Same as above, I think even the computer system can do accurate sorting work although need people improve the level of recycling consciousness. Like the knowledge from last lecture, companies can come to use same glass bottles and different label can be replaced rather than waste more energy to recycle.

Video: Recycling Paper

Paper recycling had been used for long time and this process protects huge forest on earth. People already realize recycling paper is the reduction of the environmental impact of waste during manufacturing, converting/printing, collecting, sorting and recycling processes to ensure the optimal and environmentally sound recycling of used paper and board products.

Video: Recycling Tinplate

Steel cans are the main items for recycling tinplate and almost steel cans can be recycled, manufacture and reuse again. Although, I think recycling tinplate technique can be improve because it need lots of energy like sorting, ovens, and manufacture. So that a tried tested recycling process can improved on, however, and the recycling of tinplate packaging is continuously being developed and improved.

Video: Recycling Aluminium

Aluminium recycling is the process by which scrap aluminium can be reused in products after its initial production. Also, aluminium seems like a prefect recycling material but the process of recycling aluminium need to spend lots of energy rather than the effects of recycling. Also, aluminium is not cheaper as we think so that the vast amount of aluminium used means that even small percentage losses are large expenses, so the flow of materiel is well accounted for financial reasons.

Video: Recycling Tetrapak

Tetra Pak is finding its way all over the grocery store. Milk, wine, soup, and many other items are using it and the Tetra Pak packages can be fully recycled. Also, from the video I realize that Tetra Pak carton boards are substituted for plywood, and used for items, like picture frames, desk organizers and small furniture.

Video: Recycling Plastics

Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastics and reprocessing the material into useful products, sometimes completely different in form from their original state. When compared to other materials like glass and metal materials, plastic polymers require greater processing to be recycled. Also, before we can begin to absorb more of the waste plastic that is not being reused, more products must be identified as compatible with recycling and more effective recycling methods must be found.

TASK1: Ecological Footprint

Based on the result of the quiz, if I keep my lifestyle I will need 1.93 earths. It is an appalling result that pushes me to think about how to change my lifestyle and to influence others to pay attention to environment protection. The result of my food footprint and housing footprint are lower than the average of the country, but the carbon, goods and services footprint are higher especially carbon footprint. In the future, I need to focus on low-carbon lifestyle as well as energy and water conservation. Also, as a designer, I must think environment protection for all my projects so that more people could join in environmental lifestyle.

Designing dream machine

Summary of the video:
Seymour Powell is a successful UK industrial design company. This video is about how they process their design concepts, and how they applied design process method in real design process, such as design brief, brainstorming, research, proposal, solutions, prototype, evaluation, etc.


1: The BSA Bantam:
After successfully designing the MZ motorcycle and Scorpion Superbike for the German motorcycle company MZ, Seymour Powell received another project which redesigns the BSA bantam.
Redesign a new BSA bantam was not an easy task from their past experience, therefore Richard researched the classic Bantam from the motorcycle museums, and invest aged the target market in order to collect fee backs and suggestions from consumers.
Finally they made a prototype in purpose of detail works, styling and dynamics testing.
From my opinion, a great design should do detailed researches before entering the prototype stage. Good researches will determine a successful design, keep the design concepts in the right track, and consumer would accept the redesign Bantam in the future. Moreover making a full scale prototype is necessary, because designer could compare the design details and styling between computing 3D model and real full size model, it would make visual differences between the 3D generating picture and real product. In automotive industry, designer should making a full size model that in order to test air dynamics, it will affect the final product performance.

2: Tefal Kitchen Appliances:
Not every design starts with a clear brief. Seymour Powell approached another kitchen appliance project which designed an entirely new Tefal kitchen product. Telfal organized a team with engineers and marketing professionals. Designers needed indentify consumer problems from existing product and generated innovative solutions to each.
Finally the concepts generated from the discussion which are a food processor and cordless kettle. The advantage of the discussion is designer can successfully present their prototype solution to their client, and they could modify their models immediately.

3: The ‘X’ Factor
The ‘X’ Factor can be defined as the initial impact the product has upon the consumer when it is first seen. The prototype could reduce the risk of The ‘X’ Factor, because the model could be tasted with consumers and collect useful suggestions.

