portfolio 2009

brebecca

bi l ecathleen

r e b e c c a b i b l e@ g m a i l . c o m

2 1 6 . 2 1 0 . 1 5 7 2

table of contents

Resume

ProduceFisherPriceSustainable Air Conditioner Sustainable Core CoolingLittleTikesCeramic Design

graphic deisgn

Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.JONATHAN SWIFT

01.02.03.04.05.06..

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Produce : Self sustaining planter

involve investigate immerse resolve

Do you know where your food comes from?

40% percent of the food we consume is transported over 2500 miles to get to our refrigerators.

The united states is responsible for distribution of foods all over the world.

80 % of our land is used for biofuels and feeding mammals for the populations protein based diets.

Can we create awareness and grow locally?

01.

6

road networks

shipping lanes

•One meal could potentially be from numerous parts of the globe. This increases cost because of preservatives and fuel so the food arrives to the grocer ‘fresh’.

•Food is being manipulated by genetically modifying it with different types of genes in change color, flavor and longevity of the product. What are the long term effects?

•The cost of healthy food is increasing and the cost of nutritionally lacking food (fast foods) are becoming more affordable.

healthalteringdistribution


interactinvestigateobserve•heading to restaurants, farms, grocery stores and urban gardens •watching behaviors when purchasing foods•observing peoplesrefridgerators in theirhomes

•online forums and blogs that focused on gardening efforts,•local food efforts in various communities •questionnaires

•local spokespeople in the community • local growers, urban gardening founders, local food groups and farmers•local councilman

visualizing the growing process

awarenessof what you are actually consuming

geurilla gardening: reminder of growth in urban settings

communal efforts

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export bans and government price control

overpopulationincreased fuel prices and distribution

drought and climate change

demand for animal protein

Grain is translated into dairy, eggs and meat. Raising industry animals consume much more grain than feeding people a traditional grain based diet. Farmers have in turn shifted crops production from food grain for people to feed grain for animals.

Average food molecule travels from 1300 to 2500 miles to get to us.

Per every calorie we consume it take 10 calories of energy to produce and distribute (3 in field , 7 in the process of distribution).

Higher producing areas, including Australia, the Balkans and former Soviet Union , are all experiencing drought. While in other areas factors such as mold are affecting grain production in South Asia.

There has been more natural disasters around the world this 2007 and 2008.

In India, the government has banned the export of wheat, non-basmati rice and oils used to prepare foods.

Russia, the Ukraine, Argentina ban wheat exports.

Viet Nam, Cambodia and Egypt ban rice exports.

These factors contribute to the food riots and food insecurity around the world. These issues are also having exacerbating effects on market prices elsewhere.

The global food crisis is currently concentrated primarily in urban areas and will continue to do so due to the steady rise of population estimated 70 million a year, where people are at the mercy of grocery stores and convenience shopping. The sharp price influx is forcing some families to spend 75% of their earnings on food.

America is responsible for 27% of all food available for consumption and 98% of that goes into landfills from business and corporationsthen releasing greenhouse gases during decomposition.

Roughly 1 billion people love off a $1 a day.

increased demand for food

under-investment of agricultural productivity

food reserves down globally

malnutritionfood insecurity

increase of grain for biofuels

Production around the world has been increasing, consumption for food, feedstock, biofuels and other commercial uses has been growing at a faster rate. Basic food rations have doubled, tripled and occasionally quadrupled, making households spend 40-50% of their entire income on food instead of medicine, education, or shelter.

The USA is the largest food donor in the world, 50% of total global food

The US Dept. of Agriculture reports that global grain re-serves are at their lowest level since 1960. Global stocks of wheat, coarse grains (corn, barley, millet, oats ,sorghum and rice) have decreased every year since 2001/2002 with the exception of 2004. In effect we have been living off of our savings.

According to USDA’s April 2008 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate the safety net us now under 8 weeks.

A quarter and a third of the recent hike in commodities prices is attributable to biofuels.

30% of Americas corn crop now goes to fuelnot food

It takes 400 lbs of corn to make 25 gallons of ethanol

Under-investment coupled with the high cost of petroleum based fertilizers and equipment, particularly in developing countries, creates motivations to grow profitable grain for biodiesels

Soils around the world have been leeched of its nutrients that then translate into our food, causing diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and ultimately death.

Stats:• 160 million children under 5 are malnourished• Micro nutrient deficiencies remain widespread with 2 billion people suffering from iron deficiencies (anemia) • 2 billion at risk for iodine deficiencies and 250 million children affected by vitamin A deficiencies (Over 30% of world population)

Those who are struggling to pay for food will eat less or cheaper food with less nutritional value. Child malnutrition is rising.

