One-page design challenges
Each of these design challenges is to be completed on a single sheet of A3 paper, or both sides of an A4 sheet. Let's clear up some jargon:
- Develop - draw a series of sketches and explore your idea. Try new ideas, make adjustments to existing ideas. Show me with sketches how your thoughts are changing.
- Graphic techniques - a variety of drawing styles such as 3D, 2D, cutaways, hidden details, exploded drawings, plans, side views, etc.
- Annotation - small note which explains and accompanies a sketch.
- Target market - the person who will buy and use a product.
- Design factors:
- Function - what a product must do; what its role or job is
- Performance - How well a product does its job; how well built it is; materials; strength
- Aesthetics - How a product appeals to our senses; how beautiful it is.
- Ergonomics - How easy a product is to use; comfort; safety; weight
- Market - The user of the product; how it's promoted, priced and advertised
1. Comic lamp
Design a table lamp based on a comic theme. The lamp shall be re-positionable and able to be rotated, twisted, lifted or nudged into different positions and angles.
(a) Sketch 3 designs from various angles
(b) Use 2D and 3D sketching styles
(c) Annotate each sketch. Explain, through annotations, what materials you have used in your design. Explain also how your design functions.
All of you work must fit on a single sheet of A3.
2. Tiny stool
Design a stool for this tiny house. Consider the size of the stool, how easily it can be stowed or folded, its colour and aesthetics, and whether it could be put to some other use to make the most of the small space available.
(a) Devise one initial idea and develop it over several subsequent sketches.
(b) Include at least one exploded view whose annotations explain how the stool is assembled
(c) Include at least one full colour sketch with annotations that justify your choice of colours. You may wish to consider words such as “warm”, “cold”, “calm” etc.
All of your work must fit on a single sheet of A3.
3. Cupcakes and contrast
Tobias Rehberger is an artist. He designed this unusual cafe. The cafe requires a counter-top display case which can hold 6 cupcakes. The display case will sit on the counter beside the till and present cupcakes in an interesting way.
(a) Present one detailed design for a display case which is predominantly transparent acrylic (thermoplastic). The case should be influenced by the cafe photo. The case should be “striking” and interesting to look at.
(b) Use a variety of graphic styles including 2D and 3D sketches and be sure to show the case from various angles.
(c) Think about ergonomics. How easy is it to use the case? How easy would it be to fill and empty the case? How easily can the lid (if you have one) be removed? What considerations have you given to anthropometrics - the size of human hands?
4. Controls for a time machine
A time machine has been invented. With it, you can travel back or forward to any point in time. The machine requires a user interface - a method of controlling the machine through screens, icons, buttons, levers or any other human interface.
(a) On one sheet of A3, devise and develop a user interface for a time machine. Annotate your sketches with notes about materials, and ergonomics.
(b) Include a sketch model of your design. This is a simple paper or card model. You may use an additional A3 sheet of card or paper to make the sketch model
5. Lost car
Some people have trouble finding their car in big car parks, such as at shopping centres and airports. On one sheet of A3 devise and develop a product to help people find a lost car.
The product cannot be electronic. It must be cheap and made from sustainable materials.
(a) Develop a single idea on one sheet of A3. The development must be detailed and well thought out.
(b) Use a range of graphic techniques, including 2D and 3D sketches
(c) Around your designs make annotated notes explaining how the design is sustainable.
6. Monster Munch
A point of sale is a small stand for holding and displaying things which are for sale. The photo shows how posh crisp maker, Pipers, does it.
Monster Munch would like a point-of-sale stand which fits their branding and appeals to their target customer.
(a) Research the Monster Munch brand. What sort of personality does it have? Exciting? Edgy? Boring? Colourful? Serious?
(b) On a single sheet of A3 design two different point-of-sale displays which can hold 6 bags of Monster Munch. The units shall be made from cardboard. Sketch your designs from various angles.
(c) Around each sketch use annotations to explain how your design will appeal to the target market.
7. NERF target
Toy gun manufacturer NERF would like design proposals for a target-practice product. The product will be shot at by NERF pellets and can be used indoors or outside. The product must react when hit by a pellet, for example, by making a noise, moving, flashing or any other suitable reaction.
(a) On a single sheet of A3 devise and develop a concept for a target practice product for NERF. You must research the NERF brand and design a product which fits into their existing product lineup
(b) Include a TINKERCAD 3D model. Or, if that's not possible make sure to use a variety of 3D drawing styles.
(c) Think about the performance design factor. Use annotations to describe how the product will perform its function well.
8. Doggy daredevils
“Doggy Daredevils” make agility obstacles for small dogs, such as tunnels, ramps, see-saws and slaloms. The company wishes a design proposal for a new dog agility obstacle which uses rotational moulding in its construction.
(a) On one sheet of A3 devise and develop a product proposal for a dog agillity obstacle. Use a mixture of 2D and 3D graphics.
(b) Use annotations to explain what part(s) shall be rotationally moulded and why it’s appropriate to do so.
9. Bathroom organiser
“Clutter Free Pee” make bathroom organisers - small products which can hold common bathroom objects such as soap, toothbrushes, combs, etc. They have been inspired by the “folded plastic” approach used by this clock manufacturer.
They would like a design proposal for a folded plastic bathroom organiser which can be created from one sheet of flat acrylic.
(a) On one sheet of A3 come up with as many different ideas/arrangements as you can. The product must be able to hold 2 toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, disposable razor and have a tray for other items.
(b) Describe your ideas with annotations. Make comments specifically about function, performance, aesthetics and ergonomics.