Project 2: Special Carriers

Our second project for Survey of Design is to make a special carrier out of only corrugated cardboard. We each got different objects to make carriers for. And I got a bouquet of flowers. Things to consider for the carrier:

• it needs to carry, protect, and help people appreciate the object
• it has to be useful (can carry stuff), usable(human interaction), and desirable (make the experience enjoyable)
• it must explore the structural and aesthetic qualities of cardboard
• it should function both as a transportation of the item and a gift package

I looked for how things are packaged in real life.

I mainly looked for structural qualities, such as the scored corners of a box.

9/23/19

We were given the assignment of making corners of cubes out of cardboard using different methods. The cubes have 6" sides. And we can use any material to bind the cardboard cube into shape.

For the left one, the only material I used is cardboard. I like this one the best because it is simple to make and the result is sturdy.

I experimented with tape (right up), hot glue (left down) and glue stick (right down).

In class critique, I saw many interesting ways people put together their cube corners. A lot of different materials and techniques were used.

Here are the main takeaways:

• usage of cardboard, whether the person “flaunts” the material or makes it low-key
• the slit on the cardboard does not have to be on the side of a square, it can be the diagonal; it can even be used as a decorative element.

sketch of other people’s cubes.

9/26/19

This time, we were given the assignment of building our item out of cardboard. My guess is that this would enable us to understand both the material we’re using to build the carrier and the form of our item better.

My bouquet of lilies

Due to the delicate shapes of flowers, I don’t think using the whole width of cardboard would capture its characteristics. So I tore apart my cardboard and examined its different elements.

the natural lines on the ripped cardboard is similar to the lines on the leaf of the lily.

I found that it is comprised of three layers. And I can create three different textures with them. I assigned each texture to elements of the flower that fits the most. Then I started to play with the material itself.

Making the flower and stem:

I found the perfect material for the stem (top right)

The flower bud:

Putting all elements together:

I was not very happy with how the flower turned out. It looked more like a rose than a lily. So I decided to do some sketches to study its form.

the lily has petals growing outward in groups of threes. The flower’s top view resembles the Star of David.

The second version of the flower:

I was more satisfied with this version as it captures the characteristics of the lily better.

It took a long time…

Thanks Grace :)

9/26/19

In class today, we went over the cardboard prototypes we made of our items. My main takeaways:

• Accuracy in terms of weight, size, and shape (these are surrogate objects)
• Delicacy of the object (impacts interaction)

notes from class.

We also talked about the upcoming assignment. Over the weekend we are given the task of making a few models of the carriers (can be components of the carrier). Some things to keep in mind:

• the carriers are not for mass production
• they can be unique and difficult to produce
• experiment with an arrangement of objects (different flowers have different shapes, weight etc.)
• explore the characteristics (iconic shapes) of our objects more

Our professors brought in some packaging examples for us to examine:

Apple is very particular about the user’s experience from packaging to product.

Interaction with hands.

Display and explanation.

Staying true the form of the object & letting unique characteristics show.

Safety in the case of sharp objects.

how volume is dealt with.

9/28/19

I started sketching for ideas.

I numbered the ones I wanted to make prototypes for.

I liked the idea of a handle on the side, with which a person can hold it both vertically and horizontally. The carrier would be placed vertically on the table, so that the flower petals don’t get crushed.

Prototype 1

I wanted to focus on functionality for this prototype, since I am not entirely sure that the carrier won’t fall over when placed vertically on a table due the the weight of the flowers. Also, I don’t know if the flowers will fall out when a person holds it horizontally (thus I made the side opposite the handle the tallest to support the flowers). In addition, I figured out ways to put the carrier together using only cardboard since it is part of the requirement of the assignment.

Interaction with hands/arms.

For this prototype, I like the simplicity of assembling it and taking it apart. It gives the person many ways to hold it, and it is easy to hold. However, due to the light weight of cardboard, it is too top heavy. If I don’t arrange the flowers in a way to balance its weight, it might topple over when placed vertically on a table. In addition, when held horizontally, the flowers might fall out if the carrier is tipped too much. This problem may be addressed by placing the handle closer to the top opening (where the flowers come out) to balance out the weight. Or, I could add a square shaped cardboard inside the carrier with a little hole for the stem of the flowers to hold it in place.

9/30/19

Prototype 2

This time I want to make a carrier prototype that can be laid sideways on the table. Potentially, this would address the problem of the carrier toppling over when placed on a table.

