Andrew Chin: PortfolioVirginiA teCh industriAl design

Full portfolio available upon request. achin88@vt.edu 571.236.8597

Electrolux: Grey-Wash

Grey-Wash was submitted to Electrolux Design Lab’s 2010 competition to ad-dress the problem of shrinking living space as more people migrate to cities and towns. By 2050, it is estimated that three quarters of the world will live in densely populated urban settings. Appliance designs must respond to increasing consumer needs for spatial efficiency, environmental friendli-ness and individualization features. This concept also helps to alleviate the potential for water shortages in the near future. The global demand for potable water rises at an exponen-tial rate causing great strife and hard-ship. “By 2020, the average water supply per person worldwide is expected be a third smaller than now.” By making water usage more efficient conflicts can be averted.

“By 2020, the average water supply per person worldwide is expected be a third smaller than now.”

Sketch iterations focused on appliances with a reduced footprint both ecologically and spatially. Initial concepts highlight recycling waste water by using a washer/dryer connection to bridge a bedroom closet to the adjoining bathroom. Further iterations developed a shower insert but ultimately, the final product was simplified into a washer/dryer and vanity combination. Consistent with the urban theme, the washer vanity, as an integrated unit, revealed and accentuated the mechanics and natural shapes required for its function. Optional exterior panels could customize the unit for a desired aesthetic.

Wash Dry

Dirt

Temperature

Whites

S T A R T

Wash Dry

Dirt

Temperature

Delicates

S T A R T

By utilizing a steam washing system that highlights speed and efficiency, the average person can do a small load of laundry in the time it takes for them to go through their morning routine, which is roughly about twenty minutes, if set properly. A pre-programmed routine can be set to run each week or, if in a rush, a single morning. This is very appropriate for the urban lifestyle, which is very busy and costly. Detailed on this page is a storyboard depicting how a typical morning would occur for a young woman getting ready for work. She runs the program set for morning rush and as she bathes her clothes are quickly steam washed with recycled grey water and dried as she brushes her teeth and hair. Also depicted on this page are diagrams of how the filtration system could work, as well as a human factors diagram of a typical apartment layout in an urban environment.

6 3/

4"

WOOD

NOTESSTEEL 1/4" THICKWOOD 1/2" THICK

2 1/

4"

1 3/

4"

1'-6

"

SECTION

1 1/4"

6 3/4"

ELEVATION

1"

SIDE ELEVATION

1'-7 3/4"1'-8"

1'-4 3/4"

STEEL

10"

6"

Seat Surface StorageThis goal of this project is to create an aesthetically pleasing furniture treatment that combines three specific criteria; a seat, a surface, and a method for storage. The focus was on the process to create mock-ups leading to a full scale working prototype. The concept adopted is an ottoman seat with angled shelves for display and storage of footwear.

The initial design was for a toy chest sofa with a table top surface and hidden storage underneath it. The development of the concept was simplified into a single seat sized cube. As the form evolved the concept moved away from a child centered piece into a more elegant modern design that appeals to the young professional.

The main elements of these designs combined the warmth of wood with sleek metal in various forms. The final prototype was built with a hand formed polar wood panel enclosed by a water jet cut brushed stainless steel frame. The unique curved steel frame allows for the wooden seat-ing surface flexibility. The resultant bouncy feel lends this piece dynamic energy and an unexpected sense of play.

Sketch Iterations and Development

Beginning ideations examined the traditional parasol, and how the form could be enhanced. Further sketches looked to facilitate a moving shade device and how the form could be conducive to create a constant shade profile. This feature would allow a user to stay in one particular spot for however long they desire. Also system concepts were developed in order to explore the scope of use from many perspectives.

Pulling down the top handle opens parasol

Guest activates the interface by passing their RFID rewards card over the interface

The final design of the Palm utilizes an anchored aluminium table base that stays embedded on the beach, while the umbrella component is placed and removed for daily use. The photovoltaic film transfers electricity to a charging interface that is attached to the umbrella shaft through the structural tubing. Not only does the interface provided a place to charge electronics it also has two stretching fabric pockets for storage for small personal electronics or even water bottles and sunscreen. The electricity that is generated also powers a small motor which incrementally rotates the top portion of the Palm depending on the orientation of the device. This feature allows for a prolonged constant shade footprint and a maximization of solar energy collected and converted.

