Kenneth Chu

For this weeks challenge update, I started modelling my shampoo spreader in Fusion 360. I first started modelling the lego as a tutorial, and I am currently in the process of learning as I go, but can say that the first model is around 75% finished. 

Here is a video of the process from 2 angles. 

 Profile view:

Top View:

Dyson:

I believe that James Dyson’s designs align very well with Dieter Rams principles. He employs innovative technologies such as the cyclonic vaccuum, aligning himself with innovation. Secondly, he creates products that are useful, understandable, and aesthetically pleasing. All in efforts to make his products more user friendly, and efficient at cleaning. 

Phillipe Starck:

On the other hand, I believe that Starck often chooses to go heavier on the aesthetic side, rather than on the usability side. Also some of his products’s functions are not really clear, such as the citrus juicer, but it is honest, because that is his own creativity. However, some people might never think the juicer is actually a juicer, because of its shape. It would also not be practical to use in practice, because all the citrus pits would fall directly into the containter placed below. 

My calculator:

It is a simple casio fx calculator. It is very useful. Aesthetically, the design is very simple, and has a white finish, which is pleasing. The interface is intuitive, and understandable, because everything is color coded, and the main functions are bigger. It also is very long lasting, since ive been using the same one for almost 7 years, and it is still working as good as new. 

For this week’s update, I decided to make my shampoo spreader wearable. For this I used a metal wire for structural support, and also to make it bendable enough to stay on the head when being worn. Overall structural integrity was improved. 

The material for gluing everything was silicone.

Timelapse:

Video demosntrating stifness:

 

 

I think that Dyson is a very brilliant, and revolutionary designer, and engineer. I found his story very interisting, it is one that includes perseverance, innovation, and guts. I remember when I was little, reading a book about facts, and then his name coming up, saying that he went through thousands of designs, in order to create his first product which was the vaccum cleaner. Also the fact that he is selling the same product he created, helps to elevate his brand. 

Design that I liked:

 

The v15 vaccum cleaner with a laser in the front that allows the user to see dust particles that would not be able to seen other way. Also I found the particle detector interesting, because you are allowed to see in real time what kind of particles you have. The fact that the vaccuum cleaner is on version 15, speaks for itself on how well his products are made. 

I did not find a design that I didnt like, because they all seem pretty well thought of, and designed. 

For the update this week, I decided to focus on my shampoo spreader. I used carboard for the structure, and white paper, for the more organic shapes, as it is more maleable. To glue it all together, I used hot glue. Video of the process can be found below.

 

 

Design that I liked: Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer

 

I loved the design of this citrus squeezer, because Its unconventional, spaceship-like form defies the conventional notion of what a kitchen gadget should look like. It is also made out of stainless steel which shows Starck’s knowledge of materials as stainless steel would be easy to clean, and would look good in a kitchen scenario. 

Design that I didn’t like: Gun lamp

 

One design that I didnt like, was the gun lamp he made for Flos. I feel that there is no practical use, and aesthetically it looks tacky. It gives the feeling of gloryifing a firearm, and in places where gun violence is a problem, it may look very distasteful. 

 

My opinion on Starck, is that he has some very innovative designs, and he is a very determined person. However there are some designs which I dont resonate with, and some that I just find distasteful. On his website, he has a quote, which says that design is to help people to improve their livelihoods, but on the other hand, most designs he has made are for companies such as Flos, Baccarat, Alessi , among others which are high end, and innacesble to many people. I belive this makes him a hyppocrite.