industrial design portfolio

Elizabeth Yau(650) 291-9668

[email protected] Spyglass Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066

Industrial designer

Table of ContentsBelt Sander 2

Coaster Set 12

Teapot Handle 18

Orb 28

Dog Crate 32

Rotational Printer 38

Tables 50

Automatic Teller Machine 58

Curvilinear 66

Messenger-Backpack 70

Rocket Car 78

Rectilinear 82

Repose 86

Flashlight 94

Aquarium 98

Tuneasana 104

Designed for the novice user.Belt Sander

ProblemMost powertools are designed for expert users and can be overly complex, confusing and intimidating for novice users.

Designed ForWomen of ages 35-50 who have minimum experience with power toolsenjoy DIY and simple home improvement projects in their home.

Something comfortable to hold

Something lightweight for less stress on hands

Something instructive to tell where to begin

Something compact for delicate hands

Something simple to understand

User needs

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Pre-existing components considered in the design. Measurements are based on an existing belt sander.

Internal Components

Tension rollerBelt release lever

Motor

Driving roller

Trigger

Sandpaper belt

Motor: 5.5 x 2.3 x 2.3”

Overall machine: 13.25 x 6.0 x 6.0”

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Inspiration

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Concept development

Handle with soft lines fit into the curves of the hand.

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PrototypingFinding the most comfortable handle.

Pressure on the hand Discomfort on wristsLack of control

Both hands work together.Hard lines of handle are uncomfortable.

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Fine Tuning

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A belt sander for your home.Compact with a contoured, soft rubber grip handle for your comfort.

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Elizabeth Yau . [email protected] . 650.291.9668 10

Made from trash to cash.Coaster Set

Reuse and RecycleAs numerous materials are used everyday, many materials are tossed everyday. Eventually they become piles of landfill, which are problematic for humans and the environment.To decrease waste, designers can find creative, innovative ways to repurpose, reuse and recycle materials.

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Repurposed Materials

Vinyl tubing Aluminum sheet Fan grills taken from computers

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8-Coaster set for your coffee table8 Coasters

Spiral rack for storage

Vinyl tube feet provide a rubbery non-slip, non-abrasive grip

Have a firm grasp on your tea.

Teapot Handle

ProblemUlnar deviation causes discomfort during usage. The user is required to bend the writst and lower back while pouring.

Hand and wrist struggle to support weight

Hand comes in contact with hot pot base

Painful point while pouring

ObjectiveTo create an ergonomic mockup of a handle design that is comfortable and assists with pouring

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User DimensionsAge: 20-40

Gender: Male and female

Style: Contemporary

Frequency of use: 5 days/week

Simple

Sturdy

1.8” handle diameter

Comfort

Minimize strain on shoulder, arm and wrist

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Market ResearchCommon handles currently available.

Loose grasp on a slender handle

UnstablePot swings on hinges

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Exploring various angles and forms.

Form Exploration

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User Testing

Placement of the large volume on lower half allows a straight wrist

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Pouring a full pot

The large volume forces user to hold lower half

Comfortable thumb rest

Uncomfortable grip

Too wide

Quality of grip is largest concern

Ideal to use from a sitting position only

Pouring a half-full pot

Poor grasp in upper handle area due to a smaller diameter

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ModificationsConcave surfaces for fingers

Decreased diameter

Balanced form

More static form

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Elizabeth Yau . [email protected] . 650.291.9668

Fingers wrap around bulge for a firm grasp

Bulge fills the palm for a sure grip

Thumb rest allows stability

Balanced shape so user can adjust hand position for pouring while standing or sitting

A redesigned teapot handle.

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Tranquil to soothe your shoulders.Orb

PrototypingExploring various curvature to find the form with the least strain on the hands.

A holding position for each hand.

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The orb massager’s concave surfacecups comfortably to thecurve of the shoulder.

Massaging surface

Shoulder Massager


A spacious yet homey place for your canine.Dog Crate

Image board

Form Development

The dog crate should appear

Weightless, not overwhelming for comfort

Cozy like a home

Private for a personal space

Experimenting with various features.

Awning like the roof of a home

Raised off the ground for a weightless feel

Vents and windows to let in ample light

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CreationThe main body is composed of 2 thermoformed parts, a top and bottom, which were made from a 2-part mold.

