Final Coleman Project Documentation

Last Monday my group presented out Coleman project, the portable washer and dryer.  The whole process leading to presentation day went very well, and fairly smoothly.  The night before we had to go in front of class we all got together and made our presentation on the computer, putting everything into words and pictures, and we also decided who was going to talk about what.  Since I did some on the research on the technology that went into the washer and dryer I talked about the nylon beads and the Dyson cyclone.  My group was great because we all worked together really well and we shared our thoughts and opinions with each other.  I think the presentation went very smoothly and I am happy with the results. 

Course Review

This class was very enjoyable and I feel like I have learned quite a bit that I can build on.  I came into this class not knowing really what to expect, and I am pleased with the outcome.  All of the readings and blog posts got confusing at times remembering which assignments were due but I think over all it was helpful to reflect and write about what I just read or what we learned in class.  Plus writing a blog was a lot better than having to study for another final.  You made the class fun and energetic, and that made for it an easy environment to learn in.  Overall I really enjoyed this class and cannot wait to take more design classes!

Coleman Project Coming To An End

http://marshmallowdesign200.blogspot.com/
http://dpizzodesign.blogspot.com/
http://efdsgnw11.blogspot.com/
http://kabauer.tumblr.com/
http://kursinskis.blogspot.com/This past week we have been wrapping up our Coleman project.  We were able to get a lot accomplished by working well together and listening to everyone's opinions.  Some final decisions were made concerning logo, kiosk, and packaging.  I contributed to the project by helping come up with logo ideas and doing research on technology that we would be using in the washer. 

Heskett Chapter 9 and 10

These last two chapters talked about the history and future of design.  It also dealt with the business side of design.  I found it interesting how some car companies like Mercedes make sure their cars are recognizable at any age, but companies like General Motors have an annual model change.  General Motors also has different brands names that take on the design responsibilities.  I think it is necessary to understand the past history of design to be able to build upon that knowledge and make somethings better.  To the issue of bidding for a designers abilities I believe that is where we are right now.  A company is going to choose the designer who they think will do the best work for them at the best price for them.  This will keep competition amongst designers so they keep coming up with the best things possible.

Coleman Project

An Hoang
Danny Pizzo
Elissa Francis
Kevin Bauer
Nick Kursinskis
So this past week we started brainstorming for the Coleman project.  We came up with a list of ideas (portable couch, bed that turns into a desk, and washer/dryer combo).  All of our ideas were based upon the need for space in a dorm room.  Trying to connect Coleman to our idea we came up with making your dorm close to home.  We decided on the washer/dryer combo in the end.  The team as a whole has been working together really well.  There really is not one person who is too power hungry and we are able to share our ideas with each other and give honest feedback.  I have been giving ideas and feedback just like everyone else has been.  I have also brought in websites that I have found that we could possibly use as inspiration.  Right now we have not taken any pictures of our work and we do not have any actual sketches to share.  For right now I feel good about our project and whats going on.

Online Scavenger Hunt

Outdoor Camping and Recreation
Cabela's
Bass Pro Shops
Gander Mountain
Dick's Sporting Goods
Coleman

Indoor Homegoods
Bed Bath and Beyond
The Great Indoors
Whirlpool
Pier1
Crate and Barrel

A indoor home goods are items that are functional and easy to use that helps make your home more comfortable.

McDonough: Chapters 4-6

These chapters really got me thinking about how so many things that we buy are meant to be used and thrown away, when really so many of the products could be designed to go back to the earth or reused.  The example used was shampoo and lotion bottles.  These are things that are not meant to last for the rest of our lives, we use the product and once the bottle is empty we throw it away.  But the argument is brought up about why these packages could not be designed with cradle to cradle in mind.  I think that there are so many products out there that could be designed this way.  Also brought up was how people do not always choose eco-friendly packaging because it does not look as desirable.  Another part that I found interesting was how William Clay Ford Jr. took on the challenge to make the environment that the plant was sitting on clean instead of just fencing up the old building and building a new one close by.  He took on the idea that solutions to a problem can be found when you look at the local environment.  Just because a solution works for one area does not mean that it will work for everyone.  I really enjoyed this book and it made me think about the environment a little bit more and different solutions to problems.