Fun with Design and Technology in Singapore

Design for Sustainability Strategies

2011-04-14T14:23:00.001+08:00

Autodesk has produced excellent videos on how to design for sustainability through some great strategies.
Designers and engineers play an important role to design and make sustainable products.

Whole System Design

Design for Disassembly and Recycling.
Watch the strategies they used for sustainable design.

Autodesk Sustainability : Lightweighting Strategies

To view more of the educational videos, visit http://students.autodesk.com/.

Earth Day: Do you Know where your Garbage goes?

2011-04-14T14:04:00.001+08:00

Earth is the only liveable planet that human beings/homo sapians can survive. If we do not take care of it, one day, we are going to pay a heavy price for it. Already, several countries are experiencing the impact of global warming.
Asian countries are affected by floods and Australia from drought. Scientists raised their concerns on global warming which increased the number of natural disasters.

I was shocked that the garbage patch, the size of two US state, Texas was found in the pacific ocean. Many birds, turtles and fishes had died from eating the plastics bags, bottle caps that people threw away.

What can we do to help save the environment? I believe we should try to consume less by not buying the latest gadgets unnecessary. If possible, try to use the product until it spoil.

Is bottle drinks necessary? How about having refill stations for people to buy the drinks? In this way, thousands or even millions of bottles are reduced a day.

From Wiki: Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970.

Trash in the ocean

Oprah Earth Day.

Excellent Design blog

2011-04-07T08:27:00.003+08:00

Although this blog last update is in June 2009, I thought this designer really shared great insights in the design process. I learned from this great blog at http://design-exposed.blogspot.com/

Jonathan Smith also shared his design portfolio in his website at http://www.jonathancsmith.com/. Do visit it.

Download "Home" video for Charity

2011-03-03T21:37:00.000+08:00

Click for charity. Simply download the "Home" video and you are doing your part for charity.

http://thisishome.sg/?utm_source=c06&utm_medium=cyberp&utm_campaign=clickforcharity

Good Design for Everyday Living Part 1

2011-01-15T08:47:00.001+08:00

I posted this great design video by Dick Powell, one of the founders of SeymourPowell, an award-winning company from Britain in 2009. Thus this is just a repost. There are a total of 8 parts of the video. This is part 1. He gave a great presentation of the design process of conceptualizing, developing,evaluating and realizing product. Do view the rest of the videos.

Secondary 1 Excellence 2010 Fantastic Works

2010-11-24T21:01:00.000+08:00

Fantastic works by my studious students from 1 Excellence.

By Chen Hao

By Joleen

By Ling Ming

By Juliana

By Xian Xin

By Ee Jun

By Tessa

By Hannif

Secondary 1 Integrity 2010 Fantastic Works

2010-11-23T17:53:00.006+08:00

The following pictures feature great effort by my cheerful students from secondary 1 integrity. From design ideation to realisation and evaluation, they designed and made key-chain using acrylic, jelutong wood for display unit and acrylic for storage box. A box doesn't have to be rectangle or boxy.

By Cynthia Wong

By Mandy Ong

By Jia Ying

By Norman Yeo

By Tan Sorphoan

By Tengku Muhammad

By Fahmi

By Faris

By Lim Yin

By Christine Ester

By Iqmal

By Zhang Hao

D&T Conference 2010 at Dunman Secondary School

2010-11-22T20:39:00.002+08:00

This year D&T Conference is held at Dunman Secondary School. The theme is Design Education, Its Real Value: Thought in Action. It’s the first time I share my design blog I created during my NIE days in this conference.

The guest-of-honour for this event is Mr.Philip Yeo, an outspoken but really capable leader who is now the chairman of Spring Singapore.

In the message by Mr.Yeo, he said, “ …To build our students’ capabilities in these aspects, MOE has been actively teaching D&T in our secondary schools since the late 80s. The framework guides our students through the entire design process- from how to identify a problem to the actual development of a possible solution in a workshop. Our D&T teachers are also exposed to current industrial practices, product design work and design thinking methodology.”

Recently schools have been advocating design thinking. Since 2002, D&T fraternity had already set for itself a vision statement Towards a Design Thinking Culture. There is still misconception that Design and Technology is in the “craft-driven” stage back in the 80s. I am happy to be part of the D&T fraternity that has been preparing our students for the 21^st century skills, namely creative and inventive thinking, information and communication skills, civic literacy, global awareness and cross-cultural skills. Through the design process of brainstorming, researching, developing and evaluating, students grow to be self-directed learners, active contributor in solving problems, concerned citizen and confident learner.

Design and Technology Conference

Signature of all D&T teachers, including mine. :)

D&T Awards winning designs.

Target Clock Stopper

Flower Blossom is a drink coaster to collect condensed water from chilled drinks. By Song Yu from Henderson Secondary School.

Cosmic Organiser is a one-stop solution for organising cosmetics inspired by the ferris-wheel. By Maya Stephany Limin from Ping Yi Secondary School.

Human Markers by Beverly Theresa Khoo from East Spring Secondary School

Class of 2010: Secondary 3 Graciousness

2010-11-09T11:22:00.000+08:00

This year secondary 3 are tasked to use the light sensor with the Light-Emitting Diode that switch on automatically when there is light.
The following are some of the good works done by 3 Graciousness students.

By Bryan Chang

By Aiman

By Farhana

By Humaya

By Hui Ying

Class of 2010: Secondary 2 Projects

2010-11-09T10:45:00.002+08:00

Class of 2010 Secondary 2. Excellent Desk-tidy and Singapore Souvenir.

2Excellence Amerul

By 2Excellence Zhou Jian Wei

By 2Excellence Melissa Koh

By 2Excellence Nazura

By 2Integrity Jayshaini

By 2Integrity Faezah

By 2Integrity Jue Ying

By 2Integrity Mabel Foo

By 2Integrity Yu Yong

By 2Aspiration Li Ting

D&T website with Animations

2010-09-27T14:23:00.001+08:00

There are a few animations on how to draw perspective drawing, how some mechanisms work and structure quiz. It's a pretty good website to get some ideas.

http://www.notesandsketches.co.uk/Mechanisms_Demo_Animation.html

Steven Johnson: Where good ideas come from

2010-09-27T14:01:00.002+08:00

About this talk

People often credit their ideas to individual "Eureka!" moments. But Steven Johnson shows how history tells a different story. His fascinating tour takes us from the "liquid networks" of London's coffee houses to Charles Darwin's long, slow hunch to today's high-velocity web.

