Journey of an object was a three week project which comprises knowledge of all the modules (DE, DS, VS, MT). This project helped us to learn how context can influence design of an object, understanding dimensions and grip of an object, gather information, ideas and concepts through in-depth inquiry and communicate them perfect.
This project included teamwork with a specific object chosen by us. For me the object was Water bottle.
Part I (Design studio)
Context and Design Situation
During phase2 of the project which included form observation, ergonomic study, understanding material and semi structured interview, which helped me to understand functional and emotional need of a consumer while using a particular object. Some of my observation and research are-
Easy to carry/use- Consumers prefer convenience while using a particular object. For eg-Water bottles are generally used to carry water outside your houses, therefore consumers prefer their water bottles to be comfortable and light weight.
Durability-
Reflecting on Teamwork
Many tasks of this project, were performed with our peers. Working with our peers provided us with various benefits like-
completing prolonged and monotonous tasks in a short time,
introduction of more ideas, views and information,
refining understandings through healthy discussions and explanations
staying inspired and motivated throughout the project.
While working with the group there are many things which should be kept in mind, so there is a coordination and peace maintained among the group members, like-
communicating our thoughts and goals for the task with the group to avoid conflicts,
listening to every idea in the group and having a healthy discussion,
motivating each other by providing positive feedbacks,
understanding other's situation when they can't work and giving them time.
Part II (Design environment)
Reflecting on Methods of Inquiry
For this project we worked with primary method( slice and dice, semi-structured interview) and secondary method( timeline, understanding materials) of inquiry.
Primary method of inquiry includes primary information which is refined and unfiltered. It provides us with up to date information which are more accurate and can help us to research about certain topic in depth but can be quite time consuming.
Slice and dice- In this task we detailed descriptive functional, emotional, social, and process attributes by observing our object, which helped us to know more about the object.
Semi-structured interview- In this task we asked detailed questions from the people who are consistent users of our object to gather its information about usage.
Secondary method of inquiry is used to collect the large amount of information which is available on the internet. This method for collecting data is accessible and can save time but, can be difficult to find accurate information as it can be changed by anyone.
Timeline: For this task, we used articles, references and images available on internet for research of my object.
Understanding Material: To understand the making of the material used in our object, I watched many videos and images.
How did the various activities undertaken during this project help you to work on other activities?
According to me, all the tasks were interlinked with each other and helped to complete other tasks on time. Some of them are-
Identifying available varieties and stakeholder mapping- Listing attributes by identifying features of our object helped to identify many stakeholders of water bottle. For example- by listing down materials used to make a water bottle helped to identify manufacturers of that material.
Timeline and understanding material- Researching information about timeline helped me to understand making of the material used.
Form study and ergonomic study- With help of form study, I was able to recognize the structure of the water bottle and why is it like that, which helped me to know how can be water bottle used.
Timeline and Interacting with user- While recognizing different evolutions of a water bottle, helped to understand the meaning of why and helped better inquiry with the user.
Part III (Visual skills)
Reflecting on the application of visual tools & techniques
Most effective visual communication
Material understanding- According to me Material were a better way for visual communication.
Form study- Making form study helped me to understand the basic texture of the water bottle. It helped me to observe my object more deeply.
Least effective visual communication
Listing factors and inference- listing factors and inferences was not a very effective way of communication.
Part IV (Material Transform)
What role does material play in the design of an object?
Characteristics- Knowing the characteristics of the material allows to not only to make the best material selection as a function of its application in a given product, but also to overcome its limits and constraints in a design path where materials and transformation technologies become variables of the creation process.
Maintenance- The material requirement must be cost friendly and feasible.
Availability and Cost- Overall usability and designing of an object is heavily determined by the money spent and feasibility of the material required.
Sustainability- Recycling and high energy efficiency are the perks of making the environmentally responsible choices while selecting the material required.
Durability- It must be kept under consideration that while designing one must keep in mind is the wearing material that may necessitate increased wear resistance.
Market Trends- With an increase in innovations and further boom of ideas in the market, it must kept in mind that the material under usage is fresh and one that could be relevant for a long period of time.
Aesthetics- The final outcome of the product is decided by the aesthetics of the material used.
Weight- The used material should also be kept in mind as to increase the productivity and the ease with which the designer works with it.
Part V
Self reflection
Which aspects of the project delivery helped your learning?
Evolution of an object- It helped me to understand the need to evolve a certain object. Making a timeline for the water bottle helped me to widen my approach and ask the question ''why'' did a certain change happen, not only for water bottle for all the objects around me. It helped me to understand factors that affect an object.
Form observation- Observing form and design of an object helped me to understand the object visually.
Interviewing the user- This task helped me to understand the behavior of the consumer and their bond with the particular object to some extent.
Strengths
Collecting and presenting information- Collecting and presenting lots of information on a particular topic is a task which I enjoy working and can be done quickly. Specially when information is collected through secondary resources.
Teamwork- While working in a team, I found myself being more engaged and motivated in the given tasks. I work more effectively in teamwork which helps in providing better results.
Struggles
Time Management- Managing time while working with the given tasks were quite tough as the tasks were too much and working everyday on that lead to sleepless nights and was overwhelming.
Ergonomic Study- I struggled in ergonomics as I require a lot of time in sketching, which were leading to the back log in the project.
Using Appropriate design terminology- I realized that I don't use appropriate design terminology often.
Biggest takeaway of the project
Nothing exists without a reason
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