I came up with a few possible names for the carrier for art supplies that I have been prototyping. The photo below shows Week 6's version.
Please take my poll.
PROBLEM STATEMENT: Create a carrier for art supplies for use in the field. PRIMARY NEEDS: The carrier holds all I need. The carrier is comfortable to use. The carrier protects my stuff. The carrier makes supplies accessible. The carrier looks good. The carrier is a portable office. The carrier is basic in its function. The alpha prototype is pictured above the poll. The beta prototype has been this week's work. Revisions and refinements to be made were as follows: 1. Eliminate the side gusset for a less bulky bag. 2. Make fewer pockets for supplies. 3. Make the bag a little smaller overall for more compactness. 4. Sliding panel for increased working surface needs to be more stable. 5. The cross-body strap needs to be wider and padded for comfort. Problems arose in making the beta. It just didn't work as well as the alpha. I have listed the problems below that need addressing in the next iteration. On the last day of our Week 7, I decided to make some alterations, and so I partly deconstructed the bag and added a gusset (or spacer) between the two halves. Now it works better. Here is the final "Sketch-all" Satchel. (I am keeping this name -- I like the word-play between "Sketch-All" and "satchel". It's not very clever, but it will do for the time being.)  For the beta, I used a nice sturdy twill in two colors, green and a dark red, with black trim. I worked on the refinements, and I am more or less satisfied with the result. (I have listed some problems below.) There are a couple of new features: the string pull for the sliding panel; also I added a waterproof layer to the seat pad (in the red pocket below).  Below is a photo of the "desk" in use. This is supposed to be the "wow" factor in the project: I'm still not sure of it's success. It is somewhat shaky and awkward to use. The closeness and handiness of the supplies, however, is the best part of the bag. One does not have to fish deep into the bottom of the bag to find things, or in pockets all around the bag as in some artists' totes.  Further refinements of this artifact, if I were to pursue its development: 1. In creating the beta prototype, I went too far in decreasing the size of the bag. The 9" x 12" watercolor block barely fits. So the size needs adjusting. 2. The beta needs a narrow gusset at the bottom of the bag to make for easier folding up when the bag is loaded. 3. Not sure how to make the bag somewhat simpler: it now consists of eight layers of fabric, which at points are difficult to sew together. The two halves of the beta needed to be sewn together by hand. The whole thing should be sewn on the machine. Gratifications and Doubts: A short reflection on my experience of this course. First of all, I didn't imagine at the beginning that I would enjoy an online course as much as I have this one. I've learned a great deal about what designing in the real world is like and have found it fascinating. And to have the course taught in a hands-on way added to the pleasure; to have to try designing something oneself from the beginning is a great way to learn. There were many things to appreciate: the lectures, the text, the information and links about additional materials offered (digital drawing and modeling).... I have to add that I will never scoop ice cream again without thinking of this course! As to the doubts, I think what I came up with for my artifact was fun and interesting, but I don't think that there's a commercially viable product in the offing (and I really don't mind). My bag is too complicated, and tries to do too many things. I think Prof. Ulrich said at some point, "Keep it simple." I learned that it's not easy to do that. | AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
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