Colourless Design

2010-09-18T16:37:00.000+08:00

Visit this website, Colourless Design to read how designers write the design situations. http://www.colourlessdesign.com/wp/tag/storage/

Idea Growing Website

2010-08-18T12:26:00.001+08:00

I found out about this interesting and relevant website set up by Prof. Tan yesterday. I attended a course on Idea Conceptualisation through Idea Growing through the usage of tablet PC and learnt how to use the tablet PC to grow and develop ideas.

In this website, there are videos demonstrating how to conceptualise idea through idea growing. In addition, you'll also get to learn how to render pictures. These were rendering done by Prof. Tan.

Ideagrowing site: http://www.ideagrowing.com/index.php.
This new site is still growing...

Milton Glaser on Using Design to Make Ideas New

2010-08-08T19:38:00.001+08:00

I love NY designed by Milton Glaser

About this talk

From the TED archives: The legendary graphic designer Milton Glaser dives deep into a new painting inspired by Piero della Francesca. From here, he muses on what makes a convincing poster, by breaking down an idea and making it new.

Ergonomics & Anthropometry

2010-07-20T21:53:00.004+08:00

Ergonomics is the study of how people relate to products and environment so that products can be designed to be safe and comfortable for use.
Poorly designed products may lead to frustration or physical injury such as repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Anthropometry is concerned with the size and proportions of the human body. It includes measurements of height, weight, hand size, maximum reach in various positions, and so on.

This video explains how you can prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI)

NDP 2010 One Voice Choir

2010-07-20T21:12:00.008+08:00

More than 190 Secondary Two Springfielders are involved in this year National Day Parade combined school choir, aka One Voice choir to perform the Human LCD Projection.
To view the full video of the Human LCD Projection, visit the NDP site at

http://www.ndp.org.sg/articles_main.php?article=humanLed&id=show

NDP 2010 One Voice Choir- Musical Note

Colour Scheme

2010-07-01T09:50:00.004+08:00

The colour scheme website allows you to create pattern and change the colour.

It's a good website for you to explore and design patterns in a short time.

Website: http://www.colourlovers.com/pattern/934884/rEVOLution

Outstanding Works by 1 Integrity

2010-06-27T21:26:00.007+08:00

The following outstanding works were done with love by students from 1 Integrity.

By Rhosanna Ruth Rigden

Musical note keytag with the floral display unit by By Rhosanna Ruth Rigden

By Neo Zi Yun

By Sean Cher Hao Ze

By Ho Wei Jie

Great Works by 1 Excellence

2010-05-22T21:55:00.029+08:00

In secondary 1 project, students are required to make use of acrylic to design and make key-tags and jelutong wood to design and make display unit for key-tags.

Most students from the first group of 1 Excellence put in effort and produced excellent work. Keep up the good work 1 Excellence!

By Matin

By Jie Hui

By Li Xi

By Praveen

By Kristal

By Jia Wei

By Fatin

By Ashish

By Dylan

By Wei Tze

By Sean

By Zahwa

By Vivian

By Phyllis

Farewell Dr.Goh Keng Swee

2010-05-18T13:30:00.002+08:00

Thank you Dr.Goh Keng Swee for your immense contribution to Singapore.
Singaporeans have benefited from your brilliant policies initiated by you.

A great man is made up of qualities that meet or make great occasions.
Author: James Russell Lowell

Dr.Goh Keng Swee

Red Dot Design Award Winning Designs

2010-05-12T21:44:00.007+08:00

Some interesting photos taken at Red Dot Design Museum near Tanjong Pagar MRT. The following products are Red Dot Design award-winning designs.

Recycle Bin at Singapore Changi Airport

2010-05-08T02:03:00.005+08:00

I saw these recycling bins at Changi Airport terminal 3. They are unique thus I took a photo of it.

Recycle Point

The design of these recycling bins was conceived by ‘Chemistry’ (www.chemistryteam.com), based on their award winning entry for Design Singapore Council’s 10 Touchpoints competition.
The concept was inspired by recognising that a mindset change towards recycling was needed. By transforming ordinary and functional bins into the recyclable items themselves, the bins become talking points that attract attention and interest of passengers and visitors to the airport. The inclusion of Changi Airport’s recycling efforts on each bin further reinforces that desire to change attitudes and create an emotional connection with people.

Double Rainbow in Springfield Secondary School

2010-05-06T09:50:00.006+08:00

Mr.Wallace Ng took this beautiful rainbow photo viewed from the school canteen in this morning. Look at the cloud formation. Do you see a face above the rainbow?

Food for thought: The best thing is life is free.

Rainbow

The Design Process by Philips

2010-05-06T09:24:00.000+08:00

The design process by Philips

View more presentations from whatidiscover.

Paul Bennett finds design in the details

2010-04-29T17:47:00.002+08:00

Showing a series of inspiring, unusual and playful products, British branding and design guru Paul Bennett explains that design doesn't have to be about grand gestures, but can solve small, universal and overlooked problems.

http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_bennett_finds_design_in_the_details.html

Cam and follower Website

2010-04-14T10:45:00.007+08:00

This is a good interactive website at http://www.minidt.com/ for cam and follower. Click on the link to explore various types of cam and follower and other mechanisms.

Picture from http://www.minidt.com

Analyse the eccentric (circular) cam. Is there dwell period? Where can you find eccentric cam?

For the Snail (Drop) cam, it is the only cam and follower that has a sudden drop. It only allows one direction to rotate (depend on orientation of the snail cam). In the above case, you can only rotate in the clock-wise direction else you might jam the cam.

For the pear cam profile, the follower remains motionless for about half of the cycle of the cam and during the second half it rises and falls.

Another useful website for cam and follower is as shown below.

http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/dt/cam/cam.swf

Design & Robotics Club is Number 1 in Springfield Secondary School CCA Blog Competition

2010-04-03T22:18:00.000+08:00

Good news, despite starting Design and Robotics Club this year, we won the 1st prize in Springfield Secondary School CCA Blog Competition! If you are willing to put in the effort, you can achieve the success that you want! Visit the winning Design and Robotics Club blog at http://www.wix.com/SPFdesignandrobotics/SpfDNR.

Revamped Design & Robotics Blog

2010-03-22T17:58:00.000+08:00

This is the revamped Design and Robotics blog http://www.wix.com/SPFdesignandrobotics/SpfDNR created by Denis Wee from 3 Excellence.

Good news to share with all of you. We achieved the 4th position for F1 Division 3 competition (Beginners) and 8th position for both F1 an R1 competition recently. It's the first time we participate in the competition and it was a great learning experience. Visit Design and Robotics blog to find out more.

