Interviewer: Henry Murray

Subject: William Upchurch

Empathize: I interviewed my friend and housemate Will to see what he struggles with in regard to organization in his room and desk.

Questions:

• Describe your routine when you try to start study hall
• What does your current set up look like around your desk?
• How long does it take you to begin homework, once study hall starts?
• What specific things do you think you need in a desk organizer?

Notes:

• Procrastination is a slight problem
• Struggles with desk space
• Books are thrown under desk on the floor
• Loses pencils
• Place for highlights
• Binders for all classes (does not use them)
• No organization of books on his desk
• Takes at least 15-20 minutes to get prepared for homework
• Needs: needs pencils organized, paper, water bottle holder

Problem: William needs easily accessible and organized materials all in one place to make it easier for him to start his homework.

In the ideate stage, I created four concept sketches that met Wills criteria. I then discussed them with him to find out what he thought.

I had another conversation with William to decide which design he preferred, so I could make a more detailed sketch and then move on to the prototype stage. Will was most interested in a modified version of my third design so I moved on to create a new sketch with dimensions.

I then designed it on the computer using rhino. I created the pieces individually with finger joints, extruded them, and put them together.

Next I grouped the 2 dimensional designs of all the cut outs into 20” by 30” boxes (the size of cardboard used for printing) to see how many I needed.

In the prototype stage, I printed my design on to cardboard. I put the pieces together and created the full scale model.

In the test stage, my model held together well for the most part but I noticed a few things that needed improvement. There wasn’t enough support on the bottom so I designed a back piece to bottom box to add stability. I also designed a hold in drawer to open it.

Next I cut out all of the pieces on to wood and put together my final product. I glued them together and taped them to let them dry. All of the pieces fit and their was enough support on the bottom for the drawer and book shelf. I 3D printed a bearing to reduce friction and allow for the wheel in the bottom box to spin.

I brought the desk organizer to Will’s desk and asked for his feedback. Although it took up more space than expected, Will was satisfied with the design. He said it met all of his expectations, and it would help him be more organized with his work.

I met with William again to show him my progress. He was happy with the model and approve the tweaks to the design I proposed that would help it.

Task/Problem:

• Create a luminary
• Use inspiration from an abstract artist
• Complete full design process (research, concept sketches, develop sketches, computer design)

Constraints:

• Printed on wood
• design must stay inside size of sides of luminary

I chose Robert Delaunay to be the artist I drew inspiration from. I like his use of circles and ability to minimize empty space in his paintings.

First I ideated what in my head how I could create original designs, while taking things from Robert Delaunay. I transferred those ideas into sketches.

Then I developed my sketches and formatted them to fit the size of the luminary.

I chose this sketch to develop even more and use as the first side of the luminary.

I transferred my sketches onto Rhino 3D. These are the final designs for my luminary. I cleaned them up and made final decisions like where the positive and negative space would be.

Next I entered the prototype stage and used the laser cutter to print a model of my luminary in paper and test if the pieces fit together.

Test stage: the prototype was successful in demonstrating the relationship between the design on the sides as well as making sure the sides fit together.

I designed and created a 3d printed light holder for the inside of my luminary.

I then cut my design with the laser cutter onto wood to begin the final product.

I then glued on a translucent plastic film to each piece.

I glued the sides together and created my finished product. The prototype was successful as my final piece fit together perfectly.