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2

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A new home for your canine.The awning is welcoming and provides a feeling of protection. The high ceiling creates a spacious interior. The window allows ample amount of ventilation and light for a relaxing nap.

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Print for your viewing entertainment.Rotational Printer

BackgroundIn the days of the Gutenberg Press, printing was slow, but still a phenomenal gift.

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Nowadays, this fast-paced age demands immediate prints, linking printing with feelings of stress and impatience.

Problem

Demand for prints

Chore

Stress

Impatience

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Persona: ChloéChloé is a restaurant manager and chef. She is 32 and lives in a house with her husband. She enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, and fine dining. In her home office, she wants to print for leisurely activities such as recipes and colored graphics for her scrapbooks. For work, she needs to print menu drafts and work schedules. She uses electronics, but isn’t tech savvy.

Aesthetic Goals

Functional Goals

Lightweight

Space-saving

Sophisticated

Simple

Entertaining

New way of printing

Straight-forward

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Concept Development

Rotating printhead

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Developing the concept of a rotating printhead. Exploring movement and composition of components and mechanics.

Concept Exploration

Too tall No stabilityShape causes it to roll or rockPaper trays are missing

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ProblemMost powertools are designed for expert users and can be overly complex, confus-ing and intimidating for novice users.

Fine TuningThe addition of paper trays. Exploring silhouettes, saving space and compositions of basic shapes.

Simple primary shapes

Continuity

No bulk

n +p

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A printer for your home office.A printer that occupies minimal space on your desk with a small footprint and catches your eye with a rotating motion.

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Power buttonStatus Lights: Green - ready to printYellow - paper jam, low ink

Print head MotorAxis

Rotating wheels

Rubber to hold paper

Function

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Paper path

Printer Head MovementMoves horizontally along axis and around axis simultaneously


Furniture that goes back to basics.Tables

Design a piece of furniture through exploring basic shapes and forms.

Basic

Practical

Balanced

Floating

Simple silhouette

Project Objective

Driving Objectives

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Exploration of various forms and silhouettes, modularity, practicality, and creating a floating effect.

Concept Development

Modularity made the table too complex

Silhouette must be simpler

Each section is derived from a circle

1 Single piece to maintain simplicity

No modular parts

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Components

Wooden tabletopCircle

Aluminum sheetCircle

Aluminum tube legsSemi-circle

Aluminum tube baseCircle outline

All components are derived from a circle and form a simple, yet interesting silhouette.

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A coffee table for your waiting room.

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A variation of the coffee table.

A side table for an accent.

Maintains a simple silhouette

Maintains a floating effect

Basic

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Allowing handicapped and wheel-chair users to access self-service banking.

Automatic Teller Machine

ProblemSome ATMs do not accommodate physically handicapped users or their mobility equipment.

Inaccessible

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Existing ATMs’ limitations.

Structures for physical balance

Clearance for mobility equipment

Accessible, eye-level buttons and screen

Privacy

Research

The User Needs

Flat against the wall

No space for wheelchair, mobility aids or legs below ATM

No structures for balance and support

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Concept Development

60”overall height

34”keyboard height

48”screen height

Exploring ways to maintain privacy.

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PrototypingScreen height is lowered

Privacy is maintained by side panels

Surface and side panels for support

Clearance below keyboard for feet

Exploring ways to combine privacy and structures for handicapped to hold or lean on for balance.

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User Testing

Easy to reach functions, buttons and keyboard

User does not strain to reach the machine

Shields for privacy and standing support

Screen is at eye-level and visible

Space for legs

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CurvilinearLinear cross sections create a flowing form.

ObjectiveCreate a form whose body moves fluidly through space.

2.5”

10”

Orthographic views

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Final Design


Transform your bag.

Messenger-Backpack

Client: AdrianA 24-year-old full-time student. Adrian rides his bike to and from school. He says his backpack is loosely fitted and cannot be reached into while biking.

Adrian wants a bag that can be worn as a backpack or a messenger bag. It must be easiliy accessible and hold his school supples, laptop and necessities.