Due to the restrictions of cardboard, I simplified the cone into planar shapes. I considered making a hexagonal pyramid, but decided to try a simpler version instead. So I settled for a square pyramid.

First, the carrier itself…

I realized that using 10 inches and 12 inches (the height I used for prototype 1) for the heights of the triangle is too short. Too much of the bouquet is exposed. So I decided to use 12 and 14 inches instead.

In order not to squash the petals of the flowers when laid down on a table, the carrier needs a prop on its longest side (the side the flowers will be laying on).

Prop Version A: I thought of using a rotational triangular prop, one that can rotate to be parallel to the side of the carrier when not needed (above).

Prop Version B: I could also make the rotational triangular prop rotate to be added to the top of the carrier when the carrier is held (below).

Version A:

I made a little adjustment to connect corders of the pyramid (top right), making it sturdier. Also, the original jutted into the stems of the bouquet while this one does not.

Big Problem! The bouquet of flowers is so top-heavy, it tips the whole carrier over like a seesaw, which defeats the entire purpose of having the triangular prop. When I finished Version B for the prop, the result is largely the same.

Version B:

While using my cardboard flowers, the “seesaw phenomenon” doesn’t happen, it does with the real flowers. This made me realize that I need to improve on my cardboard flowers to imitate the weight of my real flowers.

These two failures made me realize that laying the carrier sideways may not be a viable option. Classmates suggested I add weight to the bottom of the carrier, but considering the fact that cardboard doesn’t weigh much, it would require a lot of cardboard to make a difference. So I discarded this idea.

My next steps are:

1. Make cardboard flowers heavier and more realistic
2. Explore variations on Prototype 1
3. Look for more inspiration

Class Critique

10/1/19

We worked backwards to infer the criteria for this assignment from the prototypes we made. Here is what I highlighted in my notes:

Criteria:

• Information Transparency- the form should inform the function; how the object is used should be self-evident
• “Most Advanced Yet Acceptable” (MAYA)- unique yet does not disrupt social norms/schemas
• User Experience should be intuitive and enjoyable (pay attention to facial expressions)
• Protection of the object from damage

Other takeaways:

• Transportation + Presentation take priority over Display
• consider from different POVs (human, flowers, cardboard)
• consider how the material (cardboard) influences craft
• look at flowers for visual inspiration

10/2/19

Prototype 3

My idea for this prototype came from a quick sketch I did in class. Basically, the carrier contains two parts. When carried in hand, the bottom part mirrors the top part, its narrow end serving as a convenient place to hold the bouquet. When put on a surface, the bottom part is inverted so the larger opening serves as a stable base for the whole bouquet, forming an hour-glass shape.

The main challenge is trying to determine the measurements. Some considerations I went over:

• the overlap between two parts in “hand-held” mode has to big enough so the whole thing doesn’t fall apart
• the bottom part should not be too long so as to make the whole carrier too tall when placed on a table
• the bottom opening on the top part shouldn’t be too big so the flowers don’t fall out when the carrier changes its form (when the bottom part is inverted)

Also, I think it would be neat to add a handle so there can be multiple ways to carry the bouquet (holding the handle or by its bottom). The handle would be on a sliding system (resembling prototype 1) in which the whole handle can be pushed into the carrier when the bottom part needs to be taken out and inverted. Also, it would serve as something that holds both parts of the carrier together, as it goes through both of the parts.

It has a nice, minimal aesthetic. However, the problem is, when the bottom part is inverted and inserted into the top part, the flowers get pushed up. Also, the whole thing is not stable enough in “display mode”.

I decided to solve this problem by cutting a hole in the bottom part so the flowers can fall through in “display mode”.

This solved the previous problem but created new problems: when carried in hand(s), the bottom of the stems slip out more than I would like; also, when the bottom part is inverted, I have to stick the bouquet through the 2" x 2" opening of the bottom part, which can get annoying.

In reflection, prototype three addressed the biggest problems posed in prototype one and two:

• the base of prototype three is stable enough to counter the unstableness of the top-heavy lilies
• Prototype three can both be easily carried and placed on a flat surface while still protecting the flowers

In addition, I also paid more attention to the craft of this prototype in terms of the material I use. Because the grain direction inside the cardboard, cutting it against the corrugation makes the edge harder to crush. When cut this way, the edge is also more decorative than any other way.

There is still a long way to go and lots of problems to solve, but I feel that I am getting closer to a version that I will be satisfied with.