Interesting Website on Creative Clocks

2010-03-10T21:43:00.002+08:00

The following link on creative and clever clock design website is shared by Farhan from Sec 4 Fortitude. Thank you Farhan!

http://www.geekologie.com/2010/03/amazeing_aspiral_clock_tells_t.php

Golden Ratio

2010-02-26T22:21:00.005+08:00

What is the criteria of beauty? Why are we attracted to beautiful people? What do they have in common?

The secret?

All aesthetically-pleasing objects and beautiful people fulfill the Golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion. Look at the following video and website at http://www.goldenmeangauge.co.uk/golden.htm to find out more on the Golden ratio.

Happy Chinese New Year

2010-02-13T22:01:00.015+08:00

Yesterday was the official opening of River Hongbao 2010 at The Float@ Marina Bay. The glittering and stunning light decor display are outstanding. There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs, the God of Fortune, treasure house, wishing fountain and the adorable panda bears. Singaporeans and tourists happily posed with the various displays. Are you hungry? You can try the street food from Chengdu.

Wishing all Chinese Happy Chinese New Year and to non-Chinese, Happy Holiday!
For more information on River Hongbao, visit the official website at http://www.riverhongbao.sg/.

Entrance

God of Fortune

Tis the year of Tiger

Dragon

Rooster

Treasures Fill the House

Dragon and Phoenix

Product Analysis

2010-02-03T16:28:00.003+08:00

This is a great site if you want to find out how to write a good product analysis.

http://designmuseum.org/discoverdesign/index.html

Why do you need to do product analysis?

There are several reasons. Firstly when you analyse the product in terms of its aesthetics, functions, environmental impact, you analyse if there are any area of improvement. If there is, you can propose solution and come up with better designs. Thus, there is design opportunity for you to design a new product to meet users' needs. Are there useful concepts you can borrow from existing products? If yes, you can apply some of the good concept into your design. Remember, Never copy all the idea.

Mika

2010-02-02T23:53:00.003+08:00

This is definitely one my favourite music videos of all time. Mika is so talented and unconventional! He has the unique ability to compose happy tunes. Look at this video. Do you see retro design or outrageous design?

Don Norman on 3 ways Good Design makes you Happy

2010-01-30T18:14:00.003+08:00

Don Norman studies how real people interact with design, exploring the gulf between what a designer intends and what a regular person actually wants. His work has resulted in some classic books, including "The Design of Everyday Things."

About this talk
In this talk from 2003, design critic Don Norman turns his incisive eye toward beauty, fun, pleasure and emotion, as he looks at design that makes people happy. He names the three emotional cues that a well-designed product must hit to succeed.

About Don Norman
Don Norman studies how real people interact with design, exploring the gulf between what a designer intends and what a regular person actually wants.

Don Norman is a really humourous speaker. Watch this interesting video to find out more on Design and Emotion.

http://www.ted.com/speakers/don_norman.html

Red Dot Design Museum Tour

2010-01-30T15:37:00.004+08:00

To Sec 3 Graciousness, we'll be visiting the Red Dot Design Museum on next Saturday (6 Feb) at 3.00 pm. Do bring along your camera to capture the interesting product and conceptual designs. Bring along your pens. There will be assignment for you to do.

Remember your project work, everyone will present on 10 Feb.

Red Dot Design Museum

Conceptual Designs on display at Red Dot Design Museum

Design and Robotics Website

2010-01-29T17:20:00.004+08:00

Design and Robotics club is a newly formed club that integrate design and technology to create robots and innovative products. To find out more on Design and Robotics Club, visit the blog as follows:

http://designroboticspf.blogspot.com/

IDEO in Design Process Action

2010-01-29T09:52:00.002+08:00

IDEO is a design and innovation consulting firm. This video shows their interesting workplace and the design process of designing a shopping trolley. This is part three of the video.

Brainstorming Session with Sec 3Graciousness

2010-01-26T14:24:00.003+08:00

Had an interesting session with Sec 3 Graciousness on this Monday. Pupils were given the following topic to brainstorm: List 30 things that Scissors can function. In the 15 minutes session, my 20 students came up with the following suggestions. Each group of 4 students had 10 minutes discussion before the whole group share their ideas.

During the Brainstorming session, do NOT criticise. Just note down the idea, later you can discuss which is the best idea. ) The objective of brainstorming is to generate ideas.

3Graciousness
1) Stabilize round object (Use your imagination)
2)Can be used as a template to trace the outline of handle shape.
3) Pick up things.
4) Trim the sideburns.
5) Can be used to pick up magnet. (Good use of material properties for other usage).
6) Can use the scissor shape to make jewellery.
7) Cut hair
8) Make furniture.
9) Self-defense.
10) Operating tools.
11) Cooking
12) Performing. (Apparently, my students said you can used it to pose and dance.)
13) Open bottle caps.
14) Cut the crab.
15) Exercise the fingers
16) Pick up magnetic items.
17) Use it as screwdriver (Use this as a last resort!)
18) Chopstick. (When you are really desperate)
19) Clear ears. (Too dangerous)
20) Open wounds. ???
21) Ice-climbing.
22) Scratch back.
23) Conduct electricity (when wire is cut off).
24) Scratch car. (DON’T DO THIS!)
25) Open the tin. (As a lever)
26) Self-mutilation (DONT’ DO THIS! DON'T HURT YOUR BODY.)
27) Cut away the bones.
28) Make a hole at the bottle cap.
29) Can be used as a saw.
30) Can be used a prop.

Each group came up with 4 to 8 ideas with the exception of Bryan, Daryl and Lai Siang group. Think out of the box! Besides cutting, scissors can do so much more. Analyse the scissor material properties, shapes and mechanism. When many people brainstorm together, you get so much more ideas.

Unique Calendar 2010

2010-01-24T20:35:00.008+08:00

I received this interesting calendar from my friend via email. This calendar is creative but then it is not really suitable for colour-blind people. What do you think?

Unique Calendar

Janine Benyus: Biomimicry in action

2010-01-23T20:45:00.004+08:00

Janine Benyus has a message for inventors: When solving a design problem, look to nature first. There you'll find inspired designs for making things waterproof, aerodynamic, solar-powered and more. Here she reveals dozens of new products that take their cue from nature with spectacular results.

For more interesting talks, visit TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) website at
http://www.ted.com/

Design & Robotics Club

2009-12-31T13:27:00.002+08:00

I'll be starting Design and Robotics Club.

In Design and Robotics Club, you will get the opportunity to develop ideation skills, explore and apply smart materials, analyse electronics circuits, use CAD to design and draw presentation and working drawing, design robots and many more.