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Form and Function Exploration

Store strap in a pocket when bag is a messenger bag

Interior divisions for organization Padding for comfortPocket to store backpack strap

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Straps & ConvertabilityExploring strap features and ways to change strap orientation from mnessenger to backpack.

3 StrapsVelcroed into place when not in use

Mesh and padding for comfort and absorbing perspiration

1 StrapFolds in half to become 2 straps

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PrototypingTesting the sewing pattern and the form.

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The transformation.

A messenger-backpack for school.

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Rocket CarAn aerodynamic car that blasts off.

Design an injection molded toy rocket car, complete with snap fits and ribs, in Solidworks

Objective

Wheels

Axles

CO2 bottle

Bottom body shell

Top body shell

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RectilinearSimplicity turned dynamic.

ObjectiveCreate an intriguing structure from 3 rectangular prisms.

Unbalanced Static Dynamic

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Finally, a seat in the bathroom.

Repose

ProblemSome activities in the bathroom require sitting and other times, it would be nice to sit while performing your dailiy routine.In Paris, the size of living quarters is quite limited. In apartments, bathrooms are often small, and lack room to spare and a place to sit.

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Claudine is 67 years old and lives in France. She likes traditional French and Victorian style. During her daily routine in the bathroom, she experiences pain when standing for long periods of time and has difficulty with equilibrium.

Nostalgic

Traditional

Romantic

Charming

Persona: Claudine

Aesthetic and Inspiration

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Research & Data AnalysisGathered from interviews with seniors about their routine in the bathroom.

Painful areas

Joints

Shoulders

Lower back

Knees

How do the elderly feel when using the bathroom?

Areas experiencing pain Usable hand parts

LOSS OF EQUILIBRIUM

FearSlippingFalling

Standing for a long timeLifting oneself

Difficulties

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Concept Development

Existing solutions

Combine a seat with an existing elements to save space.

Trends for improvising a seat in the bathroom.

Common disadvantage: Occupy space

Occupies space Unhygienic

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Seat pivots around leg

Stowable SeatSeat can be pulled out when needed and stowed under the counter when not in use, preserving your space.

Stow seat under counter to preserve space

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A seat for your bathroom.Rest is just a pull away. Sit in the chair as you perform your daily routine. No matter how much time you need at the vanity, you will always have a place to sit and rest.

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Brighten up your mood and your room.

Flashlight

Design a battery-powered flashlight while maintaining its functional components.

Objective

lens

reflector

light bulb ON/OFF buttonD-cell battery D-cell battery

Spiraling lines add a whimsical design and provide paths for fingers to follow.

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A flashlight for fun.Its spiraling design is playful and provides an ambidextrous grip.

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Watch and wait for it to come to life.

Aquarium

BackgroundExpress and demonstrate a scientific phenomenon as an installation.

The concept is based on Archimedes’ Principle.Bubbles of carbon dioxide attach to objects submerged in water, increasing its overall volume. The buoyant force rises, pushing the object upwards. When the bubbles pop, the carbon dioxide escapes into the atmosphere, and the object falls.

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ObjectivesInviting

Lively

Lightweight, fresh appearance

Demonstrate a scientific phenomenon

Scientific principle + Design process = ?

Movement

Light

Bright colors

At eye-level

Negative space

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MaterialsWood (pedestal)

Transparent acrylic (aquarium)

Lentils

Blue and yellow paint

Solution: Water, vinegar, baking soda, food coloring

Blue and Yellow for a bright, lively mood

Transparent acrylic to allow light to pass through for an illuminated scene

Light green solution for a lightweight, fresh feeling

Lentils are small, round and have an organic form to be friendly and inviting

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Watch in action:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WLZq2LIOt0


Go out with your music.

Tuneasana

ObjectiveDesign a wireless powered speaker enclosure for low volume production and high volume production while leveraging materials, manufacturing processes, colors, textures and finishes.

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Persona: VictoriaA 28 year old working at an architecture firm. Her hobbies are yoga, art, hiking, and traveling. To stay active and fit, she takes indoor and outdoor yoga classes a few times per week. Her favorite travel spots are anywhere close to the ocean so she can go to the beach and get fresh air. Victoria appreciates the all-in-one aspect in her yoga mat with a carrying strap and a pocket that acts as a purse. Quality and attention to detail in luxurious fashion items catch her eye.

