Creating an Empathy Tool:

During the design sprint, my team and I started by creating an empathy tool for people who have partial hearing loss. When doing our research, we found that partial hearing loss is especially uncomfortable and can lead to mental disorders like dementia. We wanted to replicate this uncomfortable feeling. Initially, our design wanted to create full deafness in one ear. But we decided that it would be interesting to replicate different levels of deafness in each ear to show one way of how being partially deaf might feel.

Initial sketch design:

 

We used two tubes, one for each ear. In each tube, we filled it with different materials. For one ear, the tube was filled with bubble wrap. The other ear was filled with felt, and bubble wrap covered the opposite opening to where the ear would go.

Picture of materials in the tubes:

My father has partial hearing loss, and when it first started happening, he described it as pressure in the ear as well as not being able to hear well. It would constantly make him dizzy. The felt tube recreates the pressure in the ear, and the bubble wrap tube hinders the hearing a bit. Additionally, we designed the tubes to be sideways to manipulate the sound waves to add to the effect of partial hearing loss. We added a headband similar to how head phones work and a string to tighten the device to your ears.

Final Product:

Deliverables:

We were then asked to pair up with another team. My team pared up with the team creating an empathy tool for dexterity. Specifically, they designed a empathy tool for peripheral neuropathy which is a condition that causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. (Mayo Clinic)

The empathy tool they created:

They created sandals that has different points of contact with the ground to make the wearer feel off balance. When using the sandals I felt really wobbly and it was very hard to stand up right. In order to rectify this, I created a sneaker that would help the balance and the weakness that people with peripheral neuropathy report that they feel.

I first started with the shoe sole. I remembered feeling of being unbalanced so I created support for the arch of the foot and the gap between the toes. I used layers of felt to create the shape of the sole and then put foam over the base for comfort.  I attached three layers of cardboard at the bottom of the shoe for durability.

 

 

I then created the perimeter of the shoe out of cardboard for support of the user. After I enclosed the top of the shoe also with cardboard and added two braces on the side of the shoe to support the ankle.

Then I created the ankle cuff and connected the cuff to the brace part with yarn. Then I created the front brace to help straighten the users ankle. Given that the weakness can come and go, I made the front brace be able to activate and deactivate with a strap. If you take off the strap the brace will move so you can move your ankle comfortably. When you activate the brace and close the strap, the front part becomes unflexible to support the users weight.

The front brace unactivated:

The front brace activated:

I then added a string to the back of the ankle cuff to tighten and loosen for the user:

 

Final Product:

This week’s reading focuses on Britt Young, a woman who was born with a congenital upper limb deficiency, which means she lacks the part of her arm just below her left elbow. Throughout her life, she has relied on various prosthetic devices to navigate daily tasks. However, her experiences with cutting-edge prosthetic technology have been mixed, revealing both the potential and limitations of such innovations.

One example of technology designed to assist people with disabilities that has benefited individuals like Britt is myoelectric prosthetic hands. These advanced devices use sensors to detect muscle movements in the residual limb, allowing users to control the prosthetic hand with greater precision. For many, this technology offers increased independence and functionality, enabling them to perform a wide range of tasks with ease from picking up a hair pin to crushing an orange.

However, not all technological advancements in assistive devices meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. Britt found that despite its futuristic design and pre-programmed grips, the hand proved to be heavy, uncomfortable, and limited in functionality. The high cost and accessibility issues further exacerbated the problem, highlighting the disparities in access to cutting-edge prosthetic technology.

While technological innovations have the potential to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, it’s essential to recognize that one size does not fit all. The key lies in creating solutions that are both inclusive and practical, taking into account the diverse experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities. Finding this equilibrium is tricky as you need to take into account customization as well as affordability. It is also hard as no invention will act the same exact way as if you were to have a limb.

If I were to suggest a solution, I would recommend that we look at personalized customization where the user can create and design their own prosthetics from their home either using an open source design or using a budget friendly kit that comes with only the necessary parts for whatever limb one is trying to replicate.

Introducing the StirMaster Pro: The Ultimate Culinary Companion!

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Equipped with a sturdy metal arm and a groovy rubber handhold for a comfortable grip, the StirMaster Pro ensures smooth and seamless stirring every time. Whether you’re simmering sauces, cooking soups, or preparing stews, this revolutionary pot top will become your go-to kitchen essential.

The precision-engineered metal arm effortlessly stirs your food to perfection, while the flexible rubber holder ensures a secure fit around your spoon, providing ultimate control and convenience.

Upgrade your kitchen arsenal with the StirMaster Pro and elevate your cooking game to new heights. Embrace simplicity, efficiency, and excellence with every stir. Experience the future of cooking today!

*Click here for the presentation*

 

How would you describe him as a designer? 

I would describe Marc Newson as a visionary and innovative designer. Throughout his designs, I can tell that he tries to push the boundaries of contemporary design. If Marc Newson were to major at NYUSH I think he would be an IMB major as his designs blend art, technology, and functionality. Newson’s designs often incorporate sleek lines, organic forms, and a futuristic aesthetic. Newson’s ability to work across various disciplines, from furniture to fashion to aviation, shows his versatility and creativity as a designer.

What from your research is your favorite and least favorite piece of design work from Newson?

I think my least favorite design by Newson is the BBJ, Private Aircraft Interior. I think that the design is very bland and basic compared to the other brightly colored and quirky designs that Newsons created. I think that the brown, black, and white color schemes for “luxury” designs have been overused. I see these designs on many yachts, first-class train cars, and other private jets. I feel like he brought nothing new to the table when creating this design and I am slightly disappointed.