If you are interested in signing up, you can contact me via email at goh_sze_li@moe.edu.sg or look for me at D&T staff room.

Singapore Design Festival 2009

2009-11-25T13:38:00.005+08:00

The biennial Singapore Design Festival is here once again. There are a total of 99 events held from 20 November to 30 November. To find out more, visit the official website at http://www.singaporedesignfestival.com/designfest09/default.aspx.

Outstanding Door Gifts Design by Secondary 2

2009-10-26T11:30:00.012+08:00

The following outstanding door gifts are completed by the second group Secondary 2 students. The assessment criteria is the same as the first group in this year. Some designs really express its ideas and concepts very well such as the firewheel by Aiman.
To all the secondary 2 students, I wish all of you success in going to the class you desire.
Good Luck!

By Mellysa Chu Rui Laam from 2H
By Han Danni B Imran Han from 2F
By Muhammad Aiman B Mazlan from 2G

By Ang Ching Siang from 2G

By Siti Nabilah Bte Ismail from 2G

By Irsyad Yamin B Muhamad from 2H

By Muhammad Hafiz B Abdul Rahman from 2H

By Gina Ng Pek Luan from 2H

By Joshua Lim Jian Han from 2H

By Yun Soh Yeon from 2G

Secondary 1F Outstanding Display Units and Key-Tags

2009-10-26T11:29:00.002+08:00

By Veronica Tan Wan Ting

By Cheryl Ho Jia Ling

By Sukhvinder Singh Dhillon
By Arina Bte Sulaiman
By Syafiqah Mutiara Bte Ali
By Muhammad Afiq B Zainudin

Secondary 1G Outstanding Display Units and Key-Tags

2009-10-26T11:28:00.003+08:00

The following display units and keys are designed and made by Secondary 1G students.

By Joyce Lee Xin Le

By Nuntapon from 1G

By Loh Choon Kiat from 1G

By Yin Ai Li from 1G
By Khair B Abdul Razak
By Keegan from 1G
By Chen Xin Hui from 1G
By Dorothea Lee Jing Yi

By Siti Syukriah Husna Bte Idris

Outstanding Works by Secondary 1 Students

2009-10-25T12:40:00.000+08:00

I am impressed with the following works done by Secondary 1 students. Due to the change of school schedule, the second group of lower secondary student had extra weeks compared to the first group. Thus, for the last two lesson, I instructed the students to use whatever materials they can find in the recycled basket to design and make pencil holders. The following works were completed within two lessons. Students have demonstrated resourcefulness and creativity.

City skylight by Siti Nabihah from 1H

Cheese Sukhvinder Singh from 1F

Nur Elicia from 1F

Irfan Fitri from 1H

Nurul Aqilah from 1H

Secondary 1H Outstanding Display Units and Key-Tags

2009-10-25T11:14:00.002+08:00

By Fatin Atiqah
Irfan Fitri B Mohamed Razali

By Mariayn Chua

By Clarence Juan Ying Jie

Breathtaking Clouds

2009-10-24T10:38:00.001+08:00

It was the end of the long day. Looked up at the sky and saw the amazing clouds at the school. Stop for a while and enjoy the beautiful art of the nature.

Future Perfect- Designing for Tomorrow by Richard Seymour

2009-10-18T17:53:00.004+08:00

I am thankful for being given the opportunity to attend a sharing session by Mr.Richard Seymour, British designer and co-founder of Seymour-Powell on 15th September this year. Mr.Richard Seymour is a great man with no airs and he also kindly allowed me to take a picture of him and his lecture notes during his presentation.

8 minutes video on Business and Design .

Below is a 1 hour lecture on Future Perfect- Designing for Tomorrow.

Aerospace Electronics Innovation at Temasek Polytechnic

2009-10-10T12:12:00.003+08:00

There will be aerospace electronics training & hands-on activities at Temasek Polytechnic. The 3-hour course (tentative Nov 09) will cover Technologies such as programming and applications such as logistics control and signalling functions.

If you want to learn more, you may try electronics Glider, aero-modelling.

If you are interested to join, please look for me at D&T staff room.

Interesting Designs

2009-10-07T12:10:00.003+08:00

Want to learn more of the latest, wacky and clever designs, visit this site to get the latest updates.

http://www.yankodesign.com/category/productdesign/

Green Designs

2009-10-07T11:49:00.004+08:00

People are now more conscious of green designs with the increase of global warming. More companies are now considering the environment and the impact of using environmentally-friendly materials such as the renewable materials like wood. Besides materials, the structure design and method of joining the parts also play a critical role in reducing the redundant material.
The website below showcases a range of green designs. Explore the site to find out existing green design products.

http://www.greendesign.in/home.html

All the Best for your Examinations!

2009-10-03T10:00:00.002+08:00

Examination is coming soon! All the best for your examinations. Work hard and smart!

This semester, I am happy to see many interesting and unique designs. I'll post the outstanding designs soon. Thank you for being such wonderful and good students. Just give your very best, after the examination, you can enjoy the holiday. :)

Happy September Holiday!

2009-09-05T10:27:00.002+08:00

Enjoy the One week holiday! Use this week wisely and prepare for your examinations. Meanwhile, have a good rest and enjoy your hobbies. There must be balance.

Toy Design Presentation at Suntec City Convention Hall 401

2009-08-20T08:19:00.027+08:00

Two teams from Springfield Secondary School were awarded the merit prizes in Toy design competition organised by the Singapore Polytechnic. They are among the top ten best entries selected.. Close to hundred teams participated in the competition. On 15 Aug 2009, we attended the prize presentation ceremony at the Suntec City Convention Hall 401, held in conjunction with the Singapore Toy, Games and Comics Convention. We have two teams winning the Merit prizes for the first time.

In the convention, there were many cosplay characters in their fanciful clothes and bright neon hair walking around the convention and posing with the visitors. We also saw a few movie characters like Darth Vader and storm trooper from Starwars.

Entrance

At the prize presentation stage.

Guest of Honour Dr Milton Tan, Director, DesignSingapore Council, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts Dr Milton Tan shared with us how African children improvised with what they have. Using recycled materials to make a soccer ball.

Speed Piston Force by Muhd Syarafuddin (3F) and Muhd Farhan (3F).

Racing Dynamics by Bryan Phang from 2H

The prize winners from left to right Bryan Phang(2H), Muhd Syarafuddin (3F) and Muhd Farhan (3F).
The award-winning cars from Springfield Secondary School.

The Monopoly Man
Gundam
Darth Vader in action. Want to pose with him? Pay $5.00 first.
Stormtrooper and R2D2?

