Phoenix

Duration: 6 Weeks
Research Phase: Partner_ Tom Simms (2 weeks)
Design Phase: Solo Project (4 Weeks)

Process

Brainstorm - Define - Explore - Iterate - Develop - Manufacturing Processes, Materials & Costings - Final Design - CMF Board - Part Drawings - Hero Images

Project Overview

Identify an area of personal interest and develop a portable accessory to enhance that activity. The area I decided to work within was hiking and the activity of seed collection while on forest walks in particular. I wanted to investigate if the creation of a new type of object could potentially encourage more people to engage in an activity that they many not have even ever thought about in the first place. Could an object create a new set of societal behaviors that encourage a more sustainable and biodiverse future?

Concept

Seed Collection Pod

"A lost symbolism begins to collect dreams again." - Gaston Bachelard

'Áirc,' [auirch] the Irish word for 'Ark,' meaning a place of protection but also with religious connotations, here suggests a new (or perhaps very ancient) focus for our attention and worship, 'Nature.'

The main body takes the form of an Irish Round Tower, an ancient national symbol of safeguard and strength, while the cap has symbolism built into it to help prompt use, in a secondary function, as a storytelling device. One which helps explain a new future, Irish mythology and intrinsic sense of connection with the forest as part of a new Irish identity.

Research & Investigations

Initially I identified seven different potential areas of investigation for the creation of a portable accessory.

Deciding on a seed collection pod, I began gathering images as sources of inspiration.

I created a mood board (above) and customer profiles, people of all ages who might be interested in this type of product.

A design scope board was formulated in order to give the project a solid starting point and some direction.

See more of the 'define' process

Explore & Iterate

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.

Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

See All of Sketchbook explorations