Special Carriers
The items we purchase often have unique characteristics that warrant specific structures that enable them to be carried, protected, and appreciated. We’re then going to build carriers for such items based on our understanding of the items’ needs. We’re also going to pay close attention to the roles the carriers play that extend beyond mere utility to include rituals, such as gift giving.
Introduction
9/22/2020
For this project, I decided to go with apples to construct a carrier for, mainly because I thought I could easily access these as I already had the materials with me. I chose this over cupcakes or donuts as I feel those would get messy whereas an apple seems much sturdier. I researched existing apple carriers and found some inspiring creations. I particularly like the one on the far right as I appreciated the simplicity and well-constructed craft. I realized that my carrier would not have additional graphics to support it — what are the ways in which I can show my carrier is holding apples, especially if it is completely covered?
I then began the initial brainstorming of ideas on apple carriers and drew out some sketches of thoughts I had. They suddenly began looking similar to a game I used to play when I was younger, scoop ball, which then reminded me of a sport called Jai Alai I recently heard about which was the fastest sport with the same type of carrier. While I don’t intend on creating an apple launcher (though I enjoy the thought of it), I really liked the curves and handles of these carriers.
Exploring Open Cylinders
9/24/2020
The exploration with corrugated cardboard was something that I thought was really beneficial to sparking a lot of ideas for the possible carriers and the different ways in which I can approach them. I was exploring creating open cylinders and worked around connecting them without using tape or adhesives but rather creating “latches” or incisions to weave them through. The thin outer layers and the corrugation gave me a lot to work with as I could manipulate them to be empty inside, thinner, or thicker.
I definitely see room to improve with my craft and work on measuring things out when it comes to the refining stage of the project, however, I really enjoyed the freedom we were given in making these designs. I also liked that we were working in groups and so I could see how others had completely different ways of working and creating the same outcome. I’m excited to start working on the models and exploring this material further.
Sketch Modeling 1
9/29/2020
So based on my first few sketches, I decided to just play around with ideas, and without really thinking much into it, just begin cutting the cardboard and seeing what follows. I noticed that the apples I had collected were all different sizes and shapes (as you can see in the pictures) and while these served well for now, however, in the future I will be getting ones that are more similar.
While I was making this, I started fiddling with one of my scrap pieces while talking to a friend. The piece folded in a way that reminded me of a basket and another idea for a carrier struck me. It felt more natural and followed the integrity of cardboard as these bends were not forced.
I then used this as inspiration to create a bigger version. I liked how this was made with one sheet and I made incisions to through the sheet and created an “apple holder”. While this only held one apple, I think I could make an even bigger one that holds four apples.
Reflecting on the feedback and class discussions, I feel I want to continue exploring cardboard and not just focus on one idea. I found my ideas develop from playing around with scraps and seeing how the cardboard interacts with humans. I do want to explore mechanics even though it might not be a necessary addition to my carrier.
Sketch Modeling 2
10/1/2020
As I mentioned before, I wanted to explore mechanics a little more with these next sketch models. I started making small models to figure out the mechanics and what kind I could possibly use in my carrier.
In my second sketch model, I tried a similar approach by creating a mini sketch model. I think this approach is good when it comes to mechanics as you get an idea of the movement and the different pieces that go into the inner workings of it.
From the feedback, I got from the people in my group I think I’m definitely not going to pursue mechanics in my special carrier. I’m glad I tried it out and sort-of “scratched the itch in my brain” (as Steve said) but now I know that it moves away from the simplicity and functionality an apple carrier should be. It also used way too much cardboard than needed and moved away from the initial designs I had thought of.
After this model, I remember feeling unmotivated about this project and felt I really needed to sit down in brainstorm ideas. I went back to my original sketches and began thinking about the problems I wanted my carrier to solve.
I wrote down a few points:
- efficient, one piece of cardboard
- simple, sleek design
- strong and supports the weight of the apples
- mimicks the shape/feels natural to carry fruits — avoid geometric shapes
- enjoyable in its use
Initial Prototype
10/6/2020
I began sketching out some very rough ideas for a possible final carrier. I realized I wanted to create a more basket-esque design — a shape that felt more natural to apples and stayed within the limitations of cardboard as a material.
The idea I came up with is similar to the idea I had initially and I’m glad I went back to that first reaction that seemed the most obvious to me. I then began thinking about the flat layout of these and how I could construct them with one piece of cardboard.