Cosplay characters crossing swords with each others.

Blythe character

Design Quotes

2009-08-20T08:15:00.001+08:00

Every creator painfully experiences the chasm between his inner vision and its ultimate expression."Isaac Bashevis Singer

"Design is directed toward human beings. To design is to solve human problems by identifying them and executing the best solution."Ivan Chermayeff

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep"Scott Adams

Great News! We are in the Top 10!

2009-07-04T17:00:00.004+08:00

Great News for Springfielders! We have two teams selected amongst the 10 best entries in the Singapore Polytechnic Toy Design competition, Autodesk Inventor Professional category. About 100 groups participated. The ranking for the top 3 positions will be announced on 15 August 2009 (Sat) at 1.00 pm at the Suntec City Convention Hall, to be held in conjunction with the Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention. For more information, you can visit this site http://www.sgtoyandcomiccon.com/.

The selected participants are Bryan Phang from 2H and Muhd Syarafuddin Bin Shariff and Muhammad Farhan B Osman from 3F.
I am proud of the facts that they gave their very best and did not give up. Great Job.

Racing Car Design by Aliy

2009-07-03T17:44:00.001+08:00

The following racing car is designed by Aliy from 3D. I think he is already a winner as he had given his best effort in the Autodesk Inventor Car Design competition.

Leonardo da Vinci, The Genius

2009-06-16T15:04:00.014+08:00

Leonardo da Vinci (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519)is the planet Earth greatest genius.He was an Italian polymath, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer. He excelled in all areas.

His characters in his paintings, like the world famous Mona Lisa and The Last Supper come alive and seem to communicate with us. He designed one of the most lethal weapons which can chop off enemies' legs. He was also a prolific antomist, dissecting and sketching bodies parts as he felt that human body is the most complex machine. He experimented and built mechanisms like the cranes and hammering mechanism.
He conceived the ideas of the first parachute,diving suit and submarine.

If you are free, visit this Da Vinci's exhibition which is held at the Science Centre until this August. You can explore the mechanism section with rack and pinion, cam and follower mechanism. Take note that you can't take photos once you are inside the exhibition hall.

Singapore is fortunate to be the first country from Southeast Asia to enjoy this exhibition of the world greatest genuis, who 500 years back had already dreamt of today modern technologies that we take for granted.

Quotes by Leonardo da Vinci,

Common Sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses.

As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.

All our knowledge has its origins in our perceptions.

Art is never finished, only abandoned.

The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.

I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.

Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation... even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.

Learning never exhausts the mind.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.

There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.

Entrance The Vitruvian Man, a study of human proportion. When the legs are spread, it actually form an equilateral triangle.

Mona Lisa and her enigmatic smile

Emergency Bridge

To find out more , visit http://www.davincithegenius.com/

Display Unit and Key-tag Designs by Secondary 1

2009-06-14T18:01:00.001+08:00

The following pictures show some of the excellent works by secondary 1 students.

Hilda from 1G

Guiru from 1G

Jeremy from 1H

Elieen from 1G

Hajar from 1H

Verner Panton

2009-06-10T10:58:00.011+08:00

Verner Panton (13 February 1926 – 5 September 1998) is Denmark most influential furniture and interior designer. He invented the first inflatable chair, and the acclaimed single molded plastic chair. His designs are mostly colourful and bright colours, exuding vibrant and energetic mood. Unconventional and bold, he also came up with the Flying chair. His timeless designs are still popular with the young. I sat on the Panton chair at the National Museum and I was amazed that this chair is so comfortable to sit on it. The shape fits my back very well and it is stable and strong. (Looks can deceive).
Panton chair which was designed in the 60s, is still flying off the shelves .

The Singapore National Museum is exhibiting Verner Panton's works until July this year.

To find out more on his work, you can visit http://www.vernerpanton.com/

Luminous Ring Wall Element
The Flying Chair

Panton Chair, made from moulded plastic in 1967 is a timeless design

S Chair, made from bended laminated wood

Interactive corner for children

Recommended Educational Games and Interative D&T websites

2009-06-03T11:13:00.006+08:00

I have compiled a list of recommended online educational games at the top left corner so you don't not have to search through the whole blog.
Enjoy your school holiday! :)

Recommended D&T softwares

2009-05-26T11:49:00.007+08:00

Dear students, I have created a link for recommended design related softwares so that it is easier to search for it. It is near the top left hand of this blog. Thank you for your feedback.

Esplanade Visual Arts: You Shine Like Gold in the Air of Summer

2009-05-16T13:03:00.007+08:00

This exquisite artwork is done by Simponi, four Indonesian women who come from different disciplines. They used recycled skirts salvaged from 'dumps' in Southeast Asia to construct beautiful lanterns. It suggests women empowerment and the possibility of women reaching the highest places. This visual display is displayed until June 2009.

FASHIONISTA HORSESHOES

2009-05-16T11:47:00.011+08:00

On the way to the Asian Civilisation Museum,I saw various Fashionista Horseshoes scattered at various strategie hotspots at the Raffles City. Vibrant and loud colour got my attention and I quickly captured these horseshoes. Each horseshoe comes with a display explaining its style.

FASHIONISTA HORSESHOES -- HEELS THAT THRILL!
The Straits Times, Saturday, April 25, 2009

Get ready to be dazzled by ten giant Fashionista Horseshoes this Sunday, 26 April 2009 at Junction 8 Atrium. Specially commissioned by the Singapore Turf Club to kick-start this year’s Singapore International Racing Festival, Singapore’s biggest racing extravaganza of the year, the horseshoes each measure 7ft high and are painted in various fashion themes, ranging from the late 19th century to the nostalgic 60s to the present. Each horseshoe is whimsically named, including “Gypsy”, “Broadway Boogie Woogie” and “Moulin Rouge” and are adorned with colourful accessories ranging from dainty laces to flowers to heavy metal chains.

Bohemia

Moulin Rouge

Aloha

Vote for Your Favourite Door Gift Design

2009-05-07T07:17:00.000+08:00

I have created a poll (It is at the top left side of this blog) for you to vote for your Favourite door gift design. The poll will close on 29 June.

Google Sketchup 7

2009-05-06T18:55:00.005+08:00

I attended D&T seminar today and there was a sharing on how useful Google Sketchup is. I tried both Google sketchup and Autodesk Inventor Professional softwares, personally I feel Autodesk Inventor is more user-friendly and powerful as it can animate and check the mechanism design and conduct stress analysis. It can also produce section and auxiliary drawing and orthgraphic drawing with the material list. Of course, to master Autodesk software to conduct stress analysis and check mechanism movement, you have to take longer time to learn.

