Pratt Center for Continuing and Professional Studies
Product Design Joel Wennerstrom, Instructor
Email: WEB: http://pratt.edu/~jwenner
PRODUCT DESIGN CLASS #2 ASSIGNMENT
design research project
Choose a product or piece of furniture that you find particularly well designed and find out as much as you can about it:
· Who designed it?
· When and where was it designed?
· How long has it been in production?
· What design movement is/was it part of?
· What was the inspiration for the design?
· Why do you like it?
I recommend choosing a designer or a product that is well known or is considered a classis, since it will be easier to do research, but it is not required. Prepare a 5-minute visual/verbal presentation for next week’s class. Talk about all aspects of the design- its intended use, proportions, color, materials, manufacturing process etc. Bring in the actual product if possible.
Class presentations should be visual, artistic and professional! Give yourself something to point at and something for us to look at when you are presenting your findings. Put some thought into what you want to say before you stand up in front of the class. You will have only 5 minutes to present your findings, so run through your presentation beforehand and time yourself. 5 minutes goes fast!
To save time, pin up your work on the wall before class so that you are ready to present.
BRING THE FOLLOWING TO CLASS NEXT WEEK:
· Blue foam or balsa foam, approximately 2” by 8” by 12”
· Coping saw, as shown in class
· 80 and 150 grit sandpaper. One sheet of each.
· Straight edge (12-24” long)
· Sharpie marker or ballpoint pen
· Plastic retractable utility knife with replacement blades (3 inch long blades) as shown in class.
· Dust mask
NEXT WEEK: Following your 5 minute research presentations, I will give a demo on working with blue foam, and then give you the rest of the class time to make a hand-held model, so dress appropriately.