Sketches
Bigfoot Automata: Ideation
Tasked with creating a scene with moving components, I was forced to familiarize myself with unfamiliar mechanisms and ideate on scene choices at the same time. My sketchbook for this project shows the process from early concept ideation, through mechanism analysis, and onto the final ideas and components.
Recording the process on paper allowed me to think through the project carefully while opening creative doors that changed the direction of the work. You can explore the finished foamcore experience through the button below!
Ergonomic Tool Analysis: Phillips Head Screwdriver
In my Design Methods class at Stanford, the emphasis was on ergonomics — especially with consideration to those with temporary or permanent impairments. For this assignment, I used a rigid thumb brace to understand how it limited movement and tool use, then analyzed exactly how it forced me to adjust my grip and what drawbacks it came with.
Portable Changing Station
A portable changing mat comprised of modular, lightweight components that allow for quick assembly and elevate the child off the ground. The product can fit into a purse or backpack, unpacks quickly, and elevates the child off the floor while allowing parents to change them within locked stalls.
The idea for this product came while babysitting: when I realized I had never seen a changing station on campus, I sat down and talked in-depth with the mother about how she works around this. I learned that she changes her son on the sink counters because she doesn’t want him on the floor of the bathroom, compromising privacy in exchange for cleanliness. She feels exposed when she does this and doesn’t like changing her son in front of strangers. She also noted that it seemed to make those around her uncomfortable. This sketch was a quick visualization of an elevated, modular mat that would allow her to change her son within a stall, rather than in the open. Click the button below to learn more about the prototype!
Ideation for ME103: Product Realization
ME103 is a making-oriented course at Stanford that revolves around a central, self-directed fabrication project. I ran through a vast number of ideas before I landed on my final concept; below are just a few of the sketches that I made while I was trying to narrow in on a direction, with an emphasis on fabrication methods. Click the button beneath the sketches to see what the project became!
Novelty Miniature Pool Table
This was a novelty item that would mimic the game of pool on a miniature scale, with cast legs, a milled out tabletop, and ball bearings as pool balls. The cues were going to be turned, along with the “pockets” for the balls.
Modular Salad Fork, Spoon, and Holder
One of several ideas, the first concept I drew out was a salad fork and spoon, which I thought of as a gift for my dad. The two would have handles turned and tapped on the lathe, while the heads would be sand-cast. The base would be have a milled top and bottom, with welded support rods to keep it upright.
Body-Inspired Lamp
A lamp with the body of a woman, this piece was inspired by my interest in the representation of the female figure in classical and contemporary artwork. The process involved a sand-cast base, and bent and welded rods as the bones of the lampshade. This plan also included a small amount of woodworking to make a base for the body!