10/3/19

In class discussion, we went over several factors we should think more on over the weekend:

• Cardboard- when cutting, think about both additive and deductive approaches; the material itself is part of the gift (it should be precious to the user)
• Interaction- intuitive; adding cues or simplifying may help
• Protection- the carriers don’t seem to protect the flowers enough
• Element of Surprise- tone down the obvious; giving the user a memorable reveal
• Form- should be able to accommodate a variety of different flowers; the interaction with the carrier can be indicative of the object’s form (ex: blossoming)

We also reflected upon our latest prototypes:

What works well?

The carrier can hold multiple and different types of flowers; it is can both be held and placed on a table; it achieves an aesthetic form through simplicity.

What’s not working?

The user doesn’t know how to interact with the carrier; the carrier does not offer enough protection for the flowers.

In addition, I think I have been thinking more about the function instead of form of the carrier. So I plan to experiment more with form more this weekend so that it can reflect the object it holds and communicate more as a gift.

10/5/19

I focused on the aesthetic qualities of the carrier this time. To get inspiration, I looked up time lapses of flowers blossoming and sketched along with it.

I really like the opening movement of the petals as the flower blooms, and I decided to try to implement that on the opening of my carrier.

I decided to try implementing caps on the opening in the shapes of flower petals. This way, the opening of the cap communicates the blossoming of a flower. Also, the cap serves to protect the flowers from the top.

Prototype 4

Further explorations through sketching

I want to attach handles to the “petals” of the carrier. When the user lifts the carrier, the “petals” close, and the carrier is in travel mode; when the user lets go of the handles and hold the bouquet by the bottom to present it to somebody, the “petals” open up, revealing the flowers inside.

The trick is getting all the petals to open and close at one time. The handles are attached to four “petals”, which leaves two “petals” that are inanimate. I want to try connecting the two handles with strips that go underneath the two inanimate “petals”. Ideally, this would make them open/close along with the rest of the “petals”.

The body of the carrier went smoothly. I used two pieces of cardboard and attached them without any adhesives. However, when I attached the handles, I ran into several problems:

1. the handles keep twisting while being held
2. the handles keep slipping out of the holes in the “petals”
3. the whole carrier becomes very complex and visually confusing

Also, I later realized the carrier looks like the demogorgon from “Stranger Things”…

Overall, I’m very dissatisfied with the outcome and decided to try a different approach with the handles and the opening. The only thing I am keeping from this version is the hexagon pyramid and its measurements because it protects the flowers well and fits nicely with the shape of a bouquet.

Prototype 5

Due to the complexity of the last prototype, I decided to try something very simple instead. However, I did not completely discard the idea of a blossoming flower. The handles attache to each other in the middle and when detached, opens up like a blossom. I considered whether I should take out half of the hexagon shape because the carrier might bump into the users’s legs when carried. But I decided against it because it cuts into the natural shape of the bouquet and will not hold as many flowers.

One trouble I ran into was connecting the handles. I initially cut open a slit to fit the opposite handle through, but soon discovered the friction between the handles is not strong enough to keep them from falling apart. After walking around the studio, I found inspiration in some other carriers’ handles, especially Elysha’s. She has a similar design as my handle (one end goes through a slit). However, she scored the end of the handle that goes through the slit so it gets caught when it’s about to slip out, preventing the handle from falling apart.

I took this idea and revised it. instead of the scoring, I cut through the whole thing, forming a trapezoidal shape to catch the handle when it slips. I experimented with how long I should make the height of this trapezoid. I also mirrored this method on the end of the other handle to provide double the security and more grip for the user. In the end, this method proved to be very successful.

Just as a side note, I don’t need tape to attach the handles to the body of the carrier. I did it because I reused the body from prototype four (I cut off the “petals”).

Overall I am reasonably pleased with this version. Somethings prototype five does well:

• simple shape is aesthetic
• the handle is sturdy and intuitive to use
• there are multiple ways the carrier can be carried
• the carrier protects the flowers well
• accommodates a variety of different flowers

Things that don’t work:

• there are no good ways to lay the flower down
• is the whole thing too bulky?

My goal for next week is to solve the problems that don’t work, perhaps looking back on my previous prototypes for inspiration.

10/8/19

Class Discussion- Feedback Speed Dating

We were given seven minutes one-on-one feedback sessions with our classmates. One person gives the carrier and listens to the other, who thinks out loud while interacting with the carrier.

