For this assignment, I came up with two tools because I had a sudden change in thought after finishing drawing the first tool.
My initial tool was based on my suitemate in which I came up with a portable blending machine. I thought that this would benefit her greatly as she is very busy and barely has time to eat breakfast. This way, she not only saves time from blending smoothies at home and washing multiple dishes, she is also able to take it out with her. She even tells me that she wishes she has the time to make her own smoothies in the morning. But after I finished this drawing, I thought that a portable may have already exists even though it doesn’t have the exact same functions as my design, so I decided to do another.
First Design
Notes and sketches:
Final First Sketch:
This ‘blending cup” has a lid and a non-slippage grip at the bottom (middle part) to prevent the drink from spilling with the use of silicone rubber — a multi-purpose function where it is for the user to reach into push the button that is placed directly under the blade. Next to it, it would be a place to insert batteries. Instead of charging it, I thought that this would be more practical because of how chunky chargers can be as my suitemate already has so many belongings she carries around with.
Final Design tool
The second tool I designed is based on my brother. Like me, he travels a lot by plane and I always see his head ‘bobbing’ up and down when he sleeps that stops him from having a peaceful, long sleep. To stop this from happening, I decided to design pillows that can be attached on the plane seats with straps. This will not only increase the comfort of his travel by having the pillows on his sides, it will also stop his head from banging on other passengers’ shoulders.
Sketches:
Final Design Tool:
Illustration:
After critique in class, I got some feedback regarding on the pillow’s comfort and how the two blocks on the side could potentially strain the user’s neck. Additionally, I also thought about its size, in which it could be a hazel to carry this onto the plane.
After some thought, I decided to make this pillow inflatable that manually inflates once air is blown into. I wanted to also add some components that would support the users neck. In order to do so without having the neck-support pillows blocking in the way for those that prefer not to have it, they will also be inflatable. When not in use, they can be zipped up in the pockets attached on the alternative parts.
Illustration:
Final Prototype:
The three compartments of the pillow were all sewn separately to indicate the sections (easier seen in real-life and not on photos). I used cotton and elastic band as material of choice for this prototype — as if it would be made for use. Inside the pillows are cotton balls that I have used as stuffing that gives the soft ‘pillow’ effect.
Process Photos:
