Ergonomics based breif:
The premise of this mini project was to create an inefficient product out of a re constructed classic design to make it difficult to use or uncomfortable for a consumer. We carried out this task by ripping apart and glueing different parts of each products in new areas to experiment with the brief idea.
We started by creating some sketches of the objects we wanted to focus on the ergonomics of, I drew two different types of shoe as shown in the images above. I then edited and brought the levels forwards on photoshop to make them clearer for portfolio and website function. While doing this I analysed different aspects of the show for pros ad cons of the design of them. Both were made out of two different types of material which are on the cheaper side. In terms of longevity for a shoe, a product which is used everyday for the majority of consumers, a cheap material means that the product is inefficient, unreliable and maybe not worth the price. In terms of structure. Shoe one which is the cheaper shoe had terrible re enforcement, the back of the shoe was too low for comfort for an average size six foot and could cause blistering and offers a lack of support for the ankle which could be fatal. Shoe two, was a lot better quality of material than the first but still the structure of the shoe was off. No support for ankles even though the was a high top and the sole of the shoe was very flat and thin where as the first was thick and arched to fit and support the sole of the foot.
I created and took photos of some very quick prototypes of what I planed to do with the shoes. I had ripped apart and started creating a double topped shoe for one foot and a double soled shoe for the other. As the problem originally with the shoes were that the materials were poor quality and also the soles of the shoes were my main problem with them ergonomically. I though I would make this problem ergonomically worse while also subjectively maybe improving the shoe?
With limited materials and limited time, this is the prototype I created for this mini brief. I cut the soles off the bottom of the white shoes, and the top. Using the laces of both shoes I efficiently managed to weave through the sole of the shoe attaching it to the top of the lace holes of the top shoe. Again ding the opposite with the other shoe and lacing and weaving the top part to the bottom shoe. As far as aesthetic goes, these shoes are subjective. While I could see them being walked down a catwalk in fashion week for Maison Margiela I don't think they would be a great high street seller. Purely because they are unworkable. For example Your foot is on a slant, they are not water proof, they are really hard to and take a while too lace up. While these being problems if I wasn't for actually having to walk for a while in them. The sole was actually very comfortable and padded and felt very nice on the bottom of my foot. Below are some examples and evidence of me walking in the shoes and wearing them with style.
Moving on from this, as a last little mini project based on ergonomics. We were given another chance to be experimental with our work. We were given the brief to create a space scoop or shovel. Within this fun brief it gave us the chance to experiment and create prototypes based on another atmospheres ergonomics. Focusing on weight, mass, and other logistics involved In creating something for an outer space excavation. I had to consider the travel weight. Being in space it would have to be incredibly light because of the travel and the expenses it costs. Also the fact that once equipment has been taken to space it would have to be left there as the travel costs would not support it coming back. It would have to be a durable material that interacts well with the molecules and gravity in space. I made the prototype from recycled materials found in the studio but obviously as I do not have access to the expensive materials NASA do.