Origami
TYPE Personal Studio Project
DURATION 3 Weeks
ROLE Product/Package Designer
Summary
The project involves creating a flat-shippable, easily assembled freestanding luminaire with a focus on quality illumination. Designers should explore two-dimensional materials, consider cost and material usage, and aim to balance cost-effectiveness with providing a beautiful, functional, and affordable product. Success will be measured by the "cost vs. benefit" value, emphasizing the need for an efficient and user-friendly design.
Design Constraints
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Design constraints stem from the goal of minimizing costs and materials, necessitating a streamlined assembly process. This imposes limitations on tools and materials, emphasizing simplicity to achieve efficiency within specified financial and resource boundaries.
Prototyping and Exploration
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Prototype exploration involved combining foam board, Canson paper, and wood. The focus was on experimenting with paper folding techniques to create intriguing and soft light-shadow effects. Various folds and overlaps were explored to determine the most captivating and gentle play of light, enhancing the design's aesthetic appeal. The choice of materials, including foam board and Canson paper, aimed to balance creativity and practicality in achieving the desired visual impact.
Laser Cutting and Cost Control
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Due to the necessity for flat packaging of the light fixtures, production must be in an immediately assembly-ready form. Laser cutting provides an efficient and precise method for preparing components for flat packaging. I analyzed cost reductions using ponoko.com and modified files to achieve the most efficient layout. When creating cutting files, nesting was employed to economically utilize materials to the fullest extent. This design decision ensures cost-effectiveness through flat packaging while maintaining the quality of the fixtures.
Easy Assembly Process
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The design product features an easy assembly process without the need for glue, scissors, or additional tools, making it convenient for installation. It is user-friendly, even for children, with a simple and effortless operation.
Cost Breakdown
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Material ······ $14.28
Fabrication ······ $40.09
Total ······ $54.37
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Retail price: $65.00
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