Task 4: Bad Design

Fire Hose and Reel Storage

In my college corridor’s floor there is a fire hose and fire reel. However it is not well noticeable as the cupboard fits in colourwise with the wall, disguising it.

It looks as if this cupboard is just a regular storage unit for brooms and mops etc, and in an emergency where a fire is involved, people would go right past it when searching for fire fighting equipment. This will result in lost time, further damage and possibly fatal injury.

The designer of the cupboard failed to give a solid impression to residents as to where the fire fighting equipment is. Also they failed to allow anyone to see the equipment without opening the cupboard first. People should not rely on the standard signs next to the handles and the small sign that sits high on the cupboard. Human error is forced, as they do not know where to look for the fire fighting equipment.

My suggestion of a safety-glass paneled cupboard will reduce human error by allowing the residents to easily see where the fire hose and fire wheel is when walking past when there is no danger. This will allow automatic reflexes to go straight to the cupboard that contains the equipment as they know it is there since it has been seen with their own eyes. The safety-glass feature of the glass will allow quicker access to the equipment without having to open the cupboard door in an emergency.

Someone retrieving the equipment will easily be able to kick or hit through the glass. Keeping the cupboard door system as well though means that maintenance and updates to the fire equipment can occur without needing to break the glass every time someone wants access to it. The signage can be kept the same, as it is out of the way and not obtrusive in the hallway, and still gives a good depiction of what is in the cupboard when combined with the glass front. Aesthetics wise, the colour of the cupboard will stay the same as the other walls, so as not to look too out of place, and to allow the actual fire equipment to stand out.

Project 2: Postal Presents - Cupable

Cupable

Cupable is a foldable cup, that can be easily stored, taken and used anywhere. The name Cupable comes from two key features of the product: it is a cup and it is foldable

As with all cups, Cupable holds liquid and provides an item that the user can easily drink out of. However, unlike all cups, the product can then fold flat after use and be stored away, either in the included storage sheet or wherever the user pleases, as the size of the cup becomes that of a credit card. Some ideas where Cupable can be placed are either on the shelf like a thin book, or tucked away in the pocket on the back of a seat.

Cupable is a fun to use product that brightens up a long car trip, picnic or camping holiday. It provides an enjoyable and interactive way to drink, as well as combining speed, efficiency and transportability.

Cupable cups can be shared with friends and family or others in general, with its interesting design and ideas a talking point with these people.

The interactive approach to using the cup, where the user needs to open it themselves first, brings a connection between them and their Cupable, where the user can feel that they have almost ‘made’ the cup. It is also a fun system to fold the cup down and put it away, with a sense neatness and efficiency.

Cupable is different to other cups as it can be flattened away and transported extremely easily, flat packed.

The two versions of Cupable is pre-made one, which comes ready and folded in the envelope ready for transportation. The other invites an even more user interactive approach where the recipient can put the cup together, using a Velcro system.

To open, the sides of Cupable are easily pushed out, forming a hexagonal shaped cup, and ready for use.

To fold back down, a quick squeeze is used where two living hinges push into the centre of the cup, while the rest folds on top. Cupable is then ready for storage.

The included storage sheet that comes with Cupable packages can be used in three ways: 1. in its original position where it can be slotted on a shelf or in the pouch on the back of a car seat etc 2. it can be hung on a hook using the inbuilt hole in the storage sheet. 3. The storage sheet can fold producing a supporting system for the cups, keeping them together when placed on the ground or table.

Cupable is aimed at those who love to travel, camp, go outdoors or generally love having a drink wherever! The product encompasses all ages, much like the activities mentioned.

Since those at home would rather have a proper cup or mug to drink from, Cupable is not intended for home use (although of course it could still be). It has a quick, disposable feel about it, relating to the outdoors – which is commonly associated with disposable cups. The difference however is that Cupable can be re-used, with stronger, sturdier materials used – polypropylene and thick plastic sheet. It also does not need to be carried around as a solid prism like a normal cup, but, as previously stated, flattened for easy storage in the pocket or bag etc.

A solid shaped cylinder has been used to provide an image of stability and sturdiness

Environmentally friendly materials have been used, including biodegradable plastic, so that if taken out camping or on a picnic etc and accidently left behind, it will not harm the environment.

A variety of colours have been used to aquire to the tastes of the large number of people included in the target market. It also brings in more user interaction where they can pick their favourite Cupable

Task 5: Video Reflection: Annie Leonard - 'The Story of Stuff'

The enormity to which what seems like such a small and straight forward process magnifies into what can be seen as a crisis is outrageous. From Annie Leonard’s video ‘The Story of Stuff’, it can be seen that we need to change the system that is in place at the moment, or else the message is clear – we will not survive. This is why we need to change the situation immediately. Even now, as Leonard points out, communities are dying.

Linear systems such as the one in place at the moment cannot go on for any longer. We just arrive at a dead end when we dispose of our products. Leonard’s reinforcement of the need for an alternative involving recycling and other processes is much needed, like the closed loop production she suggests.

I was shocked predominantly about two things: 1. The statistics of how much resources have been used already, and 2. That the problem we are facing today, our consumerism, was DESIGNED back in the late 50’s! This is astounding. We have designed a way to destroy the world for our own personal gain, our economy.

The underlying message that I take from Annie Leonard is clear, we need to change how we consume goods – fast. There are a variety of ways I can do this, including only buying recycled products, doing my best to stop the demolition of forests and natural environments, as well as the destruction of communities in the ‘third world’.

The current system is a disturbing image of our society, and we need it changed!

After watching and understanding Leonard’s video, I now have the chance to begin and be apart of something new and exciting in design, changing the current system into a new and healthier one.

Understanding the world around me, and not just things that are local to me, is vital for me to grow, and I understand that now, which will aid me in my future designs. Everything in design needs to be research and addressed

For my future projects, I will be wary of how every little thing affects just about the entire world, and I will incorporate sustainable design into my products, researching every material and process, so that there will be no unwanted side effects.

Following the video, I am quite disappointed at how I am following in the footsteps of designers who have helped turn the world into what it is now. Design should not be about money, but should be for the people and what they want and deserve. Through these designs, nothing should be taken, including resources, land and healthy air and water, but everything should be given, such as happiness and pleasure with a product.