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“It is important in whatever we do that we maintain connections to a deeper sense of history. How can we restore a meaningful connection to where we live?”

through interview of 18 peoplem-20 f-21 m-62 m-54 f-24 m-40

m-22 f-27 f-26 m-22 m-56 m-34m-24 f-16 f-21 f-61 m-25 f-81

What To Do Now?

•Create Awareness•Immerse into public •Simple platform to begin growth•Create understanding of personal food growththen branch out•baby steps

“ I want to be healthy but I do not know how to”“I tend to go out to eat out of convenience”“My refrigerator is always empty”“I really have no idea where my food items are coming from, I tend to just trust the grocery store”“Raising awareness is essential in community gardens”“Coming from Kenya to here, I tasted fruit and it did not taste like fruit- It has a staleness “

•15 people out of 18 said they go out to eat more than eat at home•8 out of 18 said that everything is bad for them anyway so they are not concerned of what they eat•10 out of 18 said they did not have experience with any type of garden•8 out of 10 said they would give it a try if they were taught to maintain it•11 out of 18 said they eat fast food at least 5 times a month

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outdoor indoor to outdoor

re�ne. During discussion, I was able to elaborate and combine

concepts and approach it in a di�erent angle.

re�ne. As I isolated the function I started to play with the form

to create a simple functional form that accentuated the

plant growing inside of it.

re�ne. I explored stacking methods, packaging as either a

transporter for seedling or shovel, mounting for light,

and various nesting ideas....










indoor









During concept development exploration, I was able to isolate concepts into various arenas. I included many concepts on aeroponics, geurilla gardening, exposure of roots to encourage understanding of growth, composting, hydroponics, vertical gardening, etc...The concept I elaborated in tied features of multiple concepts and created that simple platform for user to engage.

outdoor : items to help incourage simple gardening for any age bracket

indoor to outdoor: attention to seed packet, less waste, water collection, compost

indoor : water collection, worm gardens, indoor tea brewer,etc

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1 Transplant or trimWatch seeds sprout andgrow

Indoor water and monitor Eat and start again2 3 4

ProduceA self sustaining indoor planter that can produce five seedlings that grow into full grown plants. By watering the soil pot the water drains into the double wall chamber , running through the nutrient rich coconut husk planter. The heating stone sits underneath the entire pot allowing the water to evaporate (aeroponics) and feed the roots of the seedlings nested around the rim. The user then has the option to transplant outside or continue to grow indoors.

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a Warming stone pulls in heat from sunshine or sitting ontop of appliance that gives off even smallest amount of heat. The warming stone allows the water to evaporate in double wall chamber.

b Watering once allows the user to see the water line and informs user when to add more water.

c The water filters through main soil pot, past the warming stone and into double wall chamber. The evaporated water absorbs into the seeds along the rim.

d The growing seedlings around the rim can be transplanted, along with the inside biodegradable pot, to an outdoor garden

a b

c d

Graphic logos

Spreading Awareness creates a platform to lead as an example for the bigger picture

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1 Nutrient enriched coconut husk2 Glass chamber3 Removable, biodegradable plastic ring4 Nested seed and nutrient sponge5 Heating stone

1

2

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5

20

Fisher-Price Internship: Soothing Grow With Me Baby Tub


Fisher-Price Inc. is the world’s largest preschool products company. Fisher-Price has dominated the infant and preschool toy market for over 60 years and has become known for the high quality and durability of its products.

Average number of tubs per household per one child : 3 (until post toddler)\

How can we keep baby clean?

02.

22

•Overpopulation newborn and growing babies have plenty of opportunity to get filthy.

•Saturated MarketThe amount of baby tubs on the market range all the way from slings, bathtub rings, moulded tubs, slings and more! For mom to find the right one creates difficulty and potentially buying more than needed creating waste.

•Changing Generationsof moms have different priorities and values for their babies•i.e “helicopter mom” are hovering over thier babies, “Gen Y” moms are looking out for freebies...

involve investigate immerse resolve featur

es

cost

+ -

-

+

safetyfeatures: valuable and precieved value

size on shelvesstorage

comfort for baby and parent

cost of tooling

There is a growing concern amongst newer generations especially

about safety concerns. The trust in products varies from consumer to consumer.Fisher Price prides itself on its extensive safety tests.

Companies have very

little space on the shelves in stores

With the economy fluxating the way it

has,cost is an issue for the company and consumer. How can the cost be minimized from tooling to the shelves. Also will it grow with baby?

Baby tubs have features from baby jacuzzi’s all the way to a simple bath ring. Different generations of parents appreciate different features. After reseaching in mom panels parents expressed interest in:

freeing hand to wash baby

size fitting in sink and tub storage bulk

Whether it is a short sponge bath or a 10 min bath , the parent wants

baby to be comfort-able. The parent also must be confortable.

