Learning Objectives

Students will explore the process of product design from formulating ideas, creating two-dimensional drawings, and producing a three-dimensional model of both the finished product and packaging. Students will be able to demonstrate what they have learned thus far concerning the elements and principals of design.

Materials

Paper
Sketchbook
Pencil
Colored Pencils
Markers
Insulating Foam (2” Pink or Blue)
Wood
Glue
Paint
Cardboard
Spray Foam

Time

4 Classes

Homework

Visit local stores to brainstorm ideas. (Target, Wal-Mart, etc)
Work out ideas in sketchbook
Work with other team members outside of class to complete project

Process

Students should come prepared to class having watched the videos below, researched the links and brainstormed ideas. Students will be broken into pairs for this project. As a group, students will decide on a product that they want to either redesign or recreate entirely. You are encouraged to think outside of the box, however don’t try to reinvent the paperclip.

Look around you and think about the things you use everyday. How could you make your coffee cup, computer mouse, door handle, cable organize, baby toys, bath products, car keys, dishes, pens, or pencils better? There are many categories of product design from fashion accessories to games to home products. You may create a piece that simply improves upon an already existing product, combine several functions into one device or create something entirely new. Stay away from digitally based products. I want to be able to interact with the object once you have made it. Ask yourself “Why is this object made this way?” Some of the best designs are when you don’t even realize that the object has been designed.

Once you have decided on what to make, start thinking about color, materials and packaging. Does the item need to be made from plastic, steel, concrete, or wood? Will your packaging focus on eco-conscious ideas or go with the mentality that “bigger is better”?

You will need to construct your product and packaging from quality materials. Don’t use ragged cardboard or messy glued on paper. Your finished work should look like it is ready for store shelves.

Make sure to communicate with your group. You will be earning two grades for this project; one for you individually and one as a group. There are no excuses for sitting on the sidelines.

There are several components that will be presented as the finished work. These include:

1. Preliminary Sketches and Ideas
2. Final Product Design presented on 1 large sheet of 18” by 24” paper, in color
Make sure your product is drawn from multiple examples and multiple stages of use. Do you need to include a person for size
reference? Does you product open or twist? Show it in both the open and closed form.
3. Final Package Design presented on 1 large sheet of 18” by 24” paper, in color
Again draw the packaging from multiple sides. Draw how the product fits into the packaging.
4.The actual product.
5.The actual packaging.

Resources

Objectified Trailer
Jonathan Ive Interview
Apple Design
Design Within Reach
IKEA
MoMA Architecture and Design
MoMa Elastic Mind
designboom
Cool Hunting
Colour Lovers
Core77