Project2: UPCYCLING

As number of vehicles like bikes and cars being increased, the amount of used tyres also grows dramatically. There are found of millions of waste and unwanted tyres in landfill and they have a strong impact on environment due to improper disposal. Therefore through this project, I decide to transform this trash into a like rubber product – Wine Carrier. Now, this waste is redesigned and used in an environment friendly way with low cost for material purchase.
Firstly, I have considered the properties of tyre inner tube and see what thing that I can make out from this material. Tyre is like rubber, it is durable and moveable. Playing around, we can see that it has high elasticity. Thus, I think it is very good for making product that to hold or store things like bag or storage. Some of my very first ideas are to make clothe rack or food case. However it is not really suitable because of the safety and cleanness issues.
Wine carrier is normally made out of various materials; however one of the most famous materials recently is Neoprene. In general, tyre and neoprene have the same rubber characteristic; also they both are temperature insulating. Thus, choice to make wine carrier out of tyre inner tube is logical, functional and suitable.
I redesign the appearance of a normal Neoprene wine holder, so it would bring pleasure to users. The bag has a weaving structure rather than a normal, flat surface. The basic crossing over one under one is used because it gives a tight layer and clear weaving shape. The opening is one of the most changed of the design, it shows curves which is implied for the movement of wine when pouring or even also implied for the spread for wine smell. It is ended in a circle captures the feeling when first tasting wine. Head is spined around, everything starts to be blurry and in round shape. The handle is also redesigned to so we can hold it easier and more comfortable. There is a folded piece of cardboard is inserted inside the base of tyre wine carrier, so the base becomes stiffer and more stable.
This bag is done by hand sewing and it took for around 3 days. I think we can manufacture both by hand sewing or using machine, however it would save lot of time for mass product by using sewing machine. Before the sewing process, tyre is cleaned several times with water and soap, so it can be clean enough for use.
In conclusion, I think this is a very good choice of upcycling millions of waste tyre inner tube. Its characteristics rubber- like makes sure the long lasting of use without any breaks or damage. Also, its insulation helps to keep the wine being cool all time. Material is available in plenty of numbers and with low cost; simple sewing technique is used. Therefore, this elegant wine carrier is completely suitable for mass product and out in the market.

Design for Life

I have been thinking a lot about Design and also being a Designer after watching this video, Design for Life. Firstly, I can see and understand the twelve students and their pressures for working under Phillip Stark. I feel in the same boat as them right now, projects are due every week and also there are pass and fail, there are complains and complements.
Next, I have wished to work exchanged or internship in another country. And of course thing would be so great as long as I can work under a well known designer, so I can collect my own experiences in design field. Yet I have never thought thing would go so tough and stressful like I have been seen in this video.
Who say being a Designer is easy cos you can thing you love!? Never. I just feel it is such a hard job ever. You are talented; you have your own passion in design aren’t good enough to give you a place in the future design market later. As through the video, we can see Philiip looking for someone who is productive and creative ALL TIME. He believes we are all new generation, we much do something more meaningful and creative in design. But though self experience and also students in the video, I can see the difficulties of a new designer. I feel my mind is blanked and empty , I feel i run out of idea , I feel lost and not being a designer as when I have to work under pressure and then force my brain works unstopped. I just take Mike situation in the video clip. Mike is a good designer who can stay till really inside of the competition, yet he nearly was kicked out in the 2nd task ( may be cos of stress , i guess , so no good design idea cames up) . I mean it is hard for a designer to come up with a good idea always.
Anyway, through this I also have learnt a lot. I know exactly what job a product designer needs to do. Yes it is as always that there is brief, then idea, research, model prototype and presentation of your ideas. When you are given a board brief, you need to narrow it down by given it to a specific situation or experience. Also, I was really impressed by the way those student go research and develop their ideas. Firstly, Nabbi- who is very intelligent and smart in design. I was surprised by the way he dose his 2nd task, everything is come up from his brain, no internet and no newspaper. Later, I was so so so impress by the way Mike goes and experience him of being a blinder, so then he can understand more about his product and his client. Or even the girl who goes and experiences her with elderly people. I feel it is special because I never do that for my design , but from now on i will learn and experience more about my design as the way those student did.
Being a good design is really hard, cos your design needs to reach all of the necessaries in the market. Therefore, through this video, I can see that even I do study hard for design everyday, I also need to go out look around and research more design. So I will collect more experiences for myself and it will be useful for my creativity later.