The main features sought out by moms in searching for a baby tub.

•grow with me features

•play value

•cost

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At Fisher Price and the homes of mothers, I was able to observe what steps are involved from parent wanted to wash baby to clean baby.

I found online what the market had to offer in the baby gear department for washing baby, the types of trends for washing baby , perceived value of features, and types of mothers (generation Y, helicopter moms, etc).

interviewedBefore and during testing, designers headed to the homes of mothers from different backgrounds to find out how they wash baby. In each house I would have a different role : observe and take notes, verbal interview or take pictures. I also lead Inhouse Focus groups and prepared questionairres.

I created many models, foam core mock ups, 3 D and finally a milled tub that we used to create a vacuum formed plastic tub with a moulded center piece and sewed sling. After each model I would present to a mom panel to get construc-tive criticisms and also observed moms washing baby in the vacuum formed tub.

observedimmersed

approach

The concepts I developed ranged from baby stations to collapsible, deflatable and animated tubs. The concepts I would review withfellow designers, engineers, marketing staff and current or expecting mothers.

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Fountain for play valueClean water reservoirVariety in colorShape and hieght in form

1 2 3

Grow with MeSoothing Baby TubThe soothing baby tub allows newborn baby to grow with and into the tub. The sling feature holds baby upright and the narrow form holds baby sitting up. The clean water reservoir allows parent to flush out soap wa-ter and have water for rinsing. The fountain encourages play value for child when they are able to sit up in tub.

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a The form fits in a larger kitchen sink along with a bath tub. The green dots are tape on grip when baby is old enough to sit inside it. The green around rim is for mom to rest arms while washing and lip is to pick up tub from place to place.The hieght is for efficient shelf space for home and retail.

b The clean water reservoir allows mom to add warm clean water in larger area of tub. The frog face acts as play value for growing baby and fountain to allow the clean water to get in basin of tub.

a

b

a

b

c

a The sling angle is to utilize space in tub. The angle also supports baby while slightly submerged in water. The sling attaches along the rim to save in cost.

b Creating a theme was an integral part of creating this tub. The theme would then be carried over to the interior, exterior, play value and potential fabric additions to this tub. This theme is the playtime picnic theme.

c Options are important as well. Picking a three color pallette, the user is then able to see precieved value do to the visual variety.

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The milling and fabricating process began with collegues helping teach me rhino. I built my form and created various mock ups until I translated my form into a 3D file. I also built the sling out of paper at first. Later it was milled then vacuum formed for mom testing.

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Cool: Sustainable Air Conditioning


90 % of people struggle live in areas of the world that are above 90 d F

by 2010 the weather is supposed to increase in temperature by ten degrees F

how else can we stay cool?

03.

34

•Huge amount of waste in energy (in making and running), land and materials (numerous metals and plastics) in cooling efforts

•HVAC has turned to a precieved necessity for levels of comfort

•The global climate on average is getting hotter

•There is Cost from purchasing to running an air-conditioning unit pricey


I researched the different types of air conditioning. from taking apart a HVAC wall unit to understanding how there are different systems for different climates. I wanted to simplify the problem to HOW ELSE CAN WE STAY COOL?

After taking a Biomicry workshop that was at the Natural History Museum, I found it important to incorporate this approach. Nature is one of the most inspiring influences and it is easy to take it for granted. WHAT EXAMPLES CAN SEE FROM NATURE?

I was also quite interested in the behaviors of people when the weather starts to heat up. Did people avoid the heat all together? Did they isolate themselves in inside where no air was circulating? Did they find shadows or hydrate themselves? HOW DO PEOPLE REACT TO THE WEATHER?immerse

sustain

simplify

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pools, lakes, sprinkles

h.v.a.c.-air conditioner

misting swamp cooler/ evaporative cooling

central air

$$$$

There are essentially two costs when purchasing and installing a new cen-tral air conditioner: equip-ment costs and labor costs.

$$

Misting is used in •cattle farms, large out-door activities like theme parks etc...Ultra fine water drop-lets are introduced into atomosphere by misting nozzles they quickly ab-sorb the energy present in the environment and boil off (evaporate).

$$

Evaporative coolers (also called swamp, desert, or air coolers) are devices that cool air through the simple evaporation of water.

(Western/mountain states are good locations, with swamp coolers very prev-alent in cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, Albuquer-que, El Paso, Tucson and Phoenix, where sufficient water is available)

$

If you live close to a large body of water this is the best alternative to air conditioners of any sort.

When a body of water is unavailable or clean- running a sprinkler will be temporarily refresh-ing with cost of water and energy.

$$$

This is the most popular- typical unit used to cool each room in the house individually.

