Day 2 and 3: Observation and Visualization...

The day began with sketching products again..this time giving due attention to how surfaces blend when two different materials are joined together. We were required to zoom in on the details of where two surfaces from different materials met..ala joinery..and sketch it comprehensively.


Once again the detail of simple objects like the drawing board clip fascinated me. The small wire arm is fixed to the body by inserting it in a loop of bent metal (which is an extension of the body itself). However, one end (from where the arm is inserted) of this cylinder like loop is cut in an arrow like form...to keep the wire arm in position..either up or down. Amazing how much thought is put even into a paper clip!!!


The second object i was sketching was the Aluminium water bottle cap..in which surface transformations were very  interesting. However, by concentrating on the cap itself, i forgot the joinery with the mouth of the bottle and lost the purpose of the exercise. 


Now, stepping back a little, what i understand of form is a  means of communicating an essence or experience which may or may not be validated by actual function (i hate to use this form-function vernacular but for sake of simplicity shall continue with this for a while). Whenever two surfaces converge, there is a certain continuity/discontinuity which may be analysed as follows-

1. Positional Continuity
2. Tangential Continuity
3. Curvature Continuity

Positional continuity is when two surfaces interact to form a sharp edge. It signifies precision, danger, fidelity, dependability and the likes.

Tangential continuity happens when a liberal amount of fillet radius/arc is provided where two surfaces meet..hence eliminating the edge. this sort of continuity communicates functionality, utility and practicality.

Curvature continuity happens when two surfaces merge such that one cannot tell where one ends and the next begins. It is the most subtle of the three and projects an air of elegance and grace when applied to physical forms.

For further reference, chk out this thought provoking article by Gray Holland of Alchemy Labs at 

http://www.core77.com/blog/featured_items/a_periodic_table_of_form_the_secret_language_of_surface_and_meaning_in_product_design_by_gray_holland_12752.asp

One interesting fact is that tangential continuities are almost completely absent in nature. They are purely man made and hence there shall be analysed much more carefully in future musings.

Our next day began with a discussion on invention, innovation and design; and where form fits in the scheme of things. Invention might be thought of as the act of bringing together different systems in a unique manner to give a tangible form to an idea. Innovation on the other hand might be an act of making inventions into business opportunities... at-least thats what the outcome of innovations always should be. Design deals with applying these inventions and innovations in the human context..the 'human' factor being the operative word here. These definitions however are weak and provide only a very loose framework for categorization.

In the second half of the day, we practiced a few exercises on visualization. Visualization is a 'must have' tool for an Industrial Designer. The ability to see surfaces curve, bend form and merge in the mind...analogous to a 3D CAD or pro-metric software is a valuable skill. In the coming week, some time should be dedicated to practicing visualization of surfaces and solids and sketching them on paper.

Day 1: Form II begins...

Its a difficult task teaching and learning something as abstract and intuitive as 'Form'. My logic-wired brain always searches for set principles and definitions to such questions as what is form, how do you know what 'form' suits whom, how does one READ form, and if there is a form for Universal appeal...to name a few!


The first day of our Form II course began with a simple assignment of sketching 20 joineries from our surrounding. The first most obvious thought in my mind was where can i find a joinery which is interesting enough to sustain my interest in the exercise. My eyes set on an aluminium bottle (interestingly left by the faculty...by accident or design??!!) with a Carabiner which have become so popular these days. The form of the screw on cap itself is quite interesting- the way vertical surfaces merge with rounded base of the loop in the middle.


Question: Why would one put a screw-on cap on a bottle meant for outdoor/trekking purpose...i would imagine a much easier outlet for water such as one in a sipper bottle.


My area of interest however was the hinge of the Carabiner itself...the way the thin rod flattens and widens at one end to slide into a groove on the other end fixed together by a rivet. Roaming around the campus, i for the first time observed the latch mechanism installed on the back of the doors at the entrance of the department. They are used to fix the door to the wall once its open. I must have passed it a hundred times before but noticed this only today..a classic case of looking but not 'seeing'!


Other details sketched included the joinery for the bent steel tube frame used for our convocation panels, sharpener, earphones, paper-clip, bag buckle, laptop power cord and battery charger. in all these products, we realize like many times before that god is in the details. Even something as innocuous as a sharpener has fascinating detail. Another fascinating piece of equipment is the buckle on the bag...a male and female part sliding to create a a simple and effective way of fastening.


I'm calling it a buckle for lack of a better name....


Question: What is the "buckle" really called... Google has failed me :(


Throughout the exercise, i struggled with expressing the detail and intent in my sketches. Sketching as a medium of communication and a tool for thinking are paramount for an industrial design...something i need to improve on, drastically!!


Next day we head out into the field to observe and select products of our choice... with some interesting form characteristics. Looking forward to the exercise...Carpe Diem!!