Video Reflections: Powell Seymour: Designing Dream Machines

http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/DCImages/About%20Design/Resources%20for%20teachers%20and%20students/Teaching%20and%20learning%20resources%20for%20schools/R_Seymour_&_D_Powell_Med.jpg

Dick Powell and Richard Seymour bring attention to the meticulous detail that is involved in the design process and development of a product from start to finish. Taking a clients brief and developing the best possible solution to the brief whilst creating a highly successful final model. One key aspect they focus on is the ability to communicate. This is important when working in team situations, but also essential to constantly refer back to the client and there needs as to assure they are happy with the progress and then the final product.

Another important thing to note was their emphasis on visual communication skills. Computer modeling is essential but a preference towards highly skilled hand drawings show new designers that drawing skills are one thing that any employer values greatly and can be the ice breaker as to whether you are employed or not. This video is essential for every design student to see as its detailed look into design practices highlights the attention to detail, processes, skills etc. that we will come across and be required to develop in our future careers.

Upcycling

When i first chose to upcycle the tin can into a product of value, i knew that i wanted a piece that was of beauty and use, but was also attached to the wall. The fact that it had to be a useful product, a bookshelf felt like an adequate solution.

First i examined the properties of a can. The ribs on the exterior, the ability to stack, etc and what most stood out to me was the different colours of the interiors of the cans. e.g baked bean cans had an orange interior, others were gold, or white, or silver.Immediately i knew that i had to incorporate this into the bookshelf as a main feature.

Then came the challenge of how to arrange the cans in an aesthetically pleasing way. I wanted to maintain a simple, uncluttered look by using minimal cans, but the challenge was getting the strength from the cans that i needed without going overboard with the number of cans i used. After testing several ways of arranging the cans, the final design seemed the best.

The final design was also affected by the way in which i linked the cans. This was done by pop riveting the sides. But to maintain strength i had to alternate the cans top to toe as to get rivets in either end. The rivets also allowed for a natural curve to form which also influenced the final design. Other options such as glue and slotting the cans within each other were also explored but issues arose as the glue would give way under any form of intense pressure, and the slotting didn't allow for the cans to sit flush against the wall.

Overall i was a bit worried how the final product looked, but then i placed the books on it and they make it look much better which was a relief. The shelf held the books steady and was able to maintain the weight, as once it is attached to the wall it becomes a very strong shelf.

Peer Comments

Danielle Taouk
Alissa Sanders
Guida Arezzi
Jonathan Biet
Susanna Li

Video Reflections: Annie Leonard: The Story Of Stuff

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Leonard focuses on educating the general public on consumerism and first begins by introducing the life stages of a product and highlighting the destructive nature of the 'linear system' and its destructive nature as well as the implications that this has on the earth.

Videos such as this inspire future designers to be wary of the choices they make whilst designing a product, and also the lasting affect unsustainable design has on the environment and our infinite sources into the future. By observing the possible affects and minimising the impacts through thoughtful design, it encourages a more sustainable future and a stronger economy.