Rationale
My
eco-gift that i have designed is a natural speaker amplifier that does not
involve electrical components. A mobile device such as an iphone is placed in
the dock at the top, the natural cone shape of the design helps amplify and
project the sound through the opening at the bottom. I designed it to be simple
and elegant so that it can fit nicely in most contemporary environments. The
size of the product is suitable for a home environment, the sizes of bookshelfs
and desks were taken into consideration when determining the overall size, as
these would be the typical places for this gift. The colours and the materials
used were chosen to reflect a simple and modern product. The target market for
this type of product would be around 15-25 year olds who would typically own a
device that can be used with it.
The
cone shape can be made from reclaimed/ recycled advertisement posters usually
found on bus stops. It can also be made from old vinyl flooring found around
the home or reclaimed from local manufacturers and supplies. A template would
be provided a long with the design that users can easily trace around and cut
to shape their design. This process not only reduces virgin material use but it
also invites interaction with the end user, creating an emotional attachment to
the product.
The
2 smaller components which include the dock for the device to sit in and the
bottom ring that provides extra support and ensures the cone shape is even are
made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic (ABS). I chose this material
due to its strength to weight ratio and rigidity, which is important due to the
components vibrating from the sound during use.
Some
of the OKALA design strategies implemented in the final product included the
design being able to be shared among multiple users. The materials required can
be sourced from local manufacturers, and also be provided through waste
by-products from local companies. The production process is also simplified
since the assembly of the product is done at home by the end user. It is also
flat packed to reduce shipping volume.
Sunprit Singh
3378260
