kevin courtney portfolio
TRANSCRIPT
Cockta i l Cart 05
Prenata l Bonding 1 4
Kayak ing PFD 2 6
Tact i le Toys 3 6
Thes is Exhib i t ion 44
MY NAME IS KEVIN COURTNEY. I’M A DESIGNER / PROBLEM SOLVER / MULTI -
DISCIPLINARY CREATIVE FROM SEATTLE, WA.
BACKING AWAY FROM CHALLENGES ISN’T MY THING. TACKLING PROBLEMS HEAD ON IS. I LIKE TO BE UP TO MY ELBOWS IN THE METAMORPHOSIS THAT TURNS A
CREATIVE CONCEPT INTO A TANGIBLE SOLUTION.
I BELIEVE IN ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS, THAT GOOD WORK BREEDS GOOD WORK, AND THAT WITH THE HELP OF DESIGN, EVERYONE’S
LIVES COULD ALL BE A LITTLE EASIER.
WWU Industr ia l Des ign Senior Class
Develop a cocktail cart from concept to functional prototype with a focus on 3 key elements.
PRESENTATION | STORAGE | MOBILITY
The pastime of serving cocktails at home developed from necessity during Prohibition. By the mid-century, the home
bar had become a mainstay in American households.
Cocktail culture is about the correct blend of elements- there’s as much a relationship between host and guest as there is between gin and
vermouth. Like a dance, these relationships are fluid and dynamic.
Balance and harmony are paramount.
Design a beverage cart that facilitates hospitality through celebrating the art of mixing a drink.
Early studies were encouraged to be intriguing and radical.
Inspiration was drawn from nature’s most dynamic structure - the skeleton. Bones and organic architecture
exemplify all the slender grace of a cocktail dress.
The iteration of models refined the original concept into an appearance model, emphasizing tapered, sculptural forms.
Born of paper, foam, and wood, these studies were constructed at 1:8, 1:4, 1:2 and 1:1 scale.
The finished prototype was manufactured from laser-cut aluminum, sculpted wood, and 3D printed ABS plastic.The pearl finish was achieved through auto-grade paint.
Sculpted curves united by thin peaks provide visual and structural balance. Slender, shifting surfaces guide the
viewer’s gaze to the upper surface - where all the action is.
The top surface of the cart serves as the stage for the preparation and presentation of a cocktail. Drinks are
prepared on the polished disk at the aft of the cart, then moved forward to be enjoyed by guests.
Martini glasses hang vertically from the aluminum rails that run along the lower surface. Easily accessed
by patrons at the receiving end, they facilitate a symbiotic relationship between host and guest.
Hubless wheels minimize physical volume, allowing the cart to skate across the floor swiftly and silently. Industrial strength ball bearings do the heavy lifting,
raising the handles to the grip of the host.
On display at the 2013 WWU Senior Show, complimented by a bespoke decanter and two martini glasses.
Anvi l Stud ios + WWU Industr ia l Des ign Senior Class
Team Kevin Courtney • Anna Perrella • Jeff Grothe • Jessie WixomRole UX Lead • Product Design • Research
Refine the integration of wearable health technology through application of a consistent design language to a family of forms.
The true potential of wearable technology is to enhance the human experience by improving quality of life. This is achieved
through integration of a product into a person’s lifestyle.
People make room for things that matter.
WEARABLE | INTERFACE | DOCK
+ +
There is no shortage of maternity products, but they all address different problems. Few have any sort of longevity through a child’s early life.
It was in their union that the opportunity for innovation lay.
Extend the benefits of prenatal bonding from pregnancy through preschool.
GOAL
Hearing is the first sense to develop in the womb. The fetal heart rate increases upon exposure to familiar sounds and voices. After birth, infants can recognize sounds and voices heard in the womb.
How can sound be used as a tool?
There are 6 million live births annually in the United States.
Of these, 14.5% will face complications. Both pre- and post-natal bonding are instrumental in the healthy mental development of a
child, and significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
A low-radiation, non-ionizing chip is used to ensure safety for both mom and the developing baby. The speakers are covered with a waterproof
silicone membrane - in case it doubles as a teething ring.
The wearable device uses a digital stethoscope to monitor the fetal heart rate as it responds to audio stimuli. Speakers in the
device play sounds directly to the baby.
Initial studies illuminated the benefit of circular, concave form. The circular geometry of the device facilitates its
recognition as a stethoscope or speaker. It also allows for the ever-changing circumference of the belly.