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Research and Analysis

BalanceBreathingEven distribution of weightFocus

Speaker enclosure should have these qualities

Speaker enclosure should make user feel this way

Grounded LightweightRelaxed

Yoga key elements

Yoga makes you feel

Necessities & accessories:Yoga matYoga strapYoga blockYoga mat carrying strapBag to carry keys, money, phone

Can these objects be incorporated into the speaker enclosure?

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Concept Development

Convenient to carry like a purse Multi-purpose

Yoga strap/carrying strap

Removable strap used during yoga

Multi-purpose

Can be used during yoga as a yoga block

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Bill of MaterialsLow volume BOM and amortization

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Bill of MaterialsHigh volume BOM and amortization

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Bamboo (solid)Natural, laminatedLow gloss

Acrylic (interior speaker cone compartment)IvoryLow gloss

Aluminum (interior speaker grill frame)Brushed aluminumClear anodized

LinenNatural

AluminumPolished brass color

BrassPolished

Materials and processes suitable for low volume production.

Low Volume Outdoor Speaker

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Materials and processes suitable for high volume production. Tradeoffs were made for production and pricing.

High Volume Outdoor Speaker

AcetalGreenMedium glossTexture 0.002”

Bamboo veneerNaturalLow gloss

ABSSatin finishTexture 0.002”

ABSHigh gloss

AluminumPolishedBrass color

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Portability and Versatility

Yoga strap is used for carrying speaker...

...And can be removed and used during yoga as music plays.

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Traditional artist’s palette meets modern artist’s palette.

Smart Paint Palette

SSc

Design a device that integrates a smart device such as a tablet or smart phone

Objects found for inspiration. How can their characteristics be translated into the product?

Objective

Scavenger Hunt

Rotating motion Pump

Folding hinge ClampPivot point

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Concepts created, some using objects from the scavenger hunt.

3 Concepts

Painting EaselA children’s toy that an iPad docks to. The user can mix colors on the palette and paint using a brush stylus. This teaches color theory.

Chosen Direction: Painting EaselThis concept has the most depth; it has a specific user and an objective. Few variations of this kind of product exist.

Magnetic Notepad/ClipboardA clip and stylus reminiscent of a clipboard. For people who use tablets mainly for organization, scheduling, notes, and making lists. A magnet allows mounting.

Rotating AquariumThe container is filled with water and the iPad’s screen is used as a light source that travels through the water. Screen displays colorful patterns or the time.

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This concept was inspired by my fine arts painting hobby, my desire for an element of fun, and interest in designing for children.

Inspiration

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Exploring brainstorming suggestions: features, locations of colors and mixing pot, and ergonomics.

Concept Development

Multi-use stylus-Brush-Pencil-Eraser

Paint tube imitates traditional painting for a realistic feeling. Press paint tube to squeeze out “paint”.

Standing orientation

Paint cans

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Ergonomics-focused exploration.

Concept Development

Hand slips into silicone loop

Traditional palette attachmentHole for thumb for stability

Brush shapes are large and robust like many handles on children’s products

2 Side handles

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Exploring various forms, features, and interfaces..

Mockups

Basic palette shape with hinge

Shape inspired by traditional artist’s palette

Used to choose proportions of docking device and iPad

1/2 Scale

Choose color by pushing buttonPush tube to squeeze out color

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Overall Form MockupsModifying the overal form. Testing a linear surface and a convex surface. and a carrying handle.

Hole provides a carrying handle

Large mixing pot

Concave surface for stylus

Larger color buttons

Mixing area is large - where the magic happens!

iPad can be viewed upright or flat

Top left corner acts as a knob for adjusting angle of palette

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Fine TuningCAD model built to help visualize materials, finishes, colors, precise details, and individeual parts.

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A smart paint palette for your child.

Hinge allows painting with iPad upright or flat

Primary colors, and black and white allow child to create customized, imagined colors

Mixing area is a large color-changing LCD screenColor theory education and fun through a modernized painter’s palette.

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industrial design portfolio

Documents

comfortable handle

handle design

hard lines of handle

upper handle area

soft rubber grip handle

existing belt sander

hand discomfort

fine tuning8a belt sander