Product Design Bridging Work – Beginning your AS Coursework.

1. Product Design Bridging Work– Beginning your AS Coursework. • Candidates need to identify a problem and carry out the relevant research. They should do a detailed analysis of the problem. • Work should be presented on power point and the page should be set up to A3. You should produce at least 10 detailed pages in this sectionand should be handed in as a hard copy in September. • A maximum font size of 12 should be used for all written work apart from headings. • This work will follow a similar format from GCSE but will need to be in far greater detail. • Past projects have been, educational toys, storage units, small coffee tables, iPod docking stations etc. • When choosing your project theme please consider the time you have to complete this work and the demands of your other subjects.

4. INVESTIGATION OF CLARIFICATION OF THE PROBLEMS

5. Example • The following slides show an example of a high quality design folder. • You can make the work more concise and use fewer slides.

6. Developmental Toys Sensory Object – Whitgift SNAP The Big Picture Project Themes Garden Storage Cabinets Toys for the Disabled Toys with moving parts Chest of Drawers Toys for Older Children Desk Tidy Jewellery Storage Toys & Educational Toys Small Toys Wardrobe Rucksack Games Storage Remote Control Toys Key Storage Cupboards Interchangeable Storage Toys for Young Children Collapsible Easel Shelving Clothes Organisers Desk Lighting Garden Furniture Accent Lighting Nesting Tables Bedside Lighting Kids Furniture Chairs Lighting TV Stand Collapsible Stool/Table Study Lighting Furniture Desks Mood Lighting Mood Lighting Headboard Guiding Lights for children with visual impairments Storage Lighting Hiking Bedside Tables Bird Watching Gaming Laptop Table Travelling Hobbies/ Interests Watching TV Internet Sports Age Appropriate Interests Reading Films Relaxing

7. After considering potential ideas and themes for my product I decided to get a better understanding of current trends. This will allow me to get a better picture of what design movements are in the market currently and how they may influence me during the design process. Current Trends Mood board

8. Investigation and Clarification of the Problem Introduction The furniture industry is worth billions of pounds with big name corporations such as IKEA and B&Q raking in millions each year. Furnishings such as beds, coffee tables, chest of drawers and bedside tables are necessities for our every day lives – providing both storage and being an aesthetic focal point. Furniture designers have taken a leap forward over the last few years, coming up with innovative designs that will benefit our everyday lives. Organisations such as IKEA have thrived due to their modern architecturally designed, ready to assemble eco-friendly furniture and appliances – selling over $23 billion worth of products. There is still a market for furniture that, just like IKEA’s is tailored to the worlds demographic. Furniture such as bedside tables and chests of drawers used to be simple, lacking much need creativity and innovation, but now there is a mass market for furniture that is revolutionary and will change the way the user interacts with product. Influences and Inspirations In order for my product to be successful i.e. fulfil the needs of the client, I must research into what the client is looking for in a product. This requires me to conduct a survey to find out what inspires them and what they would consider to be useful in their every day lives. I will have to consider several areas to ensure that I am influenced by the correct design movement or designer to produce a product that the user considers aesthetically appealing. This includes considering colour schemes, finishes and materials that the user would like to see in their product. In order to produce a product that is modern and will contribute to the users life for a long period of time I will have to keep up to do with current trends and fashions. Considering the success of companies such as IKEA, whose designs and easy assembly encourage the user to buy their products, will help me to produce a product that will hopefully appeal to the user. By considering existing product that have been successful I will be able to get a clear insight into what is flourishing in the current markets. Identifying the Problem A major issue for the consumer when considering buying products from large companies like IKEA are that the quality and choice of materials used in their products isn’t the best. This means that they may have compromised with the overall stability of the product. This means the user is buying a product that may not last as long as they would like. Additionally the user may have a specific design movement that they like or would like a product designed in that movements specific style. Although some companies do produce products that are inspired by movements they may not have incorporated design features that are important to the user. In order to combat this I am going to take into account the users preferences and try to incorporate what they consider to be important to them. Client In order to produce a product that is aimed at a specific person or group I must have a client. Someone who is looking to buy furniture. The needs of the client will then in turn dictate what type and style of product I am going to produce. I will have to be clear on their likes and dislikes on several areas such as finish, colours and design inspirations. The lifestyle of the client is also a very important area that will need to be considered carefully. Their lifestyle dictates what kind of environment the product will be used in, whether that is currently or in the future. It also dictates the budget that they will have available which I will have to consider when costing the product. It also dictates what features I will try to include when designing the product. For example a cluttered busy lifestyle might benefit from having additional storage to deal with other user items. The Client is a pivotal part of the design process and the sway they have over the product is huge. It is my aim to incorporate as much of their needs as possible to produce a product that not only they like but one that I am proud to sell to them as well.