While directly talking to the baby, family and friends can get instant audible heart rate feedback on their mobile device.
An absent loved one can communicate with the baby by placing a call to the device, staying involved in the pregnancy while away.
To accommodate the full schedule of new parents, the device adapts to the changing needs of the baby. As the pregnancy
and child develop, so do the features and functions.
place callplace call leave voicemailleave voicemail
recording messagerecording message00:3500:35
time limit volume limit
set volume limitset volume limit
decibelsdecibels36361010
set time
minutesminutes
time limit volume limit
home
voicemusic recording
respond
connect
feedback
play record mix
audio
call voicemail
response rate development
place callplace call leave voicemailleave voicemail
recording messagerecording message00:3500:35
time limit volume limit
set volume limitset volume limit
decibelsdecibels36361010
set time
minutesminutes
time limit volume limit
home
voicemusic recording
respond
connect
feedback
play record mix
audio
call voicemail
response rate development
During pregnancy, decibel levels and playback time automatically adjust to align with the sensitivity of developing ears. After birth, these features can be
manually adjusted through a mobile device.
After the baby is born, the device functions as a baby monitor and sound machine when docked. In response to
the baby’s cry, familiar sounds and songs are played.
With the device docked, just a swipe of the finger transforms it into an adjustable night light, keeping monsters at bay.
With the ability to adapt to baby’s needs through early childhood, the need for an army of devices is significantly reduced.
comfort involve
place callplace call leave voicemailleave voicemail
recording messagerecording message00:3500:35
adapt
time limit volume limit
set volume limitset volume limit
decibelsdecibels36361010
set time
minutesminutes
time limit volume limit
home
voicemusic recording
respond
connect
feedback
play record mix
audio
call voicemail
response rate development
Attention to detail is present in both physical execution and digital representation. This system maintains visual neutrality, cleanliness and delicate femininity, while providing clinical assuredness of child safety.
Extrasport (Johnson Outdoors , Inc . ) +WWU Industr ia l Des ign Junior Class
Extrasport designs and manufactures each Personal Flotation Device to fulfill a particular need or challenge.
Design a PFD to expand the recreational segment.
Why is it that people always wear parachutes, but rarely wear bike helmets? People often feel that they are above the necessary precautions, while statistics overwhelmingly show otherwise.
The best PFD is the one that will be worn.
How can a PFD become more like a favorite item of clothing than a restrictive safety device? By altering the
perception of a PFD, a product can be created that is essential to a user both physically and emotionally.
WORTH WEARING
10 people drown every day in the United States. It is the 6th leading cause of unintentional injury death. 90% of drownings are
due to neglect or improper use of a Personal Flotation Device.
In the majority of cases, a PFD would have prevented drowning.
Develop a Personal Flotation Device that encourages safe and proper use.
PROTECTION | PERCEPTION | COMFORT
The diagonal alignment of pockets was achieved through a blend of wrist ergonomics
and the Extrasport brand logo.
Inspired by fisherman’s vests and outdoor gear, ideation yielded the concept of an attachable, removable pack. Easy adjustability
and waterproof storage were given heavy consideration.
Out in the elements, the ability to adapt is essential, and versatility is key. Introducing a multi-use component to a single
use product, increases value in the event of emergency.
We carry technology everywhere, but water remains its Achilles’ heel. If a PFD protected belongings as well as lives,
would people be more likely to use one correctly?
Utilizing a pullover method of donning, the PFD has a singular connection point at the waist. Flexible neoprene fabric at the
shoulders and hips guarantees a user-specific fit.
High contrast colors have a twofold purpose. First: to increase visibility, and second: to serve as visual communication and styling, calling out
connection points and important features.
With enough room to carry most items one might need for a day, the pack becomes a catalyst with the
ability to transform an outing into an adventure.
The connection system mimics extrusion rails with a series of small plastic clips mounted on the front and back of the PFD. The pack is then secured in place by
looping the straps through the front of the PFD.
Mt. Baker Woodwork ing + WWU Industr ia l Des ign Sophomore Class
Develop a solution that fits the current needs of either a local nonprofit or individual,
using a 4’ x 4’ sheet of Mt. Baker Plywood.
Debra is a member at the Max Higbee Center, a small nonprofit that provides recreation programs
for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.
In addition to having special needs, Debra is blind.
Most games don’t accommodate the needs of those with physical and developmental handicaps. Confidence and
comfort suffer as a result.
