Postal Presents - Curve Organiser

Instruction Sheet:

Cutting Diagram:

Exploded View:

 Isometric Drawing:

Rationale:

This project began with the identification of the need for a pencil and pen organiser, which could bring pleasure and comfort to its user. Unlike similar products, I was looking to design something, which would not be an intrusive eyesore on the desktop. Sent as a gift, such an object could provide enjoyment in many forms both due to its functional and aesthetic qualities.

It’s this balance of function and aesthetics, which sets the Curve Organiser apart from the other common desktop organisers. The Curve is designed to organise stationery horizontally rather than vertically. This allows for ease of use when searching for certain objects. This also gives the user the ability to store their stationery in a variety of positions such as a North-South orientation or even East-West.

A variety of different design solutions were tested through both models and sketches. The array of ideas compiled allowed for experimentation and research, which in turn helped decide on the target markets favourite design. In the end, this specific design was chosen for its balance and simplicity. The smooth curved form of the organiser makes it inviting and pleasant. The user is enticed into using it and wants to have it around for others to see. It’s a gift that the receiver can be proud to show off.

The pleasure experienced during the construction of the Curve comes from the fact that the receiver of the gift sees the product take shape a little more with each and every piece. Over time the 22 pieces come together to form one unified product. Even once constructed, the Curve Organiser continues to be pleasurable as it can be used day after day after day.

The Curve is constructed using laser cut acrylic perspex and extruded perspex rod. The 6mm thick Perspex allows the main body of the Curve to fit within a C4 envelope in its 2D form. This material also provides for a sturdy construction, which is more than strong enough for the specified task. Laser cutting was chosen as the process to make this model as it’s very accurate and suits the design perfectly. By submitting a .DXF file produced in AutoCAD I was able to receive the results quickly and with a far greater level of precision than I would have been able to produce myself.

The Curve Organiser is a great example of putting a two-dimensional sheet material to use, in order to form a smooth, free flowing three-dimensional product, which can be enjoyed every single day.

Peer Comment:
Kiran Kashyap
Emily Soares
Nicholas Walker
Stanley Wong
Alfred Boyadgis

Finished Product:

 

Ross Lovegrove: The Power and Beauty of Organic Design

To be honest, I got really tired of listening to the self-professed “Captain Organic” talking about himself and his work and his studio. He may be good at what he does, but I can think of many better ways to spend my time. I do however admire his ambition and his method of instinctive design. He stated that “instinct plays a huge role in design” and I couldn’t agree more. In some cases, our instinct will tell us what’s best and in my opinion, maybe some times we should leave it at that and move on. Sometimes, adding thought to an idea can only lessen its aesthetic appeal and functional properties.

Of the products displayed within the video, Ross Lovegroves water bottle had to be my favourite. When first seeing his “representation of water” I laughed a little and couldn’t help but wonder where he was taking me. “What could these squiggly lines on a page possibly lead to?” The journey however, was fascinating. Seeing that shape come to life and to eventually form the final product was incredible. His bottle really does manage to capture water in its most beautiful, organic state. 

Nature designs with necessity in mind. It liberates form and strips it to the bare essentials. Lovegroves scientific approach to design and its form was enlightening. He can take something like a molecular structure and use it as the basis for a piece of furniture, which fits necessity first and foremost. There are no added extras or decorations. It’s just the bare essentials, as if it were created through millions of years of evolution like the dinosaurs. “I make organic things, which are essential.”

For industrial designers, this video provides an insight into the direction we should be heading in terms of design and material choices as resource levels dip to new lows. Organic design has the ability to leave a smaller environmental footprint than other methods of design while still producing designs which are the same, if not more beautiful. It’s great to see these pioneers such as Ross who are looking into Biopolymers and even foodstuffs and forcing them upon multinational corporations (even if they ignore him).

“Could we be manufacturing from food stuffs in the future?” My fingers are crossed and I’m hoping the answer is “Yes”. We’ll have a delicious future on our hands (and faces) if Captain Organic has his way.

Image: http://www.designboom.com/eng/interview/lovegrove/dbportrait.jpg

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWqkKYwvTNw

Bad Design

The NOKIA 6500 Slide phone was chosen for the bad design task due to an improperly labeled and badly position power button. To the inexperienced (and experienced) mobile phone user, the power button appears to not exist as it lacks the design features to draw attention. Many users would expect to see a power button along the top ridge of the phone, however the only button to be found there removes the rear cover. The actual power button, in fact is combined with the end call button, however no design effort was made to show this. 

My proposed change involves simply placing a separate power button on the top of the phone. The issue of it not standing out amongst other buttons would be solved by printing a power logo on the button in red to grab the users attention.