9. The Client Client Profile: • Gender: Male • Age: 16 • Style: Art Deco/Modern/ Mackintosh • Job/Occupation: Student • Interest: Architecture/Art/Design • Environment: Bedroom • Frequency of use: Everyday • Time of Use: Evening/Night • Price prepared to pay: £30 • Choice of materials Pine/Ply • Size: 650mm high min. • Preferences: Storage/Bedside Table/Multifunctional Design Statement: The client was very specific when explaining to me what he wanted. He is planning on going to university in a few years time so stressed on the need for something small. He also is keen that the design of the product isn't compromised. He is interested in architecture and liked the idea of a product based on a building or taking inspiration from a building. He also mentioned the work of Rene Mackintosh and expressed an interest in some of his designs.

10. Context, Objectives & Action Plan Action Plan The action plan relates to how I will achieve my stated objectives. Having interviewed the Client and assessed his potential needs and requirements I will consider them throughout the manufacturing process. This involves potentially considering his current and future environments, the prospective amount of storage he may need and his design interests. In order to manufacture a high quality product I will have to use materials that are sourced from high quality places. Having considered the Clients needs the product will be designed appropriately by trying to incorporate many of the details he specified during the Client Interview. Furthermore I will consider existing products to try and get a better insight into the current Bedside Table market. This will allow me to hopefully differentiate the product in the overall market and manufacture a product that is commercially viable. During the design process I will consider the dimensions of a variety of sized objects and evaluate the objects of the Client to design a product that meets their needs. To create a high quality, professional finish I will evaluate potential finishes, converse with the Client and produce test pieces to fully exhaust all options and chose a finish that the Client is happy with. During the design process I will look at and be inspired by design movements and existing products. Throughout the manufacturing of the product I will attempt to use resources sustainably as well as purchase materials from cost-effective sources without compromising on quality. During the design process I made sure to consider what equipment the school could provide me with. This allowed me to use my time effectively as I didn’t have to rely on outside sources for equipment and processes. I will design a product that will have features I haven’t worked with before to stretch me and encourage me to experiment with new methods and processes. I will plan to use my time effectively and converse with teachers and the technician on the most efficient way to manufacture the product as well as maintaining the written side of the Project. Context Initially I decided to focus on the theme of furniture as toys, hobbies & interests, and lighting didn’t appeal to own personal interests and what I enjoyed designing. Branching off from the furniture theme I considered several different aspects of furniture, ranging from; coffee tables, chairs, chests of drawers and wardrobes but finally settling on a bedside table. This type of furniture further appealed to me as it allowed me to incorporate the Storage and the Furniture Themes I had researched into earlier. This allowed me to be inspired by a range of existing products and design themes and fully utilise the research I had gathered when considering the ‘Big Picture’. I have decided to focus on storage in particular for the bedroom. I chose this environment as, from my own personal experience and the Clients interest, this particular area can become quite cluttered. By focusing on designing a product that will fit into a bedroom environment and provide adequate storage I hope to prevent this issue occurring for the Client. Another aspect that I have to consider is the commercial viability of the potential product. As I am designing a bespoke product for the potential client it should meet the needs of the Client. However this doesn’t restrict me from designing a product that is viable and would be successful in ‘Bedside Table’ market. Objectives Primarily to design a product that fulfils a need. In this case storage for a hectic, cluttered bedroom. To design and manufacture a high quality product that meets the needs of the Client and has the potential to compete on the product market. Provide adequate storage for a variety of sized items. To manufacture a product with a high quality, professional finish. To consider current and previous design trends during the designing process. To design a product that is cost-effective and is environmentally sustainable, both in the materials and during the manufacturing process. To manufacture a product that can be produced from school equipment. To design and manufacture a product that challenges me and exposes me to new manufacturing tools and methods. To complete the Project by February 2014.

