Design Contexts

Gourab Kar
Sanandan Sudhir
Krishan Jagota
PGPD 2012
Red Dot, Presentations and
Form
The Design Contexts module started with
introduction of elements of design and presentation
on award winning designs (Red Dot, IDSA etc) being
shared between batch mates.

The next assignment was to design principle of
design for judging the intricacies of a concept or
product, and exchange of presentations happened.

The third and fourth assignments were based on
shaping out intuitive forms from thermocol to
initiate desired feelings in the user as he looks at
the form. I made around 30 forms and presented.

In the fifth assignment, we were asked to pick up
basic shapes and adding them, take care of primary
and secondary features in form. I made over 60
forms to reach 15, and out of them we selected Top
4 after discussing with Gourab. My assignment was
based on getting forms starting from a curve cut off
a triangle. All the pictures of this assignment are in
soft copy as part of the submission.

Design Contexts Project
We were shown four presentations on human factors,
and history of design by Gourab.

After basic understanding of form and function, we were
all asked to pick up products from the market, and then
select one of them to critically analyse them from the
aspects of ergonomics and form and come up with
better alternatives of the same.

After going through some products, I finally selected the
egg beater/lassi maker for my assignment, as it was a
product with 3 functions involving directly with the
human factors.

1. Handle 2. Rotating Knob 3. Weight

We were to look at the aspects of the product like ease
of use, user group involved and function based issues
within the product. We had to document the use of the
product and observe the issues according to human
factors, and present in class.


Contextual Inquiry
People Usage Material Form
The beater is widely used by chefs all around the world, to beat eggs, make cakes and make lassi in dhabas. This product that I
bought, costs Rs. 40 and is available throughout the city of Ahmedabad. It has a handle on top of it, and the functioning happens by
rotating the knob, which further makes the blades rotate using the gear mechanism.

The product is made out of plastic and thin steel. Its made using injection molding and plastic vacuum forming techniques in industry.
Its a functionality based product, and hence theres no visible form language in the product.

The form is more of a covering to the bare essential elements, including the circular gear right in the center, and its available in
colours red, blue and grey.
Human Factors Analysis
Video documention of the usage of the product in pseudo
situation of making ice tea with high quantity of powder to
give simulation of lassi making, within the college canteen.
Task analysis
Flexion deviation
From neutral posture
jugaad
Lots of issues!
Needs Change!
Temperature
Given the nature of the product, its not exposed to a lot of
temperature. The material involving plastic doesnt get
affected within the range of temperatures the product is
used in. Hence, the product is decent to tackle change in
temperature in the context of its use.
Frequency of use Weight
Though its a light weight product, the usage shows
imbalance due to lack of support while using it along a
vessel. If the weight is changed a bit, the product might
suit more to the hand. All in all, the product is quite light
weight and easy to carry.
I am looking at a scenario where there is constant use
of the product, to make Lassis at the dhaba. In such a
case the frequency of use shoots up as compared to
household uses of the same. The products ergonomics
hence becomes a critical factor in its overall
improvement.
Product Form Analysis
Proportions
The proportions within the product are geometrically
inclined, as the height of the rotating knob equals the
radius of the circular gear, and the triangles length is
just sufficient to accommodate the gear. The Handle also
appears to be a part of an inverse triangle.
Colours Blue/Red and White
HANDLE
KNOB
FRAME
GEAR
Dominant
Dominant
Dominant
Subdominant
Subordinate
Proportions of frame with dimensions
Helpful in building quick prototypes
Design Brief
To refine the current product in terms of human factors, keeping in mind the ease of use along
three directions:
1. Handle
2. Rotating Knob
3. Support, if required
While maintaining the weight of the material, refine its form to make it aesthetically attractive.
Sketches, Renders and Prototyping
Handle on side?
Handle at an angle?
CONCEPT
Handle on top?
Handle parallel?
Handle at 45degrees?
Frame
Round handle
Quick sketching for prototyping
Marker Render
Marker Render with proportion
Alternative Handle
Refined Sketch
Digital Render
3D Models
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
Print for reference while prototyping
Frame MS sheet
Wreck time
Handle frame
MDF handles for testing
MDF handles for testing
#1
#2
#3
#4
Top 5
Testing and feedback
Comparison between top 3 prototypes was
carried out through testing in simulation of
Lassi making, by a chef in college Canteen
The protocol is feedback from the user, and observations documented leading
to the understanding of ease of use in terms of human factors, and rating it out of 10.
Parameters : Position of hand, Speed of rotation, Overall movement of product in use
Prototype #1
No neutral position
Prototype #2
Prototype #3
Test Results
Form Refinement
Some Explorations
3 views Geometrical (Triangular)
Sharp Curves
3 views Geometrical (Round)
Variations
3 views Geometrical (Egg)
Inspired from forms
3 views Geometrical (MIX)
3D modelling attempts
Egg + Edgy
Final Look
after covering
Critical sections
Exploded View
Conclusion & Future Possibilities
The learnings in this course have been immense, with exposure to form and
ergonomics together. I have learnt that once the functionality of a product is
sorted out, form conceptualizations happen on their own.

This project helped me understand the process about understanding a product
in terms of human factors and go about finding opportunities in its
improvement. I also learnt that no product is perfect, and theres always scope
of improvement.

For instance, in this particular case, a lot can be done on the mechanism of the
product and the support being provided with the vessel. Next in line will be to
make the product self standing.

Further product development will also include exploring the use of other
materials that are durable, cost effective and lighter in weight.
References
Bodyspace by Pheasant

Human Factors in Engineering and Design

Engineering Anthropometry

Presentations by Gourab Kar, on

Designing for the Hand

Design of Hand operated Devices

Aesthetic Performance