I like the Syn recording studio. It brings a new fresh look to recording studios. Personally, If I were in this studio recording music I think that the fun designs of the chairs and the bright colorful textured walls would help promote creativity while creating my music. I like how he sticks to a clean design but also uses different colors and textures to create something new and futuristic without making the design look cluttered.

Compare and contrast the designers we have looked at over the last 3 weeks and give your opinion on how they are similar or dissimilar.

Marc Newson, James Dyson, and Philippe Starck are all known for their innovative designs and contributions to the industrial design field. Their inventions not only redefine the boundaries of design but also inspire generations with their distinct visions and approaches.

Marc Newson’s designs are a fusion of form and function. Renowned for his futuristic aesthetic, Newson’s creations boast sleek lines and organic curves, often crafted from cutting-edge materials. From furniture pieces to avant-garde products, such as the Lockheed Lounge and the Atmos 561 clock, Newson’s portfolio is of timeless elegance.

In contrast, James Dyson is celebrated for his engineering ingenuity and dedication to solving everyday problems. Dyson’s household appliances, notably his vacuum cleaners, bridges design and technology. Dyson’s creations seamlessly integrate advanced engineering solutions with user-centric design principles. His pursuit of perfection has led to groundbreaking innovations that redefine the standards of functionality and efficiency in the modern home.

Meanwhile, Philippe Starck’s eclectic style and whimsical flair infuse his designs with a sense of playful sophistication. Starck’s diverse portfolio of furniture, interiors, and consumer products, each imbued with his signature touch. Whether it’s his Louis Ghost chair or the vibrant interiors of luxury hotels, Starck’s inventions captivate with their unconventional charm and sometimes controversial design. 

 

Link:

Marc Newson Design

Marc Newson interview

Marc Newson TedX

Like most girls, I have been dying to get my hands on a Dyson Air Wrap. My friend has one which I love. It curls hair in a very delicate way that damages your hair much less than if you were to use a curling iron.  The Dyson air wrap is very expensive so that prevents me from investing in one but I really like how the Dyson company goes out of their way to help you whenever you need. One time my friends Dyson Air Wrap wasn’t working and she called the company for help and immediately received the help she needed. They stayed on the phone with her trouble shooting with so much patience. The Dyson Air Wrap is so popular because although other brands have tried to steal the idea, the Air Wrap will always take first place because of the company’s  innovation and meticulous work designing the product.

 

 

Although I am not the biggest vacuum enthusiast, I was very interested in the Dyson vacuum with laser technology. I think it is a brilliant idea to have the laser on the vacuum to show the dust that isn’t visible to the naked eye. One other Dyson product that I have had the pleasure of using was their hand dryers. For some reason, it feels very luxurious to use their hand dryers and it drys your hand in seconds unlike other dryers. Additionally, the sound of the dryer is a lot more pleasant to listen to than other dryers. I also like how it is a faucet and dryer in one so you don’t have to wait awkwardly behind a stranger in the restroom just to dry your hands.

I really like James Dyson’s idea that innovation changes something common for the better. In this day and age I feel as though the word innovation gets thrown around a lot. It is essential to note that innovation is not just design but design that takes something okay and turns it into something amazing. I also like that he notices small start up companies. I believe that start ups have the most potential because they can quickly change their ideas and products much faster than companies that are known for one thing. 

Elon Musk’s innovation for Tesla lies in his visionary approach to revolutionizing the automotive industry. He and his company has overseen the development of high-performance, long-range electric cars that challenge conventional notions of automotive engineering. Musk’s insistence on vertical integration, from battery production to vehicle design and manufacturing, has allowed Tesla to optimize efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. Furthermore, his bold initiatives, such as the Gigafactories and the implementation of autonomous driving technology, have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the EV space. Musk’s commitment to sustainability and his belief in the potential of electric transportation have cemented his status as a pioneering figure in the automotive industry, inspiring widespread adoption of EVs and driving the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Link:

Dyson launches new product.

Dyson discusses innovation

I created the third iteration of my CAD stir model. When I created this model I wanted to focus on the user’s experience. One major change that I created in the design was the handle. Instead of being square which I would imagine is uncomfortable to hold and might leave marks in the hand, I created something more ergonomically friendly. The handle has round ridges that are designed to fit the hand comfortably. The handle would also be made out of soft silicone that surrounds the metal handle to make sure it is comfortable to use while also sturdy. 

To create the handle I connected two lines with an arc. I then created a spline using the spline tool and used reference lines to map out each point I wanted the spline to hit. After creating the shape I made sure to constrain my sketch with dimensions. I then used the “revolve” tool in fusion to revolve the “spline” around the horizontal line.

I created the base of the top the same way as my second iteration. I created 8 circles and gave them dimensions. The first 6 circles are 5 mm apart while the 6th and 7th circle is 10mm. The 8th circle is in the center and is 8mm in diameter for the arm that stirs the pot.

  I then created a 50 mm reference line from the center of the top of the outside circle and connected the line to each side at a 90-degree angle to connect the inner circle to the outer without disrupting the track in the middle where the spoon will go. I then extruded the shape upward 10 mm. After, I extruded the middle two circles up 5mm so that the top could cover two sizes of pots. The top is made out of steel so that the circle can be structurally sound.

I then created another sketch on the y-axis for the arm that rotates the spoon in a stirring motion.

I created a tangent line and connected the horizontal line with the arc command. I also added a circle on the top of the X plane and swept the circle on the sketch I made above. This created an 8 mm diameter for the arm. After that, I offset a tangent plane to be right in the center of the arm created a donut shape, and extruded evenly. 

The blue circular part is also made of silicone so it can stretch to your spoon size without damaging the top of the spoon. I made the arm a different component and then made it into a joint in order to simulate the motion of the arm. The arm moves to the left and stops at one side then proceeds to move right with 280 degrees of movement.