Brooms
Designing for conversion and connections
for: personal exploration
year: 2023
What if products designed for autonomy necessitate collaboration to function?
How would that alter our behavior and community engagement compared to those that prioritize convenience and autonomy?
Research Phase
To gain a deeper understanding of the research and philosophies, I created several minimum viable products (MVP) to explore and analyze individual components before integrating them together.
The first MVP focuses on understanding our relationship with the aesthetic of smoothness, as discussed in Byung-Chul Han's "Saving Beauty."
I designed and manufactured a gallery bench with a unique twist by incorporating unconventional materials not typically found in such benches.
The second MVP investigates Marshall McLuhan's concept of "The Medium is the Message," aiming to comprehend how the form or method of receiving information influences our understanding.
I redesigned a material sample booklet by transforming the square 1" x 1" format of materials into a beveled rectangular shape that we all know and love. This alteration aimed to explore how it would impact users' interaction with the materials.
The third MVP focuses on integrating the two concepts from the previous MVPs into the functions and redesign of an everyday object that resonates with everyone. In this case, the chosen object is a straw.
Creating a product that shifts from individual use to requiring collaboration, the development of the 4-way straw raises questions about individual responsibility within a community and encourages individuals to consider the "bigger picture" rather than focusing solely on themselves.
Looking at Everyday Objects to Redesign
Changing Perspectives
Rather than looking at Products to redesign, look at designing Actions
Designing Actions into solutions
In this case, designing various actions to sweep
In my exploration of other everyday products, I engaged in brainstorming sessions to generate ideas and concepts that aligned with this line of thought. Eventually, I settled on the act of sweeping as the focal point.
Sweeping was chosen due to its simplicity, as it is an action that people can easily understand, imagine and perform almost intuitively. Making it universally relatable, thus making it an ideal choice of action to further explore, sparking a series of brainstorming sessions.
Finalizing Designs
Classic Broom
Mother and Child Broom
6ft Scrub Broom
Kick Broom
Tug of War Broom
Spring Broom
Hula Broom
Video Example of using brooms
Thesis Exhibition Photos |Process
Research and MVP's
Thesis Exhibition Photos |Final
TIME TO SWEEP!!!
Community engagement whiteboard drawing!
So I guess maybe ... just maybe ... we should consider rethinking design?
