for self directed project

projectplan

This project is inspired by my second fascination: objects with personality. During the project I want to research what properties of objects trigger emotions/feelings toward the object and create one or preferrably more objects with personality using different methods. Also this project should take a closer look at the status quo and question it.

introduction

As already mentioned in the section "goals":

Depending on the outcome of the initial research the goal and therefore also the outcome of the project can differ.

For some approaches please read back in the section goals.

goal

Depending on the outcome of the initial research the goal of the project can differ:
Preferred outcome: Find out if I can give personality to a most unpersonal object and doing it.

Alternative: Make an object, which is perceived very negatively e.g. as unpleasant, rude dangerous etc.

On the other hand it would be interersting to assemble a set of properties (shapes, sound, color, texture) in the end which are a key to perceiving an object with a personality.

The goal could also be to just assemble different outcomes as the result of the research.

I think it is best to start from the first or second goal mentioned and see on the go if something else seems more valueable on the way.

relevance

The project can be useful for people researching or working in product design and production. I assume there is a need for that kind of results. Researching that topic I could not find anything similar already existing. There are plenty of objects "with personality" but no research papers or publications.

context

So far I found a lot of projects related to this issue but not in a explicit matter. I assume many designer implement elements in their products, which are considered to give them properties consumers associate with personality.

expected outcomes

activities and planning

3 days: research on topic, theorie of design, publications etc.

2 days: evaluating outcome, translating theory to praxis, testing and trying shapes, forms and sounds
4 days: creating shapes, sounds, objects

5 days: creation of the object, iterating and testing with people, finding a critical mass of feedback

1 day: finalization

2 days: documentation

I am familiar with the machines in the lab I could use for researching materials, especially my modelling experience in Maya will be useful when creating free 3D forms (if neccessary). I would enjoy to focus on Fusion 360, because I like working in that progamme a lot.

foundational skills and knowledge

Kat and I share the same fascination. Because we had a good working experience before during week 5 collecting and mapping. So I would like to work with her. My personal learning goals are:
- to question what I presume
- to gain knowlege about materials and their impact on the emotions towards people

learning goals

support

what kind of support will you need? Is that support available?

Materials: which materials do you expect to use? Where will you get them? What's the cost? Are they the most sustainable option available

Textiles, color, sound, paper, arduino, everything we can find and what is interesting

materials