Features and Details

Rotating motor

Aluminium table

Touchscreen interface with cellulose housing

Aluminium Tubing

Photovoltaic Plastic Film

The actual motion of folding and condensing is much akin to fingers opening and closing. Like fingers, the poles utilize multiple pivoting points to fold in upon themselves. The secondary poles rotate towards the main support poles and concurrently the main poles pivot toward each other causing the handle to be oriented straight up.

Mechanics

Guest uses touchscreen to order a drink

Drink is prepared

HOTEL BARHOTEL BARHOTEL BAR

Order is delivered to guest’s location

HOTEL BARBartender receives order

Features and Details

Branded Product: Palm Project

A system that allows college students to manipulate their surroundings into their ideal

collaborative, personal working, or socializing environment.

Giving college students the flexibility to do what they want, when they want, and how they want.

Sponsored Studio.Group Members: Tori Brock, Andrew Chin, Quinn Huffstetler, Matt Manganti

This project was sponsored by Dell Computer Corporation who holds propriety claim over this content. Please treat this as confidential material.

A group brainstorming session generated ideas for several iterations of integrated products to meet the college students need for collaborative, personal working, or socializing environment. The common elements of these products include a centralized hub to control computer components, managed external devices, provide data storage in addition to a larger wide screen tablet.

Initial Group Ideation and Concept Refinement

Digital Refinement

Bar concept gave stability to the interface as it charged. However the overall shape did not speak to the centralized workstation concept. This form, although sleek and elegant, did not allow for a similar look for storing for the cord.

This concept allowed for the most growth and eventually evolved into the final product. The central angled hub spoke to the aesthetic of centraliza-tion and simplicity that the dock needed to be. The potential for differing color schemes and personalization also was a key factor in its success.

This concept required the hub to be placed farther back and included a swiveling motion. The need to reduce complex points of failure caused this particular concept to be abandoned, but the idea of moving the hub towards the top of the interface influenced further iteration.

The final product consists of an angled hub and projection capable tablet allowing for any flat vertical surface, such as a wall or study carrel, to become a screen. The Hub serves as a connection point between the interface and add-ons such as USB drives, HD monitor, and separate keyboard. This device also contains a 128 GB solid state hard drive and can inductively charge the tablet.

The form of the Hub is shaped so that the textile lined power cable can be wrapped around until clipped by the plug which is designed to be attached when the prongs are collapsed inward. The side connection for the power cord is placed in case of a sudden pull causing a rotation instead of a jerk back. The top of the dock cradles the tablet securely using a slight magnetic force applied to the projector extrusion.

The Hub

Induction Dock

Additional Ports

Fiber-lined Cord

Slightly Weighted Base

Injection Molded Cellulose Plastic

The interface comes with two integrated USB 3.0 ports as well as an SD card slot and headphone jack . There is also an additional button on both sides which bring up an overlay interface on top of the operating system, allowing for gestural interaction with connected hardware. The tablet comes with solid state hard-drive space and is Wi-Fi capable. As seen in the exploded view there is a layer underneath the screen which acts as a pinpoint vibrational grid, capable of giving precise tactile feedback proportional to the pressure and location the user applies. This is especially beneficial while using the interface as a keyboard and other typing applications. Located on the bottom back panel of the tablet is a santoprene that is second shot molded, utilized for grip while docked, prevent the tablet from slipping out.

The Tablet

Touchscreen Surface

Precision Vibrational Grid

Outer Casing and Port Housing

Inner Circuitry

Projector Mechanism and Lens

Co-Injection Molded CE and SantopreneInduction Charging Platform

Core in Use

thAnk You for Your time And ConsiderAtion.

Full portfolio available upon request. Andrew Chin VT Industrial Design 2011 achin88@vt.edu 571.236.8597