Nevertheless, Google sketchup is a free software and you can practise this at home. You can download this free software with no trial period at http://sketchup.google.com/. However, if you want to download Google Sketchup Pro 7 which allows you to produce orthographic drawing to scale, you have to pay about $40 for 2 years.

Ideas Transformed to Reality- Excellent Door Gifts

2009-04-22T17:22:00.045+08:00

First, I like to say a big Thank you to all my former students from Sec 2A, 2F, 2G and 2H. I really enjoyed teaching you all. I will remember the wonderful time teaching you. I hope you had great fun during the lessons and be able to apply what you have learned in Design & Technology to other area of your life. After all, D&T is about problem-solving.

It is great to see many excellent works done by the current batch from Secondary 2A, 2F, 2G and 2H. There are many creative and innovative designs this year.
Of course, for the following excellent designs, students have put in great effort. Besides working hard during the lessons, to improve on their work, they often stay back after school. Indeed, hard work has paid off for this group of diligent students.
This year, the design situation is for the student designers is to design door gift for Primary 6 students who visit Springfield Secondary School. For my classes, only A4 size acrylic is given. However, students can use waste material to add on to their design. They can put the alternating light circuit.

There is an element of surprise in their designs. At first glance, you would not be able to guess the functions. Looking at the designs itself would just put a smile on your face.

When assessing, I look at the following design factors:
1) Function- Can it hold the handphone/pencil properly? Does it work well?
2) Aesthetics- Is the design creative,attractive and interesting?
3) Ergonomics-Is it safe to use?
4) Quality of work
Racing car 1 designed by Chng Wei Ling from 2F. Guess the function. Wei Ling reused old toy car wheels.

It's a storage box.
Racing car 2. Guess the function. Designed by Muhammad Iskandar from 2H
The Hand designed by Muhammad Faiz from 2H. Guess what it can hold.

Handphone and stationary.

Spongebob Patrick designed by Bryan Chang from 2F

It's a handphone holder.

Happy Face. Namecard holder designed by Zi Hao from 2F.

Rockwall designed by Keng Kai from 2F. Guess what is the function.

It's the key holder!

Penguin designed by Siti Nurulain from 2F.

It's a pencil holder and storage box.

Dinosaur designed by Fatin Masayu from 2A. Guess the function.

It's a pencil holder.

Basketball court designed by Loh Chin Hao Andy from 2G

It's a pencil holder

Injured hand designed by Bryan Phang from 2H

Geometry designed by How Neng from 2G

Angel box designed by Try Sutrisno from 2H

Minimalist designed by Andy Chua from 2H

Pet designed by Wen Tao from 2H

Royal chair designed by Zhen Hao from 2F. What is the function?

It's a handphone holder.

Commendable Door Gifts

2009-04-22T16:28:00.000+08:00

Wave by Sim Ling
Chick by Grace from 2G
Wacky pencil holder by Jeeha from 2H
Smiling Face Pencil holder by Tan Xuan Ru, 2G

Minimalist style Pencil Holder by Kimberly Chua from 2G

Pencil Holder Daryl from 2G

Spongbob FUN song

2009-04-22T16:20:00.000+08:00

This song is dedicated to all Spongbob fans.
Enjoy :)

Early in the Morning at Springfield Secondary School

2009-04-22T16:13:00.000+08:00

I saw this beautiful cloud formation during the morning assembly. It is quite rare to see this so I immediately capture this with my camera.

Discover Design

2009-04-13T11:09:00.003+08:00

Discover Design is an interactive website where you can learn more about design.
http://www.designmuseum.org/discoverdesign/index.html.

Perseverance

2009-04-07T17:49:00.004+08:00

To all my secondary 2 students. I know it is a stressful period as we only have 1 week left to complete the door gift project. Please persevere on. I know you can do it!

This year, I am happy to see many creative ideas.

Isn't it amazing to see Ideas transform to Reality? From initial sketches to a real product through your own effort and creativity.

To all my secondary 2A, 2F,2G and 2H, Persevere on ! I will post outstanding and good designs on this blog. Let's share with the rest of the world what Singaporean students can do.

Quotes on Perseverance

With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.
~Thomas Foxwell Buxton

Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. ~Dale Carnegie

Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain. ~Author Unknown

Stanford Design Thinking Process

2009-03-31T20:51:00.004+08:00

This great design video is produced by students from Stanford University. It basically summarised the essence of design thinking process.

Autodesk Inventor

2009-02-19T08:25:00.007+08:00

If you are amazed by Autodesk Inventor and want to practise, you can download Autodesk Inventor at this website, www.autodesk.com/edcommunity.
You need to register with a valid, school-issued email address first before you can download.

Lego Digital Designer

2009-02-17T11:16:00.007+08:00

Great news for Lego fans. Now, you can download Lego Digital Designer to design and build with Lego bricks on your computer. This software is great for you to design and visualise your ideas and develops your creativity.

You can download this free software at http://ldd.lego.com/.

For your information, the Lego Racer Challenger, Singapore Polytechnic Toy design competition requires you to design the race car using the Lego Digital Designer.

Toy Design Competition

2009-02-11T20:57:00.007+08:00

It's the launch of the Toy Design Competition today, organised by Singapore Polytechnic. There are three categories namely
1) The Autodesk Inventor, Design Category
2) Lego Racers Challenge
3) Trexi Design Category
If you are interested to join this competition, you can visit this website for more information.

http://www.sp.edu.sg/SPweb/ShowBinary/BEA%20Repository/assets_MM/tdc09/tdc09main.

Please submit your registration form to me by 25 Feb. Registration form can be downloaded from the above link.

Spring has designs on branding

2009-01-14T19:54:00.002+08:00

By Francis Chan, The Straits Times

ACCLAIMED designers like Finland's Alvar Aalto and France's Philippe Starck are said to have single-handedly established the furniture design industry of their respective homelands.
And if plans by Spring Singapore succeed, a locally established furniture brand name may also achieve the international cult status of Aalto and Starck one day.

The enterprise development agency says it is working with the Singapore Furniture Industries Council on a Furniture Design Programme that aims to raise design standards and capabilities of local furniture firms.

The programme includes seminars, workshops and attachments to both foreign and local brands for players in the Singapore furniture industry.
'We aim to develop local design talent and to increase the adoption of designs by the manufacturing companies as a key competitive edge,' said Ms Kee Ai Nah, director of Spring Singapore's retail division.

According to her, viable and innovative design will not only help Singapore furniture firms survive the current downturn but also position them for faster growth once the economy recovers.

