Figure 37.14 Chair sketches by designer Spencer Nugent.
3. A product should be made of suitable materials.
Modern materials have made the work of the product designer easier. We now have heat- resistant plastics that can be used for electric kettles, for instance. Carbon fibre is lighter and stronger than steel and can be made in almost any shape.
Go to www.sciencedirect.com and search ‘ergonomic design’. There is a good explanation of ergonomics on this site which you will need to understand if you are making product designs or writing about them.
Figure 37.16 Shockproof carbon fibre cases for iPhones.
Using the creative process (p. xxi) make some designs for a vacuum cleaner to be used in the home.
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Research the position of switches and safety features in your drawings and point out the choice of materials and colours you would use and why you would choose them.
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Create some alternative designs and select the best one for development.
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Respond by displaying your design and comparing it with your classmates’ work.
UNIT 13 ARTISTS: THEORY AND THINKING l
Design some pieces of coloured tableware that might be used for picnics or barbecues.
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Research the shapes and materials you might use and explain your choices. Consider recyclable or sustainable materials.
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Create some designs for cups, plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons and any other equipment you would like.
Respond to designs by professionals and compare your work to theirs.