Scaled low-fidelity Prototype [Week 10]

Materials

Plastic + Paper 

 

First low-fidelity Prototype From Individual Ideation Sketches

All 4 of us ideated on three different ideas and then prototyped one with the most potential. Our work is described below. 

Sooa

Initial Sketch:

Sooa's initial sketches 

Prototypes:

Sooa's prototype

I have created low-fidelity prototypes three times this week. At first, I tried a prototype of a tree sketch and thought of a form of inserting a branch into the main wooden body. However, the ingredients that I had and the idea I wanted to make did not go well together, so a very low-quality model was made. After that, a second model was created based on UFO sketches. In the case of UFOs, unlike sketches, they tried to make the beam part that supports the base of the device feel like a drill using styrene. However, the size of the UFO body was relatively large compared to the legs supported, making it difficult to balance. So, It was difficult to express what I wanted.

Sooa's prototype

So, I made third prototype what is the tree sketch. It was the sketch that received the best feedback among the three previous class sketches. In the last lab, I received feedback on how about making it with laser cutting and stack them. So, I keep think about that feedback and make the body first. the wooden body was made using cardboard. The overall model was attempted to be made of cardboard that imply paper, and plastic was used for mechanical parts such as cameras. First, the on/off button was made using styrene at the bottom. The wires connected to the camera were thought of using leaf-shaped plastic to plan to use a retractable cable. Because the length of the wire can be changed freely, I thought it would be easy to handle the camera when placed on another branch. Finally, the camera has plastic petals, so user will feel like a flower is on a tree. If it is actually manufactured later, it would be better to use 3d-print for the plastic part and laser cutting for the paper part. 

Bowie

Bowie's initial sketches 

I created three different sketch ideas for the final product. My first idea was almost a pet, where you're encourage to grab it by one of it's three legs and drag it around on the desk. Because the feet are made out of cardboard, it can be dragged easily on a desk surface. Additionally, around the camera there would be card stock material which could be endless customized.

The second model would be endlessly customized through a series of hinges and telescoping elements. With the ability to spin the camera, push and pull the central support, and aim the camera it's possible to achieve great flexibility. Cardboard would be used for it's friction properties and for it's lightweight nature.

Lastly, I have a portable and customizable lightweight camera. Shaped in a plastic egg, it's convenient to carry. The cardboard base would be possible to be customized and can be folded for travel.

Bowie's prototype

Soraya

 

Soraya's sketches 

When ideating, I created three varying ideas for the camera that each focused on incorporating a web camera into the design that allows the user to not recognize the web camera at first glance. 

The first model was inspired by the idea to have a web camera that not only provided functionality but allowed for the shape and design to be unique and stand out if placed on a desk. As the user for our model was a SIAT student, the design allowed for it to match the user as creating lego models requires intuitive and creative thinking. Therefore matching the design to the user while also ensuring that the camera functionality could be altered to the extent that the user needs. The two eyes could each be varying focal and depth ranges so the user can adjust and have more functionality and the mouth could function as a speaker which is also a signifier as in our context, mouths are used for speaking. The top could be plastic while the base could be cardboard due to its shape.

The second design was meant to allude to a natural and organic twisting of elements. The camera could be incorporated naturally into the shape of the tubes being intertwined. And using a cap, to slide and cover the camera when not in use so it blends into the shape of the tube. 

The third idea came about when thinking about ensuring portability into the user's life as the camera could be incorporated into a small twist cap mechanism that users can put into small areas to bring around with them. The cap could be plastic and the main body and camera could be shaped from thick paper material.

Soraya's prototype 

Here is a scaled model of the first idea which I thought would allow users the most functionality and allow for an aesthetic appeal. 

Chinmayee

Chinmayee's initial sketches 

These were my initial sketches; all of them were inspired by existing products to add a metaphor to each design. I wanted all of them to not look like a web camera as soon as you see them, and that can be an artifact and be placed on a SIAT student's desk. For example, the first design on the far left is inspired by a stick figured the head of it acts as the camera and its casing which moves 180 degrees around for flexibility. Everything will be made of plastic apart from the casing of the camera. 

The next design is inspired by this mirror + lamp I saw in Ikea. So the oval rim will be magnetic so that the camera can move around as per the person's position or height. The whole design will be made of plastic, and the leaves in the centre will be made of paper to give a naturalistic feel. 

A telescope inspires the third idea. Its neck can be extended up and down as per the person's height and position. The head here can rotate in any direction for more flexibility. Everything will be made of plastic, but the head will be made of paper, an outer covering for the camera. 

 

Chinmayee's prototype

Next, I iterated more on the second idea, based on the feedback from the Professor and TA, and created a physical model using styrene as you can see above. It is the same idea, but more compact so that it is portable and easy to carry, even if the student decides to carry it to school or work. This was a scaled down version of the actual web camera. Most feedback I got from my peers were that this design looks minimalistic and clean. 

Future Plan 

Based on the feedback we got this week, we plan to merge and iterate on Sooa's and Chinmayee's design to make our final design. We also plan to look for paper that will be used as a filter for our lights. Apart from that, we will start making the digital model on onShape.