MaartenGeraets.nl Rotating Header Image

Overview of B3.2

Overview

At the beginning of this semester I set myself a few goals, which were based on the feedback of my previous assessment as well my competency development in the past. My main goals were to have a broaden ideation phase in my project where would give me more design iterations and diversity options at every step. In addition, there should be better a consistency of designing and research; design decisions should be covered before, while and after by supported by research. What’s more, my vision and ‘signature’ as designer should be ‘woven into’ project and I wanted to extend my prototyping skills using Arduino. I attended for two assignments, one extra since in my previous semester I had one extra (check note at ID Education). The assignment co-reflection taught me how to integrate the co-reflective process into a dynamic design process, in order to come up with useful design input. The assignment Financial and Economical Aspects of Product Design gave me insight in the fiscal facets of new product design which are very valuable as designer to include in the design cycle. During the Extra curricular activities I learned a new business model, increased my presentation skills, learned how to use software for Mechanical Engineering approaches of design analysis and I broaden my horizon concerning the practical issues I have to face as Industrial Designer.

A visual representation is shown in the graphs and table below. For more detailed information about learning achievements this semester I invite you to view the summaries below or to take a look at the corresponding sub-pages. More information concerning the past can be viewed in the Overview of the past.

Visual representation concerning my competency growth, click the pictures to zoom in

Competencies developed:

Task/Competency 1 2 3 4 5 6 A B C D
FBP “Woven Worlds” X X X X X X X /
Assignment DG309 – Co-reflection X X X
Assignment DG505 – Financial and Economical Aspects of Product Design X / /
Extra curricular X X X /


FBP “Woven Worlds”

During my FBP I performed a broaden ideation phase which was very explorative and educative. I have managed to come up with multiple design iterations and diversity options at every step and made sure there was consistency of designing and research. I learned new tools that can be used during the ideation phase and can be helpful when I got stuck. I learned how to use Arduino as ideation tool for inspiration and I extended my interactive prototyping skills by creating autonomous interactive prototypes with it. I became aware of multiple methods to change people’s behavior, which are useful to have in mind as designer, and I became aware with a new successful method for user testing approaches. Furthermore, I learned how to make better use of my hands using the laser-cutting machine, abrasive blasting-machine, Flamingo NXT render and Illustrator. I also became aware that beside my head and hands, I should also use more of my designer’s heart and I have keep to the project planning better. In addition, I learned how to deal with interests of all the stakeholders supporting the values of the final design and I learned how to keep my research organized. More detailed information can be viewed on the page FBP “Woven Worlds”.


co-ref method; three phases to design directions

Assignment DG309 – Co-reflection

One of my goals was to gather new tools how to involve the user into the design cycle. The assignment Co-Reflection taught me how to integrate the co-reflective process into a dynamic design process. The co-reflection approach is a session where the designer interviews the user in order to come up with useful design input. This tool enables me to construct ideas based on validation and description, by getting a better understanding of the user’s context, behaviors, preferred functions and motivations, all without losing the creativity. For more detailed information concerning this assignment, visit Assignment DG309 – Co-reflection.


Assignment DG505 – Financial and Economical Aspects of Product Design

I selected this assignment in order to get more insight in the financials of innovation projects. During this assignment, we applied the knowledge gathered during the lectures into practice by analyzing existing companies and products and setting up our virtual commercial company. I saw that good design is nothing without good business. I learned useful tools to get insight in the fiscal facets of new product design which are very valuable as designer to include in the design cycle. More detailed information concerning this activity can be viewed on Assignment DG505 – Financial and Economical Aspects of Product Design.


Extra curricular

I participated in two workshops. One gave me  insight how to visualize business models as well how to come up with improvements concerning the current market-situation. The other one learned me useful tips for a proper elevator pitch. In addition, I learned how to use the software applications AutoDesk Inventor 2010 and Solidworks 2010 SimulationXpress for simulating applied forces, constraints, materials on designs. This activity taught me to give Mechanical Engineering approaches of design analysis. In addition, literature broaden my horizon concerning the practical issues I have to face as Industrial Designer. More information can be found on the page Extra curricular.