caren
A collection of stackable fidget objects and speaker base made to help calm and promote self soothing for those suffering from the moderate to severe stages of dementia
problem
Dementia is an increasingly prominent disease and current products on the market are limited and often infantilizing
opportunity
A sculptural collection of tactile objects with accompanying speaker made to promote autonomy and sooth those suffering from dementia
research
ideation
final design
Magnets in the top and bottom of each object allow easy clean-up and for a variety of sculptural forms when not in use
Loved ones and caretakers can load familiar songs, loving messages and soothing sounds onto each object, which plays when it is placed on the Caren speaker base
prototype
sloth sack
The sloth sack is a lightweight multifunctional pack prepared for life on and off the trail. With its collection of buckles, it can be worn on the body or as an extension to another bag.
problem
- It can be bulky and inconvenient to carry an additional bag or day pack
- When children aren’t able to continue carrying their packs, it can be clumsy for caretakers to carry theirs in additional to their own.
opportunity
A lightweight multifunctional pack that can adapt to the users needs
the hiking experience
Over the course of a five day hike on the Appalachian Trail, I took notes of pain points and observations about the experience to inform designing for life on the trail.
concept
early prototype
developed prototyping
after the original prototypes, I wanted to move forward with the original concept in which buckles are used instead of grommets and carabiners to make the experience more user friendly. I also wanted to focus on making the pack more environmentally responsible by utilizing fabric from secondhand windbreakers
final prototype
Hidden buckles at the top and bottom of the body of the bag allows the user to easily attach the pack to the outside of another backpack
The mesh pocket at the front is a great place to store wet belongings
Procio projector
Problem
Projectors on the market today are often bulky, lack adjustability, and have poor sound quality
Opportunity
A compact, travel friendly device with improved speaker quality and contains a rechargeable battery for on the go viewing
TARGET MARKET
Our product targets young people living in small spaces such as apartments or dorms. These consumers lead busy on the go lives and want to bring business and entertainment with them wherever their travels take them.
KEY INSIGHTS
- Air needs to flow through the projector to cool the components which produce the most heat
- All components must be held into place by features such as a chassy, ribs, bosses, or adhesive
- The input and button circuit boards must be positioned accordingly
MOODBOARD
DESIGN GOALS
reconfiguring internal parts
original orientation of major parts
updated configuration
area of opportunity
By rearranging the internal part of the projector, I was able to make the layout more space efficient and open up space that will allow for the addition of new features, while maintaining the scale of the original parts.
early ideation
Early ideation began to explore possible forms that the new, and more vertically oriented, internal parts layout allowed for.
refined IDEATION
Later ideation development more carefully analyzes usability and considers how exactly the internal components would fit inside an injection molded shell.
FINAL CONCEPT
Our final concept focuses on enhancing the experience of bringing a projector out and about. With this in mind, we included a handle that doubles as a stand and, with the extra space the new internal parts configuration created, a rechargeable battery.
production
MATERIAL SELECTION
Mold flow analysis
By conducting a mold flow analysis we received important feedback regarding our design which reduced potential problems such as sinkage and flow marks.
clear view
assembly
PROTOTYPE MODEL
FINAL RENDERS
Team project with Natalie Stow and Matthew Faglier
My roles: Ideation, development, 3D modeling, and 3D rendering
muvo
An autonomous vehicle that caters to the needs of busy parents and children while striving to give children a greater sense of autonomy. This subscription based service offers a safe, educational experience for children as well as adding convenience to the parents’ lives by running errands and picking up groceries
early ideation
interior
Early Muvo concepts were based on the idea of creating a mobile learning environment for school children. This multipurpose vehicle could act as a bus stop, bus, and mobile classroom.
exterior
refined Ideation
With the later evolutions of Muvo, we chose to move in the direction of catering more to private rather than public transportation for children. With this pod concept, children are able to commute to school as well as their other extracurricular activities.
Final Sketches
Final Design
Muvo is equipped with electro-chromic glass which changes its opacity under different electrical conditions, allowing for the user to control solar gain, glare and warmth.
As a part of the subscription to the service, the moemi cart allows users to forgo going to the store by delivering products directly to their front door
Muvo uses facial recognition to ensure the safety of its passengers. Only the child who the pod is called for may enter the pod and parents have complete control over who is allowed to pick the child up from the pod.
User Experience
Using smart window technology, the pods are capable of responding to vehicle speed, location, and can even augment real world views with interactive elements
Advertising
Team project with Matt Caudell, Kerrie Eberhart, Natalie Stow
My roles: Ideation, final design of pod exterior, 3D modeling, and 3D rendering
The twist and push composters
The twist and push composters are a set of a collection and tumble composter that are fun to use and well suited for small interior spaces
problem
Starting a compost pile can feel daunting and containers currently on the market that are most efficient are limited to being outdoors
opportunity
An indoor aerobic tumble composter catering to the needs and desires of those living in small homes or apartments
research
Ideation
Final Design
Access finished compost by simply twisting and pulling down bottom drawer
Compost tea can be released through bottom valve
Heat from compost will help power light through thermoelectric generator, along with electricity from outlet
Fabrication
enkel blender
Context
To fully brand a company and create a cohesive line of products
problem
Modern blenders often have the same flaws that affect user safety and ease of use
solution
A modular blender that allows the user to disassemble the different components of the blender
insights
moodboard
ideation
The enkel blender places the motor and the foundation of the blade at the top of the device
final design
The final design utilizes modular assembly to allow the user to more easily access the entire interior of the blender body while its interchangeable nature also opens the opportunity for its use with different tools. This blade attachment is made to enable food contents to be more efficiently blended with the multiple blades at differing heights.
Seamless elements enhance the blender’s aesthetic quality and provides greater usability and safety. Buttons along the top are touch activated for ease of use and for the prevention of contamination. The blender’s twisting lock mechanism ensures user safety, as the blender cannot be turned on unless it is oriented in its lock position.
enkel kitchen line
The enkel blender is a member of a wider range of kitchen appliances. Each appliance in the range is thoughtfully designed to have a sense of timeless Nordic sophistication while being intuitive and ergonomic to use.