There were quite a few problems with the construction and design of this prototype, however, I was quite satisfied with the overall idea. The first thing I had to change was the handle — the straightness of it seemed to cut harshly into the curved sides. Also, the tabs weren't really holding the carrier together securely and the measurements were off. I want to continue with the single sheet idea and use the cardboard as efficiently as I can. With my next iteration, I also want to focus on curving the sides off so as to better imitate the shape of the apples. I’m proud with how this version turned out as it might be the first one to actually fit four apples and perform the basic carrier functions.
Prototype for Peer Review
10/8/2020
Thinking about the feedback I got on my carrier, I sketched up an initial iteration of which solved some of the main problems identified in my critiques. I worked on this during the class time and while I think the idea was working, I think the tabs were weak and measurements were kind of janky so the apples didn't stay inside the carrier.
Since I did this model quickly, I had the time to redo it again while also having a much better understanding of the possible problems I could face. I tweaked the design a little bit so it looked more circular and fit the apples better.
From the peer review and office hours, I understood I needed to make compartments for the apples to carry, improve the handle as it was bending at the tabs while also improving the tabbing system to make it more secure. However, I think the shape of the carrier reflects and shows the apples effectively and the curves work much better than my previous designs. I’m excited about this idea and think I’m going to experiment with the height and width of it and perhaps create two levels as the outer two apples seem to be less secure.
Refinement 1
10/13/2020
For the refinement stage, I continued with the basket idea but wanted to explore expanding the height instead of the width i.e. stacking the apples on top of each other. I came up with a design that involved a cutout on one side to tab into the other which held the apples in circular cutouts. I had to figure out how to match the handles on each side as to achieve balance, the sides would not be symmetrical.
Another design problem I faced was that since I wanted to retain the organic shape of the apple and include lots of curves in my design, it would be much harder to achieve a cleaner cut. After much trial and error, I discovered that the most efficient way to cut curves in cardboard is by using this “stabbing” technique with the Olfa blade as seen in the video above. While this might not completely cut through the curve, it gives a precise indentation to follow with the final cut. My tabs were heavily reliant on this precision and so I had to be careful with these cutouts.
Through this iteration, I discovered a new system of tabbing where the shape of the tab perfectly fits into the slot thus creating its circular shape. This felt much more fitting with the curves of the apple and didn't look like it was protruding outwards. For the corner tabs, I didn't feel the need to run the edges as it felt more secure with the rectangular slots. I think this reflects a good balance that shows when to adapt the design for aesthetic purposes vs. when to prioritize security and sturdiness over design. I also felt that the other parts of the carrier such as its oval nature translated the fact that this was a carrier for apples.
This design definitely had its flaws. I think it took away from the basket-like structure I had initially intended to do. To others working around me in the studio, it reminded them more of an egg carton rather than an apple carrier. I meant to cut off the design on the top where you hold the carrier, however, it would make the handle too thin and flimsy. It also uses more cardboard than necessary which goes against one of my main goals with this carrier.
I think my plan of action now is to go back to my original basket shape and borrow my newly found tabbing system so as to combine the ideas. I feel like I’ve come a long way and think I am finally headed in the right direction.
Refinement 2
10/15/2020
I decided to combine my two ideas to solve some of the problems they individually had. This time, I learned a new technique of using a bone folder to make indents inside the base of the carrier so as to not cut through the cardboard leaving a cleaner look on the outside. The only problem I faced with this iteration was that the two sides were not symmetrical and the ends were too thin. The shape also seemed a little lopsided and it didn't achieve that sleek look I intended for it to have.
Another addition to this design was that I cut the base of it to taper towards the edges. This solved my problem that resulted in the bending of the sides of the carrier, thus making it easier to grip the handle as well.
Final Review and Conclusion
10/20/2020
For my final carrier, I made some subtle changes that made a big difference. Firstly, I paid a lot of attention to making sure the carrier was symmetrical even though one side was the tab side and the other the slot side. I also made the design more round and complete thus making it sturdier and more comfortable to hold. I think this final product is a good representation of everything I learned through each sketch model and prototype. Without those, this would not exist. By no means is this the perfect apple carrier, it is still a little uneven and the construction could be improved. However, I am satisfied with the journey I took and think I have improved my design thinking skills and my ability to work with cardboard.
