Section 1: Review

During my time on this course, I have seen an increase in the awareness of sustainable production, materials and manufacturing.  I have developed an understanding for what people want, but these are not the best things for the environment although they may be cost effective or use unsustainable materials because most people want aesthetic high-quality materials. I recently visited Bath Spa University and their product design students were doing a project where they had to make a chair whilst integrating it into the building using a material called EHB board which is a sheet material made out of compressed reused plastic. I also went to Falmouth university where I did a workshop on sustainable product design where I not only learnt the importance of sustainable materials but was interactive and worked in a team to come up with solutions sectioning different methods, good/bad on a series of A1 sheets.  reusing (changing the use of product) vs recycling (changing the product).  I have seen a rise in companies and influencers conscience of what they are using and where it has come from. In addition, TV programs such as Blue Planet have increased the general populations knowledge of the harm, they are causing their environment. 

 

Section 2: Project Concept 
I aim to produce an affordable product fit for purpose, which meets consumer wants for a more sustainable, reusable lifestyle, whilst also satisfying their needs. I will start by evaluating existing everyday products (such as furniture) - the materials used, manufacturing methods and uses.  Then identifying what customers want from that same product, whether that be cutting the carbon emissions during manufacturing or locating the materials from different, more sustainable sources.  I will document this research, carried out through market research, company websites, and other pre-existing information, along with key terminology such as the meaning of sustainable, the difference between a need and a want, and what it means to be reusable, in a sketchbook.  During the manufacturing process I will compare my methods with those used in industries, explaining what I have done different to create a more environmentally friendly product.  In addition, I will record all my findings, along with any changes I make to my chosen pathway in the same sketchbook.  Furthermore, I aim to stick to my timeline of; 2 weeks brainstorming ideas; 2 weeks of collecting research surrounding my initial concepts; 1 week of collating all research and evaluating progress so far; 1 week to go over anything I missed; 2 weeks to design method and experiment with techniques and materials to produce a maquette and source materials/tools; 4 weeks manufacturing; 1 week evaluating, (13 weeks till w/c 8/6).  I understand that my work may deviate from the path I plan to take, however needs vs wants is such a versatile topic that is open to interpretation, yet easy to evaluate.  In conclusion, I anticipate myself producing a reasonable product fit for everyday use (such as an item of furniture e.g. a chair) that a consumer both needs and wants, with sustainable materials and processes.

Section 3: Evaluation

• I will be doing self-assessments regularly at different stages of the project to evaluate my progress in correspondence with my timeframe and graiding criteria 
 • I will annotate all my work in my sketch book to show my thought prosess and make notes to also aid my analysis and research.
 • I will have A day by day annotation through notes, self-critical dialogue, images and videos of the FMP process.
 • I will write an essay witch will contain examples of self-reflective critical analysis and research ideas.
 • I will have a Weekly feedback with a group of 4-5 students from the FAD course throughout the FMP.
 • Interim Crit – halfway through FMP to generate assessment of strengths and weaknesses of FMP.
 • Final Group Crit - at the end of the FMP, self-initiated.
 • 100 word Artist’s Statement - at the end of the FMP and presented in the exhibition with FMP work.
 
Proposed Research Sources and Bibliography (Harvard Format) 
• FRANKLIN, K. AND TILL, C. Radical matter In-text: (Franklin and Till, n.d.) Your Bibliography: Franklin, K. and Till, C., n.d. Radical Matter.
 
• HOWES, P. AND LAUGHLIN, Z. Material matters In-text: (Howes and Laughlin, 2012) Your Bibliography: Howes, P. and Laughlin, Z., 2012. Material Matters. London: Black Dog Pub.
 
• CORRELL, T. C. AND POLK, P. A. Recycling and the creative transformation of mass-produced objects In-text: (Correll and Polk, 1999) Your Bibliography: Correll, T. and Polk, P., 1999. Recycling And The Creative Transformation Of Mass-Produced Objects. [Place of publication not identified]: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History.
 
• SEMBACH, K., LEUTHÄUSER, G. AND GÖSSEL, P. Furniture design In-text: (SEMBACH, LEUTHÄUSER and GÖSSEL, 1991) Your Bibliography: SEMBACH, K., LEUTHÄUSER, G. and GÖSSEL, P., 1991. Furniture Design. Köln: Benedikt Taschen.
 
• THOMPSON, R. AND THOMPSON, M. The Materials Sourcebook for Design Professionals In-text: (Thompson and Thompson, 2017) Your Bibliography: Thompson, R. and Thompson, M., 2017. The Materials Sourcebook For Design Professionals. New York, New York: Thames & Hudson.
 
• HEATHERWICK, T. AND ROWE, M. Thomas Heatherwick In-text: (Heatherwick and Rowe, 2012) Your Bibliography: Heatherwick, T. and Rowe, M., 2012. Thomas Heatherwick. London: Thames & Hudson.
 
• ELIASSON, O. AND URSPRUNG, P. Studio Olafur Eliasson In-text: (Eliasson and Ursprung, 2012) Your Bibliography: Eliasson, O. and Ursprung, P., 2012. Studio Olafur Eliasson. Cologne: Taschen