Development
An overview of my development through expertise areas and my future goals
Math, Data & Computing
I view Mathematics, Data, and Computing as invaluable tools which I use to integrate logic and intelligence into my designs. I have always been captivated by the utility and elegance of mathematics in nature and I aim to replicate this in my work. Y1 development: • I Learnt to use Processing too create math driven interactive creative coding projects such as a custom controller driven simple 2d racing game, and a customizable creative spirograph pattern program. • Through the Data Processing course Learnt to use python data processing tools to be able to organize, filter and draw conclusions from project data sets. Y2 development: • I learnt how to utilise more tools within Blender and incorporated these skills in projects. For example, I used a geometry nodes group to create a responsive cybersigilism pattern creation tool used to create custom patterns for embroidery in my P3 wearable senses project ‘ravr’. I also used blender for modelling, simulation, rendering compositing and scripting in supporting logo and graphics design work in projects, and for the creation of 3D visuals in this portfolio.
Technology & Realization
Technology & realization is at the core of my design process, turning ideas into tangible products through the use of ever developing fabrication tools and processes is my favourite aspect of design as a whole. Y1 development: • I built on my previous expertise of 3D printing, employing best practice modelling techniques to create easily printable models which don’t require support material and accounts for 3D printer tolerances in holes and cutouts. • An area which I had very limited experience with was woodworking. Throughout my first year I utilised many of the woodworking machines in vertigo allowing me to build confidence working with large, powered equipment. I used these tools together with my teammates in the making of our P2 design 4 movement tasks. • Throughout Project 2 I learnt how to use and integrate microcontrollers like Arduino and esp32 into my projects. I had no previous experience with microcontrollers; however I successfully used an Arduino uno to operate my Project2 Chappie design, using servos, sensors and an oled display. Y2 development: • I learnt many new textiles related fabrication skills including hand, stitching, using sewing machines, embroidery and pattern creation through my work in the Aesthetics of Interaction and P3 wearable senses courses. These skills have unlocked many new design possibilities for me such as the integration of electronics in the soft textile patches of our P3 ‘ravr’ wearable. • Another new fabrication technique I utilised was laser cutting in my ongoing Designing Actuated Systems course by using sketches made in Fusion360 to create appropriate vector image patterns for cutting.
Creativity & Aesthetics
I find the creativity & aesthetics to be highly important in my work. Instead of choosing function over form, I always aim to create products which blend the two seamlessly, producing designs which are captivating in their appearance and satisfying in their interactions. Y1 development: • I develop my sketching skills through the exploratory sketching course, learning to not only visuals ideas but to use sketching as an active tool throughout the ideation and aesthetics phases of designing. Y2 development: • Beyond just visual aesthetics I explored the aesthetics of interaction of my designs through the AOI course. I learnt how to shape designs to elicit affordances in satisfying to use interactive objects. We utilised this learning for our AOI deliverable AlertUp. • I learnt how to use Affinity Designer, Publisher, and Photo as a means to design using vector software. These skills have been invaluable to me in supporting my work for embroidery, laser cutting and graphic design. • I believe in the second year I have developed a consistent design language in my modelling and graphic design work reflective of my identity and personal aesthetic.