Repair Project

1). The overall experience we had at the lab was interesting. Even though the result was not what I expected, I still enjoy the process a lot. The next time, I might be more careful when using tools to draw because of one of my plates was contaminated somehow. 
 

2)

I have seen similar repair practices in kintsugi in China. Below are some examples:

kintsugi definitely fulfills some of the criteria in Long Life Design such as repair for it is a repair technique that allows people to continue using the goods, and function is another one because once the broken ceramics is fixed, it is functional and can be easily used. Design is also a criteria kintsugi fulfills, I do think that a slow and long process of repair can make an object more meaningful and more beautiful. This kind of repair is really appeal to me. We can never control how the ceramic broke, in other words, the crack is random, but by using the kintsugi technique, we can add value to those random cracks, to me, this sounds pretty amazing. In addition, the piece sometimes can have unpredictable results and even more interesting to look at.           

3) If there is a repair cafe nearby school or where I live, I would love to stop by and visit, I think it is interesting to see different ways of repairing people come up with. I think there might be several reasons why many people are interested in repair? The first one is that more and more people are starting to realize that we don’t need so many new stuff in our lives, a simple repair would be done the job. The second reason is that not every single person can afford every item that broke, just like what the article was saying a single mother of four would not be able to replace every single item her child broke e, the repair is a perfect way to go. The last reason I can think of is that we build our relationships with our stuff, some of the items we have so many memories with and it is not easy to throw it away and get a new one. 

4) I think it is definitely a good way to make people think the question ‘ how do I make my stuff last longer’. I do also think that it will take some time in order to make this action wide spread because so many of us already have the habit of getting new stuff as soon as the old one is broken. I would like to see this kind of tax be possible in my home country for this is a good way of saving money, and also a good way to protect our environment. I definitely think it is possible there in Sweden and in the United States as well, it might just take some time.

5)I do think that buying good quality items are important because they can last longer. But I am not sure if I am 100% agree with the author of this article. Paying more money does not ensure you will get high-quality stuff. Take my Balenciaga as an example, I bought these pair of shoes because I thought they could go well with several of my outfits. These shoes turned out to be really heavy and hard to walk on daily basis even though it is good quality. Expensive item certainly will make people want to take care of objects, but there are also some other aspects of items can do the same thing such as the memories and stories behind the item, the places you got the item, the degree of likeness of the item, etc.

6) I think Origami-Inspired clothing is a brilliant idea. The most innovative part of this design is that this garment can “grow” as the body grows. It gave me some inspiration about how adults can have those similar designs for their clothing. What if the clothes can change its shape or length” What if a Jacket can turn into an umbrella? I do think all these can be possible. 

7)

REPAIR INTO RESILIENCY PROJECT_ 

1. Chose a Repair 

What object will you repair and why? 

A broken Starbucks cup, the reason why I chose this is because this specific piece was a birthday gift from my friend, and I accidentally dropped it and the handle broke.

Do you consider the repair to be an important design skill? 

I do consider repair as an important skill.

2. Do Research 

What are 2-3 possible ways this object could be repaired?

1. straightforward repair to make something functional again
2. Tear the piece and turn into something completely different but also functional.
   What do you need in order to do the repair?  Skills, love for the object(passion), the material needed for the repair process.
   Do you have the materials and skills?  I think so
   How have you closely considered your choice of materials (not using toxic glue/plastic etc.)? Since my object is ceramics, it kind of needs a strong glue to hold it back together. 

What will your process of repair be? Simply glue back the broken piece and maybe add some decoration on it.
How long do you expect the repair to take? How long do you want your repair to last? Not very long, but I am expecting the repair will last long.

3. Attempt Repair 

4. Does it work? 

Was the repair successful? I consider so
Are you happy with the results? I think my decoration(drawing) could be better
Is the repair more beautiful/interesting in some way than the original? How is the object more resilient after the repair?  I think it gained back the functional part. Now I have one more special memory with it, so I will cherish it more.

5. Analyze and Draw Conclusions 

What did you learn? Repair is an important skill to have, and the process of repairing is also fun.
How long do you expect this repair to actually last now that it is complete? What surprises did you encounter? I expected my repair to last long, at least two years. There were no surprises encountered in the process.
What would you do differently next time? Improve my drawing skills, do some more complicated decoration.
Are there other ways you could have repaired this item, that you realize now? After completing this project, do you consider repair a more valuable skill? Since the broke part of my cup was only on the handle, the straightforward repair is the only way I can think of right now. After completing this project, I consider repairing a more valuable skill.

6. Communicate Results 

7. Reflection 

What is the most important aspect of making a design easily repairable? 

Something that is easy to use, easy to understand. 

After completing this project, what’s one object that you wish you could repair but don’t feel as though you currently have the skills to do so? 

I have a table that somehow the surface is not flat anymore, I guess one of the foot was bent a little.

Did your repair require fewer materials and involve fewer systems than buying a new replacement? Which systems? 

My repair requires fewer materials and involve fewer systems than buying a new replacement.  The only thing I need to have was the ceramics glue.  By simply applying a few drops, 50% of the repair was completed.