11. Bedside Console Based on the needs of the client and what they told me during our meeting they were looking for a product to use in the bedroom for storage to be used near his bed. He was keen to have something architectural inspired and liked the idea of a design movement inspired product. He also is planning on going to University in the next few years so is interested in a product that is size appropriate but also has storage potential. This in turn suggested he would like something that is easily transportable. He liked the idea of a product being multi-faceted. Design Brief Bedside Console Storage Unit Uses Varnish Clean finish Charing Point Finishes Softwood Textured Smooth Paint Laptop Table Acrylic Metal Hinges HDPE Materials Cost of Materials Hardwood Cost Bedside Console Stainless Steel £30 Student size Laptop Table Appropriate size for a University room Screws Art Deco Components Mackintosh inspired Small enough to carry Moving top surface Size Storage Architecturally inspired Large enough to have some storage Possible electronic components Aesthetics Possible design movement link Bed height Clean finish Building Based

12. Current Environment Design Brief Continued • I am going to design a Bedside Console with the aim of meeting the Clients needs which are: • A Bedside Console with storage capabilities • Small enough to fit in University Student Accommodation • Designed which is inspired by Architecture and/or Mackintosh • Features some form of surface to allow work/eating to be done whilst in bed. • On the right I have included a plan of the Clients current bedroom. As he isn’t going to University for another two years his current living area is my main priority. As the product will be used on a regular basis it needs to be adequately sized. As there is already large furniture in the room there is a limit to the space available. I have highlighted two potential areas one of which is ideal. Ideal position for Bedside Console Another potential area Bed As the client is keen on Architecture and is likely to study a degree that is design based whether its architecture or interior design he will be doing a lot of drawing or using his laptop. This means he will require a flat surface. A possible idea is a feature that extends from his bedside console to provide a flat surface whilst in bed, or a removable section that fulfils the same function. Even if he doesn’t pursue a career that requires a lot of drawing not having an appropriate surface to work on whilst in bed is a common issue. The aim of my project is to produce a product that will appeal to the needs of my Client. The Client was very specific in his likes, dislikes and requirements which makes the design process ever more important. It have to design a product that will have a long life as well as something that is aesthetically pleasing and appeals to his sense of style. To achieve this I have created several mood boards and given them to the client in order to achieve a product he would like. I am also researching into Mackintosh, Architecture and architecturally inspired products in order to design something that is appropriate for the Client. I will analyse several existing product that might appeal to the user stating their benefits and their downfalls when considering the Clients criteria. I will show these to the Client to gain a clearer idea on the kind of product he is looking for. The Client is looking for a product that is multi-faceted so my research into existing product and the appealing features they have will allow me to design a product that has appropriate features. I will research Mackintosh and other design movements in order to get a clearer vision on the design features to produce something that is accurately inspired. Bed Bathroom Desk Desk Future Environment Desk

