A Place to Rest

The final project for Universal Design is a "spatial prosthetic" the goal being to create a place for a person(s) to rest that is for a specific spot or type of spot. This is a group project and I will be working with Kent and Quassi for it. After getting the project brief we sat down together and started brainstorming. We initially focused on places where one might need a place to rest. The stand out ideas were while traveling, shopping and waiting on a bus. After further discussion we decided to focus on the bus stop. We wanted to create a seat the was portable, folding, and easy to attach. We decided that we would make some quick models before our next meeting and discuss which direction to take at that point.

     
From this point we used a decision matrix to rank the different designs based on different criteria. From there we decided that we were going to make a full scale prototype of the one in the top left, which we are currently calling the butt hammock.

Burn Splint Prototype

After making quite a few rough models the team decided on the strongest versions and went on to make more realized versions of the rough sketches. We used thermoplastic, and torsion springs. We also considered the need to keep the parts that touch the top of the hand non abrasive.

It seems to work well. The finger is extended naturally, and there is still the ability to bend at the second joint. The brace on the palm gives a good deal of leverage, especially when bending the finger. We kept the splint pretty stream lined, you can put the hand in a pocket, but we still need to consider making that easier. The springs work very well, but we also need to make a better interface for them to fit into the splint and hold. The thermoplastic works really well and is very form-able, however it is not perfect. As you work on one part another runs the risk of being deformed. Casting and printing both seem to have potential, but there are limitations to both. The main ones being the resources and know-how needed to do either.

Mechanism 4

As I wait for the last of the electronics to get here in the mail I am working to mock up the mechanisms that they will be driving. Here is the next one.

Sketching for Machines

I am working on my shopping list for the things that I cannot make myself, once I have the pieces selected that I need, I can work around those dimensions to make the moving pieces that make the actual sculpture. As I work towards the creation of the mechanism I am creating digital sketches that I can start to fill with the pieces that I have to purchase, and build from there.

Models for Mechanisms

My class 612 is the final project for my Digital Studio Practices Major. During the semester I will be creating an object for the BFA show and Arts and Tech Night. I have decided that I am going to build a machine that moves, I will combine the things that I began in Physical Computing, with the things that I have learned in the DCRL (Digital Craft Research Lab) that will aid me in craft.

After considering various types of mechanisms I built moving cardboard models of two of them. I am exploring a third motion that looks very interesting on paper, and may build a model of that as well.

This first one would likely include lights that would cause the rectangles to change colors

This version shows potential. The arms would likely be 3 axis milled to give them a good contour.