4: The TVS Suzuki Scooter:
Nick Talbot from Seymour Powell presented a project called TVS Suzuki to a Indian scooter manufacture, and the Indian company requested that the new scooter should have culture design element and physical needs of the nation, therefore Nick need take a considerations about culture aspects, that the scooter could suit Indian community. the researches and investigation is important for crossing culture designs, designer need do researches that could keep the project in the right track.

PROJECT 3--------DISPLAY FLOWER VASE

My project is a display flower vase. I chose two kind of materials. One is a flawed oil tube from reverse garbage and another one is the discarded steel wire from my home. My design design idea is rhythm and I want to make my give people a feeling of elegance.

Emily White

Nicholas Walker

Nian Ci Liong

Fiona LEE

Janto, Glenaldy

Designing Dream Machines

The video shows how important for the designer to understand the brief and how can they been successful. Also, the significance of communication is for main idea for me to learn. Seymour and Powell influence me that as a professional designer, communication could improve our ideas, personal skill, and satisfy our target market. Based on the video, I think that design process can really influence the success or failure of design project. We need to research, make communicating sketches as well as make a functional mode. After all design process, our design need to fit in with the needs of the society. So, not only the communication among our fellow designers is necessary, but also our target market. All design process are help designers to communicate with target market consumers. To prove the significance of communication, they shows three different projects they had which are the bsa scooter, the india scooter and the kettle+food mixer set.
Designing Dream Machinses by Dick Powell and Richard Seymour is a really useful video for designers. It is clearly show what is the communication for designer through design process and what the significance of communication is.

TOPIC:

I think the main point of the video is communication. It mentions that the design process is an important step for industrial design companies work. The design process are research, make communicating sketches and make a functional model. For research part, designer need to deeply understand brief and base on the brief to exert skills. In the video, Seymour emphasizes how important the brief is and brief is always a key factor in any design field. Ones designers decide their idea, they need to have hand sketch, 2D and 3D rendered images of the product. Hand sketch can help them improve ideas and Seymour finds that hand sketch can make him achieve the final brief perfectly and successfully. 2D image gives designer first feeling in-plane. And 3D image is the last step for designer to affirm their idea of project. Through this I think that computer is a great tool to help design and visual communications and two speakers emphasize that the original concept drawing is still important for visual communications. Also these sketches are best samples to explain the ideas to client. By the way, two speakers highlight that is really necessary constantly refer back to the client and target market because different case have different requirement. The functional model shows the fully product straight way and it will be present to client. The functional model need to agreed by everyone from client. After all, consumers will be asked to do survey about whether they like the product or not. These process are the way for designer to communicate with target consumers, the manufacturer and client.

PROJECTS:

To show the significance of communication, in the video they present three different products they had which are the bsa scooter, the india scooter and the kettle+food mixer set.

ISSUES:

The video have mention some issues like material choice and environment issues, the understanding of brief as well as the communication issues between designer and manufacture. Two speakers talks about that as a designer, the materials must be chosen carefully. For the material, we need to think about it is environmental friendly or not and both recycle and lifecycle of the material. It is the basic requirement that have deeply understanding of brief. Brief can guide the direction of design. Through Seymour emphasises how important the brief is I agree that brief is always a leader in any design parts.Communication with between designer and manufature can really influence the success or failure of design. Like they highlight that our project usually starts of with a simple brief so that constant communication which is the key to eligible design. Client usually have different culture and lifestyle, designer need to understand their different requirement through constant communication so that come out the best satisfactory product.

It is a plentiful video about the main idea of communication through the line of design process. The biggest influence for me is that design products does not everything go smoothly. Communication is a process for design to redo a part or all of their product and it is a improvement for all designers. No change means no improvement and also it is a kind of retrograde.

STORY OF STUFF -- ANNIE

Annie Leonard makes some great points about the untenability of running our linear "materials economy" system on our finite planet, and she offers a little hope and a somewhat scattershot sense of direction at the end of her lecture.

Here are my impressions on each aspect in The Story of Stuff:

There are EXTRACTION, PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, CONSUMPTION, and DISPOSAL.

During this video, I realize the relationship between our products and our environment or the relationship between our products and us. Such as, She mentioned resources are limit to us and we are running out of resources. “Only 4% forest left in the USA, the USA is 5% of global population, but uses 30% of resources.” This count makes me think about how to protect our environment as an industrial designer. We are not only a kind of creators, we have responsibility to protect environment. It is a problem for us that have to use less material, how chose the most environment friendly material and so on.