Studies in Industrial Design and Product Design

I have begun to make progress for a new residential smoke detector design. An initial design has been produced. This design has reduced the enclosure to a simple box that fits the minimum dimensions of the interior electrical components. This study model is constructed out of 1 piece of 1/16” chipboard with the intent that a final would be made from folded plastic. This enclosure design experiments with function and graphics to provide a solution.

This week has been slow in production; however, it has provided me time to figure out a good path for future productions for the semester. After a long discussion with my brother Christopher Gassman, who is a lead engineer for Baxter Healthcare, I feel that I will finally be able to begin a focus for my work. I need to start designing for a purpose. The designs should try to solve problems. Two areas that I now plan to design for are children’s accessories and electrical components and safety devices.

A beginning project will be for a child’s nightlight. I have begun this project by revisiting a previous design for a lamp made from an orange. I have recreated the initial lamp and will attempt to modify it to be safer and have better durability.

As for the design of an electrical safety device, I will begin to redesign a typical residential smoke detector. I am intrigued by the smoke detector because of the similarity and conformity most designs for this device have applied. I feel this object can be miniaturized and developed a better aesthetic to fit user’s needs.

I thought about this project last night and am having second thoughts about it. I don’t feel it is a very interesting or practical object to peruse. I will make it anyway.

Product Materials:

Many of the objects I will make throughout the semester will be constructed of various materials. Many of the materials will only be representational for final material. This decision is based on materials availability, workability, and cost.

1) Bruce Hannah. Becoming A Product Designer.
Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2004.

2) Gareth Williams. The Furniture Machine: Furniture Since 1900.
London: V&A Publications, 2006.

Flat Forks

My initial project is to fabricate a set of dinnerware using sheets of acrylic. The finial designs will try to implement specific capabilities of a laser cutter in relation to production using a sheet material. The outcome of this project is to provide an elegant solution for dining through the means of inexpensive materials and rapid production.

Independent Studio – Spring 2007                                                                                    Proposed by: Robert T. Gassman, 4^th year Architecture                                                 Supporting Professor: Mikesch Muecke PhD. 

Studies in Industrial Design and Product Design 

Objective: The studies in this semester-long studio will focus on the opportunities available in industrial design and product design and their relationships within the field of architecture.  

Personal Statement:

My studies in architecture at Iowa State have provided me with a strong foundation in general design. An independent studio will allow me to direct my design studies to focus on specific skills that I plan to use in my future. By forming an independent studio that focuses on industrial design and product design, I will be able to research, experiment, and create projects that will promote and enhance my education and career path.

 Goals:

·         Research new bioorganic materials and biocomposites for use in architectural design.·         Develop a variety of finished products that will be included in my undergraduate portfolio with the intention of graduate school application.·         Research current trends in industrial and product design to provide up-to-date knowledge in these fields. ·         Experiment with product design that maintains sustainability versus the need for recycling. 

Methods:

·         Utilize faculty as resources to gain from their expertise in these fields.·         Consult library resources and professional journals regularly.·         Maintain contact with the biocomposites group within the departments of Agriculture and Chemical Engineering.·         Utilize computer modeling, physical modeling, and graphics to develop various product designs.·         Communicate with various manufactures and companies to discuss current trends and availability of innovative architectural and design materials.·         Work to design products that embody my unique and personals philosophies of design.