Things that don’t work:

• the flowers are hard to take out without being damaged
• no way to put the carrier down without crushing the petals
• the latch on the handle is difficult to open; in some cases, people don’t even know it opens
• adjustability- smaller bouquets may get lost in the carrier
• the carrier is big and bulky (it touches the ground when held by a shorter person)

Things that work well:

• comfortable and sturdy handles (feels secure)
• latch system on handle is intricate and surprisingly strong
• outer surface is nice and smooth
• hexagon shape is unique

Side notes:

• some people remarked it would be nice to see the flowers more (the opening obscures the flowers too much)
• a slow reveal process that includes multiple steps may convey something precious within the carrier (ex. Apple packaging)
• repetition (interaction/movement or form) is nice when used well

Reflection

I got a lot of useful feedback on my carrier today. I learned that what is obvious to me may not be obvious to other people, and that if I don’t constantly seek feedback from other people I may assume too much about the usability of my product.

I also learned a lot on how a designer should frame a question or behave. Things that are useful to ask are usually someone else’s objective experiences, such as “what do you see?”, “how do you feel?” or “were you confused/surprised/disappointed by…?” It is generally not good to suggest to other people what to do on their projects. In addition, non-verbal reactions from people to my product are important cues to make note of.

10/9/19

Prototype 6

I decided not to change anything major in this revision. The main problem I am trying to solve are the ones identified in my last post (in the order they are listed in).

I first thought of lowering on side of the carrier so it would be easier to take the flowers out. But it is hard to make it low enough to take the flowers out yet high enough to hold the bouquet securely. So I decided to try a “open-door” system.

When developing this idea, I realized that the “latch doors” can also solve the problem of adjustability (small flowers getting lost in a big carrier). By having two “latch doors”, the user can open the top one to showcase a small bouquet of flowers; he/she can open both “doors” to take out the entire bouquet to put into a vase.

Having the “latch doors” also solves the problem of the handles being too difficult to unhook. If the user can take out the flowers through the “doors”, he/she would not need to unhook the handles at all.

This solution solved three out of my five problems, so I went ahead with it.

blue print; I’m making the whole carrier out of one connected piece

I am pretty satisfied with how this version turned out. However there are still some problems remaining:

• I still have not solved the problem of putting the carrier down on a table without laying it flat
• the handles latch system may mislead the user to try opening it instead of taking the flower out from the “doors” on the side
• because there are two “doors”, the user might try opening the bottom one first and taking the flower out that way, which may crush the petals (as shown in the left image on the bottom row)
• the form language of the “latch doors” can better convey the beauty of the flowers

sketches of potential improved forms

10/14/19

Final Version

For my final version, I chose to focus on the following elements:

Visual cues

sketches for ideas

Experimentations:

In the end, I decided upon the making something that juts out of the surface that both acts as a cue for the user and a handle to pull on. I decided to use a bigger shape for this “puller” (top right) because it is more visually cohesive with the rest of the form, and so that the user would feel secure enough to pull on it.

Also, I hid the connection of the handle inside the carrier so nobody would be tempted to pull on it, because that is not the right way to take the flowers out.

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Handle comfort

Prototyping just the handle:

I discovered that scoring the handle along the outer surface allows for it to bend smoothly inward, creating a comfortable grip for the user.

handle in final version

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Craft / security of connections between cardboard

In the final version, I made the part that sticks into the slit to connect longer (2") to fix my previous problem of the latch slipping out.

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Adjustability (for both big and small bouquets)

To accommodate smaller bouquets, the upper “doors” can be opened and tucked into two slits in the back of the carrier.

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final blueprint

Finished final version:

Reflection

There are definitely issue I wasn’t able to address, such as laying the carrier down (sideways isn’t ideal as it crushes the flowers). But overall I was pretty happy with how my final version turned out. The assembly is relatively easy and intuitive, and the interactive with the carrier is enjoyable. The handle is comfortable, and the latches slip through the slits easily with satisfying sounds. One thing I wish I focused more on is the visual aspect. I really liked the forms of some of my classmates carriers, and I realized a big part of liking a product lies in its visual form.

Some of my classmates carriers that I really liked:

(from left to right, top to bottom) Sarah’s pear carrier, Nicole’s macaron carrier, Jackie’s herb carrier, Maggie’s Lindor chocolate carrier, Teresa’s herb carrier

I learned so much from this project:

• improvement of a product through iteration of prototypes
• how to make something that is realistically functional
• considering not just the functionality and aesthetics of a product, but also the user’s interaction experience (whether it is intuitive and enjoyable)
• how to prioritize the problems I need to solve
• how to improvise when I mess up and time is running out

It was a stressful but fun experience. I pulled my very first all-nighter, but the fact that so many of my friends/classmates were here too made it okay.