satchel prototype no. 4

latest prototype for the satchels. I used a thicker upholstery material instead of the standard cloth-weight fabric, so this version is way more durable. I've started handstitching on some of the trickier areas, which is a whole new thing to learn, but should make for a nicer final product once I get it down.

I think this is the final prototype in terms of paterns and construction methods. From here I'll start to elaborate on this design by adding functionality + durability. I'm also gonna try to branch out a little bit. Messenger bag maybe? Iphone case? I also have a disturbingly strong desire to make a tie out of that beige fabric....I'm not really sure why.

- Zack

shift ideation: bike

This week kicks off the ideation phase of my senior project. I'm 1/3 done for the week, still need to play with the scooter and car, so check back for those before thursday.

I started with the bike since it's the simplest of the three, and this session I'm primarily concerned with aesthetics. Mostly the graphics of the frame. I'll be sketching on this stuff for the rest of the semester, so plenty of time to noodle the details later.

The two in red are not final directions by any means, way to early for that. They are, however, my favorites from the group. I'm going for minimal / bold / approachable, and I've discovered that bold and approachable seldom play nicely, so simple clean shapes seem to be the way to go.

- zack

prawn scouter

for my vizcom - alias class we had to design a vehicle based on a movie, so i chose district 9, and tried to imagine what some of the other prawn ships might look like.
i'm imagining this being for scouting / recon. the orange area in front contains a massive array of sensors and scanners. the rear black section that hangs down collects particle samples for analyzation. when not in use it retracts up into the top segment.

on an entirely different planet, i've finished the first phase of my senior project, so i'm going to begin sketching soon! look for work on that in the near future.

- zack

satchel prototype no.03 Basic

just finished my no.03 prototype.

same basic design as the no.02, but with a few changes. i've improved ergonomics a bit by attaching the strap to the body at a 45 degree angle, instead of straight up. this puts less stress on that connection when it hangs on the body.

i've been field testing the no.02 for a few weeks now, and it's holding up fine to heavy use (1-2 books, 1-2 magazines, a notepad, and markers).

my next step is going to be playing with materials and nailing down construction methods. i'd like to try something a little more durable, and i'm still trying to eliminate a little bit of slop from the build process.

- zack

business card

thoughts?

2011 Detroit Auto Show

Pics from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Some cool stuff this year. As usual, I was just as impressed by the exhibit design as I was by the cars.

- zack

Satchel prototype no. 02 - Basic

second satchel prototype.
i disregarded the 'ricochet' design for the time being to focus on fine-tuning the construction methods and pattern. i like this design, in a different way than ricochet though, it's cleaner. i'm much happier with this construction method, the body is made from a single piece (per material) instead of 5. the result is a much and more precise finish. i'm going to do a few more in this style with some minor variations on design.
on a somber note, my singer is kinda broken... i did this bag on my mom's machine. taking my singer in tomorrow, hopefully it's nothing to serious.

also, i've finished the prototype molds for the 1x1 pot from the x.y.z. series, i'll be pouring those tomorrow.

- zack