Postal Presents

FLAT PACK HAT

Designed for young career women, the flat pack hat can be safely packaged within a women's handbag, briefcase or by hand. Constructed of EVA foam and cotton, the hat is durable, breathable, washable, environmentally friendly, and wont loose its form after repetitive use.

This product was the result of a long learning design process whereby I evolved from paper materials and tyvek, to synthetic materials, foam and fabric. The concept of the design was to try and create an interesting hat for women, that was slick, feminine, and flat. More so, after conducting market research I discovered that there were not many cap hats for women, therefore I wanted to make a stylish and suitable hat for the workforce.

Video Reflection 5

Annie Leonard ‘The Story of Stuff’

The realisation of a product design linear system from extraction to disposal, consuming over 1/3 of our global resources, is frightening.
As individuals this system not only makes us question its practicality to strive and maintain a sustainable future, but more so, it questions us as consumers in the way we interact with products and our consumer behaviours.

This video challenges the worldview of international industrial designers. With 99% of products being trashed within 6 months of purchase, and a US daily garbage toll of 4.5 L.B.S, indicates product design today needs to move away from built in and perceived obsolescence. Instead designers need to design sustainable, ecological and durable products, to decrease eco-footprints. In this way, designers can break down consumer habits of perceived obsolescence, and design aesthetical and functional sustainable products.

On average over 100,000 hazardous synthetic chemicals are used in product design. It is evident from this statistic, collaboration between design and manufacturing industries is lacking. Research into sustainable user- friendly materials and production techniques, has the potential to significantly decrease harm to the consumer and the environment. Furthermore, the development of a cycle product design system, whereby products are designed, produced and then recycled to create new products is also ideal.
In this way, as I designer I hope to continually research new ecological materials and find a balance between aesthetical/functional design and sustainable design, to achieve good design.

Leonard’s video notes that the rate of US national happiness has decreased since 1970 due to beginnings of consumer culture. Therefore, this suggests that as consumers we are growingly entering into a world of idealism, where we see products as a way to escape from reality or showcase our personalities or desires. As designers, we need to think strategically and tap into how consumers view and interact with products, to produce good design. In saying this, I will research consumer behaviourism, in order to design wholesome products to protect the environment and suit the needs of the consumer.

Pleasure Enrichment

Physio-pleasure

• Anthropometric designed handle


• Contoured handle adds grip and texture


• Easy to grasp and inviting


• Soaks natural oils

Ideo-pleasure

• Organically designed


• Sculptural spade


• Suits natural bbq outdoor environment


• Constructed of only 3 materials


• Durable as it collects fat and oil by hand

Socio-pleasure

• BBQ is a focal point for social interaction


• Bottle opener


• Interesting organic design may facilitate a talking point


• Sculptural design indicates status and lifestyle

Psycho-Pleasure

• Multi-functional


• Natural movements


• Emotionally satisfying to interact with pop. scoop. stab. spike

Rationale

It was the initial reading of a 'Sunday life' magazine that inspired me to design a product pleasurable for men. This quote facilitated my need

"My husband loves great design and unusual gadgets. Can you suggest some suitable gifts?"

I really wanted to design a product that was organic and a outdoor living object for my target market fathers and husbands. With this inspiration I designed a bbq utensil, that does of alot what the original bbq mate can't do.

Designed with a fork, formed into a spoon, the bbq utensil is ideal for picking up anything rounded on the bbq including potatoes, prawns, and vegetables. Furthermore, the tool can also stab and spike sausages, a key functionality for any bbq.

The most pleasurable aspects of the product include an ambidextrous organic contoured ergonomic handle, allowing the user supportive grip while anywhere on hand. A bottle opener, formed into the bottom of the handle, not only is a great tool for light refreshments with family and friends, but also acts as a stand to keep the tool upright and ready to use. Constructed of stainless steel and timber, the utensil illustrates a collaborative design approach between traditional and contemporary, ideal for any outdoor environment today.