The refrigerant provides cooling through a process called the refrigeration cycle.


shade insulationtexture on leaves reuse of moisture gathering of condensation

Shade is an important issue in temperate and tropical zones for providing cooling and shelter from the sun. Providing certain con-figurations of shading is an important passive solar technique.

Certain leaves are appropri-ately shaped and sized to collect more than justa couple drops of water at a time.

When that fog rolls in, the Namib Desert beetle is ready with a moisture-collection system exquisitely adapted to its desert habitat.

Polar bears have thick, water-repellent fur with hollow hairs that trap heat well. A thick layer of blubber (fat), up to 11 cm (4.3 in.) thick, keeps the polar bear warm while swimming in cold water (Stirling, 1988). The hair of a polar bear easily shakes free of water and any ice that may form after swim-ming.

Green plants not only absorb a significant portion of the sunlight to invest as energy in photosynthesis to produce sugar, but also actively transpire, producing an additional cooling effect.

potential use of plantlifefor cooling effect

material porousness to collect droplets for con-densation

shade to enhance insulation

Insulation for warmthcollection and directionof condensation

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alternative energies evaporative cooling alternative cooling


water collection

Concept Development ranged from water collection, alternative cooling, alternative energy sources and evaporative cooling. These arenas would elimate the large amount of energy used to sustain a cooling unit. The concept I went further one minimized materials, focused on the user and used an alternative cooling method.

40


honorable mention

1 2 3 4Grab portable cooling system

Take out frozen tray in freezer Place frozen tray in back of portable cooling system

Plug in, Sit back and cool off

UndaUnda, meaning water, is an alternative cooling system to the typical air conditioner. Its accessible and portable with a low energy intake. The frozen back panel switches out and is replaced at your own convenience. It them focuses cool, condensed air your direction.

42


a This system uses minimal parts therefore cost is not that much of an issue with tooling and distributing.

b The user freezes the gel filled back panel and snaps on back when ready to use.

c The inset front creates focused air onto the user. This allows the dense,cool air to blow directly in direction desired.

d The blade has a texture and shape that allows condensation to gather on the fan blade and push cool air inside insulated outer shell. Cool air stays cool inside shell and is forced outward.

a b

c d

1 Insulated Shell2 Texture air “scooping” blades3 Motor4 Shell Back5 Snap in cooling gel tray

1 2 4 53

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Huggables: Comfort and encouragement for social engagement


The divorce rate is up. 2 out of 3 marriages end up in divorce. The population is growing exponentially. More babies are in daycare than being taken care of by thier own parents.

what can stimulate emotional and physical development?

04.

46


•60% of all couples who are granted divorces have children at home.• 32-40% of Children in the U.S. will experience their parent’s divorce•Almost 50% of all children under the age of 18 will spend some time in a single parent family. This includes children born out of wedlock, children of divorce and children who have lost a parent through death.

•Between the ages of 2 and 5, children gradually learn how to manage their feelings. They begin to feel ashamed or guilty when they do something wrong. By age 5, friends become important.

divorce ratesemotional development

socialdevelopment

age 2-5 development

As a child emotionally and socially develops they learn to isolate themselves if the appropriate amount of attention is not paid to them. Touch, sound and smell are all engaging to enrich a child growing up to allow them to mature socially and emotionally.

*

Children respond to animals. After showing these animals to various children, the frog attracted the most attention.

Concept Developm

ent:

Concept Development:


Concept Develop

ment:


Concept Development:Concept Development:

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Flexible skeleton to wrap frog around child and size makes child feel like they have a true size friend

Warm or cold days parent can cool or warm barley pads inside frog

Frog engages child withtactility and sound response heartbeat

Huggable provides precieved security and confidence for child1 2 3 4

HuggablesHuggables is a child size stuffed animal with an activated heart beat, flexible skeleton and barley heat and cool pads. This encourages the child to feel com-forted in times of transition.

50


a Flexible skeleton for support and for child to wrap around body for comfort and security

b Tactility Choosing the right fabrics and color encourages children to use and respond to it

c The arms contain removable barley bags that can either be heated or cooled depending on needs of the user

d Inside the heart of the Huggable is a sound activated heartbeat when child is near or waking up with Huggable it activates

a b

c d

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Ceramic Design

05.

54


1 2 3 4

inspiration images

Based on process

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involve investigate immerse resolve involve investigate immerse resolve

flexible skeltonoptional heat or coolingheartbeat size

(left page: peaking through front window, showing vinyl lettering of show and front billboard, right page: strip of photos are of space exterior and interior, mid page is promo book, two panels on right are two wall hangings that were on either side of front space)

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portfolio 2009

Documents

food grain

food riots

food insecurity

local food efforts

local food groups

cost of healthy food

global food crisis

lacking food fast foods