13. The client has given me a list of requirements when I conducted a questionnaire. It is my aim as the designer and producer of the product to meet his specification as much as possible to produce a product that is suited to his needs and meets his design requirements. Analysis of Problem • Materials • On the topic of materials I have been given leeway as he has only specified using products that are sturdy. It is now down to my discretion to pick materials that provide the appropriate tensile strength to meet his needs. When considering materials options I must evaluate: • The strength of the material so that the product has some longevity • Materials that will compliment the environment the product w ill be used in • Products that are relatively inexpensive, readily available and environmentally friendly • Materials that are workable and can be easily manipulated so can be adequately shaped for the design process. • Environment • The product needs to be suited to the environment it will be used in as well as compliment other products in the surrounding area. To accomplish this I must consider: • Existing products already in the area • Appropriate materials to suit the environment • Colour schemes and the personal taste of the client, this information will be taken from the Client Questionnaire. • Appearance • In order for the product to be successful and useful to the client it needs to designed in a way that will suit his needs. In order to do this I must consider: • Style/ Design Preferences-taken from the Client Questionnaire • Current Trends and complimentary colours/materials • User Requirements • The users requirements i.e. likes and dislikes will have a huge impact on the design process of making the product. In order to meet his requirements I must: • Use information taken during the Client Questionnaire to design something he would like (Architecturally Based) • Include additional features that the user will like • Design something to fit his needs and meet his specific dimension requirements. • Dimensions • The dimensions of the product weren’t specified but the user is intending to go to University so the product needs to be appropriately sized. When choosing appropriate dimensions I must consider: • The size available in a University room • Anthropometric measurements • Appropriate size for being lifted • Health and Safety • When designing the product I must consider the health and safety aspects such as: • Finish of the product is safe for use. • The product is designed to be use safely by the client • The materials used are appropriate for use. • Costs • The user has specified that he is willing to spend up to £30 on a bedside table. This gives me a budget of less than £30 in order to make a profit. Budgets can limit the design and manufacturing process. I will need to consider: • Costs of materials, components, manufacturing methods, finishes and equipment • Function • The function is the most important part to consider during the design process. In order for this to be successful I must consider: • Appropriate materials that are suited to effectively fulfilling the function of the product. • Materials that fulfil the needs of the user and are appropriate for the environment • Dimensions of the product are appropriate for use • Quality Control Checks- to ensure the product is fulfilling its aims throughout the design process. • Ergonomics • The ergonomic factors of the design will influence customer satisfaction and therefore is a key area that needs to considered if the product is going to be successful in the market. For my product to be ergonomically successful I need to consider; • Material properties, Anthropometric measurement and construction methods

15. Existing Products • Product 1 • Materials • The main material in this product is oak veneer. This is a sturdy material which means that it is ideal for the Client. • Features • This product only has one basic feature of storage. At £70 this product lacks any additional features to suggest such a high price. This product also wouldn’t allow him to work on the table whilst in bed. • Popularity • The product is advertised on the IKEA website which is a major retailer so it must be a popular product. However it doesn’t meet the needs of my Client so I don’t think the design is appropriate. • Product 2 • Materials • The main material in this product is oak. The oak is varnish finished which give it its dark brown attractive appearance. • Features • The product doesn't’t feature any storage space however it is architecturally linked which might appeal to the Client. • Popularity • The product does seem to be popular amongst the consumer however the lack of storage space would and will continue to deter potential buyers.

16. Although these joints are difficult to cut they would provide a sturdy product which would be ideal as the client is looking for something that is sturdy. Existing Products - Detail of Product 1 As the joint is hidden away it has an excellent aesthetic quality which appeals to the users style and taste. Sketch up version of an existing product. The image below shows an exploded view of the product with the drawer and the bracings. Images showing the joining methods used on the tables. The legs and main bracings are joined together with a mortise and tenon joint. These joints are structurally strong and give the product stability.

17. Product 4 • Materials • The materials used in this product are pine and glass. Pine is a sturdy strong material with a high tensile strength. The glass also allows the woodwork to be shown off. • Features • This product does feature storage and has a Mackintosh design that the Client likes. It is also small enough to fit inside his potential university accommodation • Popularity • This product is very popular in the market due to its Mackintosh design. It is also small in size but still has adequate storage. However it doesn't’t feature something that allows the Client to work whilst in bed. • Product 3 • Materials • There two materials used in the product are glass and stainless steel. The stainless steel is a good choice of material as it doesn’t rust so will maintain its aesthetic appearance. The glass allows the user to see the structural work below. • Features • Once again this product does lack appropriate storage but I think the uniqueness of the design and the architectural link to the Tower of Babel in the Olympic Park would appeal to the user. • Popularity • The quality of material means that the product does have a high price tag which does deter a lot of potential users but contrastingly the unique design will draw a lot in.

18. Existing Products- Detail of Product 4 Based on Existing product 4 I was inspired to look at the work of Mackintosh as the motif was Mackintosh inspired. This directly relates to the Client Requirements as he mentioned an affinity to the design style. The motif’s feature roses and curving lines. In some cases the roses aren’t clearly distinguishable and may appeal to the Client more. The curving lines of the rose and the ornate nature of the way that the motif is applied to the product may appeal to and ensure the longevity of its use. The motif creates an air of affluence which may appeal to the user and encourage or sway his attraction to the product. I have experimented and taken samples from a variety of Mackintosh inspired designs to see how the rose motif varies. Several of the products I have viewed feature a less prominent motif. This may appeal to the clients masculinity as the rose is quite a feminine design. Furthermore a design that isn’t as complex as some of Mackintosh’s designs may be easier to apply to my product. On a large scale I can see that a motif that isn’t as complex still be as effective as the more detailed, intricate designs.