Given the scarcity of land in Singapore, local furniture firms rarely have the luxury of setting up their own manufacturing plants here.

Despite that, official statistics show that the companies still managed to provide more than 13,000 jobs and generate about $700 million a year in value-add to the national economy.
Singapore's share of the world furniture export market came to $2.9 billion last year.
This includes exports from Singapore-owned factories based overseas.

Design Exhibition at Temasek Polytechnic Open House

2009-01-13T20:06:00.006+08:00

Visual Design

Product Industrial Design

Design is more than form.

Awards won by TP design students

Chindogu!

2009-01-09T13:38:00.003+08:00

Take a look at Chindogu, literally translated to weird tools. The japanese modern art of useless but clever designs. Hmm, using these products really make you stand out in public.

Dream

2008-11-05T19:35:00.005+08:00

This sculpture is located outside the Esplanade. This cloud represents dream. I think we should live for our dreams. Dare to dream and succeed. Impossible is nothing. America has elected their very first African President. Anything is possible if you put your heart and soul to it.

Red Dot Design Museum

2008-11-03T19:39:00.019+08:00

It's the school holiday! Hey, when you are free, do visit the Red Dot Design Museum. On the first weekend of every month, there is free entry for all! Moreover, you can take a look at the bustling weekend market of creative and original works by designers and artists.

The Red Dot Design museum exhibits a large and unusal collection of contemporary design. It features award-winning designs from all over the world. In addition, you can study how professional designers write their design situation in their 'presentation board'.
Note in the new syllabus, you have to prepare presentation board with design specifications, situation, brief and working drawing and final drawing.

It is located near Tanjong Pagar MRT . For more information, go to http://www.reddottraffic.com/.

Red Dot Design Museum

An overview of design mueum exhibition and weekend market set up by designers and artists.

Design Exhibition of Many Ways of Seeing (MWOS) organised by the Singapore Polytechnic
Leaf Table Presentation Board. This is a good reference of presentation board with the situation.
Leaf Table
Chair

This is an example of clever design from China. Condylus help to prevent pricking.

The presentation screens display Red Dot design awards, a quality seal for design excellence.

Design Process

2008-11-01T10:12:00.006+08:00

Designing is dynamic. The following is the design method model. Research is carried our throughout the design process.

The video below shows a design student at design ideation stage. Note how the student below uses many picture as visual references to explore different shapes and forms.

Excellence Quotes

2008-10-23T20:00:00.004+08:00

“No man ever reached to excellence in any one art or profession without having passed through the slow and painful process of study and preparation”
Horace quotes (Ancient Roman Poet. 65 BC-8 BC)

"The excellence is in the details.”
Gregory L. Sullivan quotes

"Persistence is the twin sister of excellence. One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time.”

D&T Awards

2008-10-23T18:22:00.003+08:00

D&T award is an annual event to showcase the D&T outstanding projects by all secondary schools. It is organised by the Technical Education Society and Curriculum Planning and Development Division/Ministry of Education. This award aims to encourage D&T pupils to engage in thoughtful design thinking process so as to derive at meaningful design solutions.
D&T Awards, Design Education, Its Real Value: Embracing Uncertainties. Design & Technology 2007.

D&T Products Make Good Talking Point

A fancy Salt and Pepper shaker, an automatic watering solution for the home, and a brilliant party must-have. These are just three winning creations, featured at the D&T Awards Exhibition held at Beatty Secondary from 14 to 16 March 2005. Contact profiles three of its creators – Theresa Goh of Dunman Secondary, Neo Zheng Theng of Holy Innocents’ High and Russell Sim of Woodgrove Secondary.
http://www3.moe.edu.sg/corporate/contactonline/2005/Issue09/big_pic/DT.htm

About Design & Technology

2008-10-23T12:22:00.006+08:00

I would like to encourage pupils who are resilient, hardworking and disciplined with good attitude to take Design and Technology. To excel, you really must put in effort in your design journal and making of artefact. It is a challenging subject particularly with the new syllabus, however the rewards of realising your idea is tremendous. Make good use of the school holiday to read Design for Life if you are going to take Design and Technology in secondary three. This subject will really improve your problem-solving skills to a higher level.

From different schools, I have observed students dropping the subject in the final year because they could not manage the subject well as it require effort and commitment to make the artefact and complete the design journal. Take note if you do not submit either the design journal or artefact, you will not get any marks. Think carefully when you choose. I believe with consistent effort and good attitude, you can do well in this subject.

“Find something that you're really interested in doing in your life. Pursue it, set goals, and commit yourself to excellence. Do the best you can.”
Chris Evert quotes

“Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
John W. Gardner quotes

“Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.”
Pat Riley quotes

http://thinkexist.com/quotations/excellence/2.html

Making Your Own Cam-and-follower Toy

2008-10-17T21:52:00.000+08:00

You can make your very own mechanism cam-and-follower toy by using 120gsm A4 paper and self-adhesive covering film. Just go to this amazing mechanism website at http://www.flying-pig.co.uk/pagesv/freesheep.htmand print out the agreeable sheep. Try to use a thicker paper so that the structure is much stronger and not flimsy. Take note, in design and technology, mechanism is part of the technology, besides electronics and structure. Do find out what type of cam it use.

http://www.flying-pig.co.uk/pagesv/freesheep.htm

To learn more about mechanism, this is a good site to explore. http://www.animatedworksheets.co.uk/webgate.html

Clever Design

2008-10-14T20:24:00.009+08:00

This is what I call a clever and sustainable design. Sustainable because it uses material efficiently and is more environment-friendly. I had my dinner at Popeyes restaurant and instead of the usual disposable fork and spoon, I was given this unique cutlery. Instead of producing two cutlery, the company only need to produce one. Indeed, it is energy-efficient too. Good design simply brighten my day. Do you know which SCAMPER method it use?

Substitute
Combine
Adapt
Magnify, modify
Put to other use
Elimination
Reverse, rearrange

Outstanding Electronic Steady Hand Game

2008-10-08T22:46:00.039+08:00

The following outstanding electronic steady hand game products selected from 140 projects are designed and made by my secondary 2 pupils from Secondary 2A to 2H except for 2G.

I am really proud of my pupils who tirelessly completed the electronic steady hand game. They have demonstrated resilient spirits and boundless creativity. In this electronic steady hand game made of acrylic and jelutong wood, when the probe follower touches the wire, the buzzer will sound. Some of my pupils added Light-emitting diode for the hearing-disabled users.