As the center’s only blind member, Debra finds it particularly hard to interact with her peers through these activities.
Only 1 in 10 visually impaired people are fluent in braille.
With nothing else to do, Debra’s independent activities consist of drawing on paper with textured underlays, and
running tactile beads through her fingertips.
With simple, modular forms that stimulate the senses and encourage imagination, Legos are easily
understandable and fun for users of any age and ability.
Develop a solution that promotes creative play among individuals, regardless of mental or physical ability.
The idea for a tactile magnetic block system was developed through sketches, while 3D models allowed
the product to be tested blindly and scaled accordingly.
ENGAGING | SENSORY | CREATIVE
TACTILE TOYS 2011
Tactile surfaces and inset neodymium magnets encourage sensory exploration and
cognitive development. Angled faces facilitate unconventional architectural possibilities.
Tactile feedback is the primary sensory cue. Recessed graphics provide significant information about the blocks’ polarity, and
encourage further sensory exploration.
The majority of users rely heavily on sight. The graphics serve as distinction
between polarities, and are equally legible to both eyes and fingers.
In addition to visual feedback, aural cues are highly important. A satisfying click provides
verification that the blocks have made contact, facilitating spacial awareness.
Sturdy canvas lined with repurposed fabric protects the blocks both inside and out. Small, tactile drawstrings
easily open and close the collapsible bag.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
2013
WWU Industr ia l Des ign Senior Class
Team Kevin Courtney • Sam Martin • Sean Missal • Jessie WixomRole Identity Lead • Typeface Design • Copy Writing
Develop a unifying theme for the 2013 WWU Industrial Design Senior Show.
Create a unique, engaging identity that references both the historic glamour and
modern appeal of the cocktail cart.
fresh interpretations of the martini cartWESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SENIOR DESIGN EXHIBITION
THURSDAY JUNE 13TH 6:00 PM // MITHUN ARCHITECTS
The development of a typeface and citrus graphic element acknowledged the history of cocktail culture
while playfully hinting at the intrigue of the show’s contemporary designs. The lettering was used for
invitations, posters, and the senior show nameplates.
“These artifacts stand serving the theater of seduction.
Propagating the pairing of authentic ingredients, each is an impetus whose enticement can only be considered intoxicating.
Every cart showcased takes pause for pleasure, setting the stage for two - yours and you.”
THESIS EXHIBITION 2013
With a unifying style in place, coordination of the show began. Exhibition of student work was designed to act in symbiosis to
the established theme of oblation and temptation.
Seattle architecture firm Mithun hosted Twist, a one-night show displaying 11 WWU ID senior thesis projects.
THESIS EXHIBITION 2013
Posters from the Twist exhibition are displayed with graduate work on the WWU Campus.
Adobe CC ( After Effects • I l lustrator InDesign • Lightroom • Photoshop ) SolidWorks • Rhinoceros • Catia SketchUp • Keyshot • Bunkspeed
Sketching + Ideation • Model BuildingRapid Prototyping • Product Photography Sewing • Texti le Design • Woodworking
Abstract Brainstormer • Dedicated ResearcherCharismatic Presenter • Plays Well With Others
Personal Flotation Device I.D. Magazine • Featured 4/14
Student Choice AwardMt. Baker Plywood Competit ion • 6/11
Cocktai l Cart Furniture Served • Featured 5/14
RECOGNITION
Cooking • Legos • Dogs • Cycling • Drums Richard Serra • Backpacking • Hot SauceRoad Trips • Rope Swings • Obscure TriviaPaleontology • Goat Cheese • Adventures
FASCINATIONS
COOPERATIVE
Wearable Technology & Digital Health Anvil StudiosProf. Del King • 1/13 - 4/13
Extrasport Brand Expansion Johnson Outdoors, Inc.Prof. Jason Morris • 9/11 - 12/11
Design for the CommunityMt. Baker ProductsProf. Jason Morris • 3/11-6/11
ACADEMICS
Western Washington University • 2013 Bachelor of Science in Industr ial DesignMinor in Sustainable Design
EXPERIENCE
Junior DesignerMichael Courtney DesignSeatt le, WA • 9/13 - 5/14
UX Associate Expedia, Inc. Bellevue, WA • 6/12 - 9/12
Lead Graphic Designer Bell ingham Human Rights Fi lm FestivalBel l ingham, WA • 1/12-1/13
CAPABILITIES
RESUME& QUALIFICATIONS