19. Existing Products- Detail of Product 4 Continued A main design feature of Mackintosh designs are cut-outs. I have shown a few examples on this page. Cut-outs could become an important design feature in my Ideas as the Client mentioned his fondness for Mackintosh designs. However when working with wood it can be quite difficult to have cut outs and may weaken the overall stability of the structure. With practice I should be able to replicate my own Mackintosh cut-out so the User gets a product he likes. However by trying to incorporate both the cut-outs and a similar rose style motif it may be detract from the overall aesthetic appearance of the product. I will have to consult with the user to ensure that he would like me to attempt this. My personal opinion is that the combination of both design styles would, coupled with the difficulty of cut-out and the potential of weakening the wood, not be beneficial to the product as a whole – however it is the users opinion that will shape the final design of the product.

20. Product 5 • Materials • This product features both pine and metal for the hinges. The pine is finished with paint. Pine is a sturdy material which will ensure the longevity of the product. • Features • This product features a moveable top. Perfect for the Clients desire to work or use his laptop whilst in bed. It also has plenty of storage space but lacks the Architectural inspiration that the client is so interested in. • Popularity • This product would be very popular not only with the Client but with the public as well. The feature of the moveable top would appeal to many customers as they can use it as desk space or to have breakfast on. • Product 5 • Materials • This product is made out of pine and finished in a glossy black paint on parts. The structural strength of pine will ensure that the product lasts a long time. • Features • The product has 4 storage compartments and its slim design would be appropriate for future accommodation. Furthermore the appealing Art Deco aesthetic makes the product stand out. • Popularity • I feel that this product would be popular with the Client- although it doesn’t have a specific architectural influence a lot of famous structures are built in an Art Deco style. The storage and sleek design would also appeal to the Client.

21. Art Deco Design Inspiration Art Deco was a fashionable design movement from 1920 to 1939. It was an influential design movement that first appeared in France. Art Deco included zigzagged, trapezoid and geometric shapes, jumbled shapes as seen in some of Clarice Cliff’s work, stepped block forms, sunburst motifs and chevron patterns. He origins of Art Deco lie with a group of French Artists who formed the organisation called La Societe des Artistes Decorateurs. Due to affordable travel tickets available to the wider population people were influenced by first hand experiences of foreign cultures. A main influence in the Art Deco movement was Egypt and the discovery of Tutankhamens tomb in 1922. It is obvious how this discovery influenced design work as stepped forms of the Aztecs, streamline styling, tall spires and sun-burst patterns. Also vibrant colours were often used in Art Deco design work which was inspired by the vibrancy seen in the tombs of Egypt. Furthermore Egyptian motifs and images such as lotus flowers, hieroglyphics, scarabs and pylons. During the Art Deco movement these motifs covered everything from fine books to biscuit tins. Art Deco products were seen to be ultra modern and functional unlike designs from the Memphis group seen later on in the century. There are many surviving models of Art Deco inspired architecture, the most famous being the Chrysler Building spire. The building was built in the peak of the Art Deco Movement and the spire has some key features that are typical of that period. The spire exhibits sun burst features as well as having a conical shape very similar to that of the pyramids. Art deco has inspired me produce a product that is not only memorable but fashionable and is reminiscent of architectural designs shown throughout the world.

22. The client was very impressed with the variety of products that I have looked at for inspiration. He was keen on 3 of the Existing Products in particular. He said he liked Product 1, Product 4 and Product 5 stating that each product included aspects of his ideal Bedside Console. The client was impressed with the storage and the sturdy design of Product 1 and the pillar effect. He loved the Mackintosh inspired table and the use of the glass top. The client was especially impressed with the folding top design of Product 5. He thought the idea was very clever and that he could picture himself using the product to complete work or use his laptop on. However he thought the product lacked the same creativity as the Mackintosh piece of furniture. I will now use these Existing Product as inspiration for my own Design Ideas. Clients View of Existing Products

23. Specification