February 2019 – WillieMillie

PROTOTYPING TAKRAM

I agree that prototyping and user-testing is not just about collecting statistical data and direct user feedback. What is important is to discover new ways for improvement, which can be accomplished by only a few target users. However, I do not totally agree with the perspective that the team involved should participate in the user testing. This is because I feel that the team will kind of know what the product is about or meant to do. They may also have a tendency to skew towards the results they hope to achieve and mislead people to that direction too.

Every type of prototype has its own function and purpose. As a designer we need to understand what type of prototype to create at each phase of the project so that the design process can be streamlined which will then lead to efficiencies in terms of time, money and resources. This will also ensure a smooth production process thereafter.

EMBODIMENT

I agree with what the article is saying. Design is attributing a countenance to an object and it’s not just about creating the shape but also taking the environment into consideration to create a more cohesive design which engender both the ambience and the object.

I also agree that we can try not to design something new. Instead, we can try to design a product or process that enables people to realize something that is already inherent but forgotten or neglected. For example, my team is working on how solitude can evoke innovation and productivity. We all understand how working in a quiet environment can make us more focused, but people do not immediately realize that and may do the opposite, for example decide to work in a noisy café. What people want might not always be what they really need.

In conclusion, as a designer we should design products that give the consumers the feeling or realization this is that one thing they need.

Unconventional Materials: Felting

What is Felting?

Felt is a textile material that is produced by matting, condensing and pressing fibers together. Felt can be made of natural fibers such as wool or animal fur, or from synthetic fibers. Felting is an age-old craft. Possibly developed in the Middle or Far East, it is a process that has evolved with local traditions wherever it was used. And it is still used today, by kids in kindergarten to nomads on the great plains of Asia living in felt yurts. The technique is basic, requires very little experience or tools, and "mistakes" may well lead to interesting results.

Materials needed for Felting

Wet Felting: Wool, Soap, Hot water, Plastic sheet

Needle Felting: Wool, Needles, Foam Base

Wet Felting

Wet Felting is the process whereby natural wool fibers is stimulated by friction and lubricated by soapy water that causes the fibers to hook together into a single piece of fabric. 

1. Lay a piece of plastic sheet on the table

2. Lay the wool and layer with different colour based on desired pattern

3. Add hot water and soap onto the wool

4. Rub the fiber together to make the fiber hook together.

Needles Felting

Needle Felting is a method of using a special needle that is commonly used to make 3D sculpture, jewelry, adornments and 2D art. The needle have notches along the shaft to catch fibers and tangle them with other fibers to produce felt. 

1. Combine wool into desired shape by poking with needles till its firm.

You can combine both methods to create more unique 3D shapes

What is Applique?

Applique is ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns are sewn or stuck onto a larger piece to form a picture or pattern. It is commonly used as decoration, especially on garments.

Materials needed for Applique

Fabric, Leather, Sewing machine

Creating Unconventional Fabric using Threads and plastic.

What is Fusing of Plastic?

Fusing of plastic is whereby plastics are layered & heated to melt or fuse to one another, creating a new type of durable fabric.

Materials needed for Plastic Fusing

Iron, baking paper, scissors and plastics (plastic bag, bubble wrap, etc)

What are the uses and application of the technique?

Plastic fusing can be a great way to recycle plastics. plastics are fuse to create a more textured and durable material which can then be sew together into a dress. It can also be made into any form of products like wearable jewelry or table lamp.

Plastic Fusing

1. Cut plastic into desired shape and sizes.

2. Lay them on top of a Baking paper. 

3. Arrange the plastic into desire pattern. 

4. Lay another Baking paper on top.

5. Iron them for a few mins and the plastics will fuse together. 



Layer: transparent plastic, bubble wrap, red translucent plastic, transparent plastic. 

 



 



Another Design

What is Fabric of Thread?

Arranging Threads into a pattern and sew them up together. Thread fabrics are so beautiful they could grace everything from a formal dining table to evening wear.

Materials Needed for Fabric of Thread

Thread, Yarns, Water Soluble stabilizer, Sewing machine, UV resistant clear acrylic spray.

Fabric of Thread

1. Arrange different thickness, colour, and type of thread on the water soluble sheet. 

2. Pin the thicker threads and the edges in place to prevent the threads to move around. 

3. Stitch all the Thread together using the sewing machine. 

4. when sewing is done, wash off the water soluble sheet. 

5. If you want the outcome to be in a 3D form; stop washing once the stabilizer dissolves and mold it onto a form and leave it to dry. 

6. To harden the shape, spray it with acrylic spray.

Reflection

I felt that fusing plastic is a great way to recycle plastic. Making them into more meaningful items rather than throwing them away. I felt that Fabric of Thread is very challenging as I have not done sewing before but it is defining a interesting technique that I could explore on.