Design 1. Drums designed by my vocal student who love music and rap from 2F Parveen.
Design 2. Ship-inspired steady hand game designed by my humourous pupil Hakeem from 2H.

Design 3. Porcupine-inspired design by my ever-ready and hardworking pupil, Zheng Xiong from 2H.

Design 4. Star-inspired design by my outspoken pupil, Ian from 2E.

Design 5. M-shaped designed by my playful but hardworking pupil, Zhao Ming from 2H.
Design 6. Crocodile-inspired design by my studious pupil, Tammy from 2E.

Design 7. Fish-inspired designed by Amalina from 2A
Design 8. The hand-inspired design by my playful pupil, . Syafiq from 2A

Design 9.There is a LED as visual indicator in addition to the buzzer by Taufiq from 2A.
Design 10 . Love inspired design by my Khainuraishah from 2C.
Design 11. Dinosaur-inspired designed by my meticulous pupil, Hwee Cheng from 2F.
Design12. Star-inspired designed by my Jia En from 2F.

Design 13. Excellent finishing by my meticulous pupil, Amirra from 2F.

Design 14.Simple but classic design by Wei Rong from 2F.

Design 15: A unique X-design by Inez from 2F.

Design 16. A nice design by Yu Xian from 2B.

More Interesting Electronis Steady Hand Game

2008-10-07T19:45:00.005+08:00

More great works by my secondary two pupils. These are among the interesting designs from the secondary two cohort of 14o pupils.

Design 17- By 2C, Athirah

Design 18. By 2E Jeneva

Design 19: Rock-punk. 2C by Nadzirah
Design 20 by 2C, Izzat Design 21 by 2A Nor Hakim
Design 22 by 2C Rahayu

Design 23 by 2A Sriwayuni
Design 24 by 2B Eleanor
Design 25 by 2B Syarafuddin
Design 26 by 2F Fahmy

Design 27 by Diniy from 2B.

Design 28 by Kuan Boon from 2A

Design 29 by Wen Hao from 2F

Design 30 from Irfan from 2C

Design 31 from Syazwani from 2A

Design 32 by 2C Edmund Choo

Orthographic Projection (Working Drawing)

2008-10-01T00:49:00.016+08:00

Orthographic projection is the normal drawing technique for working drawings which contain all essential information like dimensions, materials to make the object you have designed. It shows a 3D object in 2D view of different sides namely the front, side and plan view of the object.

Orthographic drawing may be done using first angle projection or third angle projection.

The site below features an interactive presentation slides on Third Angle Orthographic projection. http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objID=ENG19204

The interactive exercise allows you to arrange blocks in a three-dimensional space so that the top view, front view, and side view match the target top view, front view, and side view. http://www.explorelearning.com/index.cfm?method=cResource.dspDetail&ResourceID=281

Special thanks to my friend, Elkan who shared this site. http://metal.brightcookie.com/2_draw/draw_t3/htm/draw3_2_4.htm

Design & Art Exhibition at Orchard Road

2008-09-29T21:22:00.010+08:00

I went to Orchard recently and saw this great art exhibition along the Orchard Road. Enjoy the tour.

Sculpture by Bernard Venet. Note, as you admire this sculpture, think. Why do you think this artist is choosing iron for the material?

What Do You See?

2008-09-26T21:55:00.005+08:00

This is an great video produced by Mr. Chandran. A video he made for students to celebrate the aesthetics of design and their individuality. Do not worry when it first show the "video rating". It is rated stunning and indeed it is a creative and stunning video that summarises the essence of aesthetics.

Shape-Borrowing

2008-09-23T13:29:00.011+08:00

Nature itself is a great design. To seek inspiration, we can observe our environment and borrow the shape. The following designs borrow the shape, with some modification in their design.
Pictures from http://www.inewidea.com/

Solar charger shaped like a tree

Observe how this hotel, Jumeirah in Dubai is shaped like a sail.

Shampoo dispenser shaped like a nose

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyoxZmg7VEw

Good Design for Everyday Living 1

2008-09-18T20:51:00.011+08:00

In this video, Dick Powell, product designer and founder of Seymour Powell Designs share with the audience what is Good Design for everyday living.

In essence, the speaker share with us the process of design which starts with an idea, build the idea with belief and realise it. He also show some examples of good and bad designs.

There are a total of 8 videos for this excellent lecture. This is part 1 of the lecture. For the rest of the lecture, you can go to youtube.

Special thanks to the Singapore National Library Board for sharing this video in YouTube.

http://www.seymourpowell.com/#/case_studies/
We have to look (active) rather than see (passive).

Survey

2008-09-18T20:51:00.006+08:00

To conduct research, conducting survey is great for gathering information on the users' needs and preferences. If you need to conduct a survey, this is a great site for you to collect information.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/

Shape & Structure

2008-09-18T17:58:00.001+08:00

Have you notice why triangle is commonly used in structures like bridges and building?

The shape of a structure affects how strong it is. Rectangles, arches, and triangles are the most common shapes used to build big structures.

To find out more about the impact of shapes on structure, go to this website http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/shapes.html to investigate. You can also explore different parameteres like materials, forces and loads. Happy learning.

Up, up and away to the top at Singapore Flyer.

Triangle in action at Singapore Flyer walkway.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/lab/shapes.html

Isometric Drawing

2008-09-16T14:37:00.007+08:00

Designers need to communicate their ideas to others through drawings. Isometric drawing is used to show the three-dimensional view of an object. It allows you to draw the projection accurately and to scale.

You can use this interactive tool at
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=125 to create dynamic drawings on isometric dot paper.

To learn more about the different drawing types, you can go to this website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/graphics/drawingformalrev1.shtml

From BBC:
Drawings giving detailed information about structure, dimensions, materials, and assembly instructions for a graphic product are done using one of a number of formal techniques. The main ones are isometric projection, planometric projection, perspective drawing, and - for working drawings - orthographic projection, section drawings and assembly drawings.

Because these formal drawings need to last and be used by others, you need to think about the preservation and presentation of your work.

Isometric projection

In isometric projection all vertical lines on an object remain vertical while horizontal lines are drawn at 30° to the horizontal. Isometric drawings are usually produced with drawing equipment to ensure accuracy.

Isometric projection distorts shapes slightly in order to keep all upright lines vertical (and because perspective is ignored). Their advantage is that they show the object's dimensions accurately and in correct proportion to each other, making it easy to draw the projection correctly to scale from a plan view.

Compound Machine

2008-09-11T17:54:00.003+08:00

To learn more about compound machine, when forces and simple machines work together, you can visit this website for an interesting game.

http://www.edheads.org/activities/odd_machine/