Design Portfolio

sarah a. morgan

table of contents

//metalsmIthIng 01 identity badge

02 wearable luxury

//woodworKIng 03 a tree falls bench and logo

04 facetable

//ceramIcs 05 candlestick holders

//compUter aIded desIgn 06 packaging re-design

07 taia room divider

08 relevant radio

09 lookout light switch covers

//conceptUal 10 will leather goods

1 1 sustainable street lighting for salem, or

project no. //

identity badgewInter // 2010

//the form of this broach informs wearers and observers alike about the many facets entailed in how we attempt to identify ourselves. this includes what is hidden, what is displayed, and what is uniquely inherent. It is the same scale and form as a badge, so that an individual wears the piece as a form of identifi cation that is also tied with feelings of honor.

//the broach is composed of four layers assembled through cold connection techniques.

01

Materials: copper

brassnickel

three layers of 20 gauge copper and nickel are riveted together, then carefully sanded down to create the appearance of a seamless connection.

Vintage lace was roller- pressed into the copper base piece to allude to the historical, deep-rooted, or inherent elements that contribute to personal identity.

Ideation sketches and concept development ranging from personal identity, culturally recognizable displays of identity, and means of concealing and revealing.

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project no. //

Wearable luXurywInter // 201002

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//this ring considers the wayin which value and luxury are culturally understood, and the extravagant means through which they are displayed.

//by bringing a large, extravagant item down to a more discreet and wearable scale, the object becomes personal. the enjoyment then comes from the wearer and not from recognition of others.

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miniature recreations of a selection of the most expensive paintings ever sold were created on stretch canvases measuring 1” by 1.5”.

the image of a gold frame is culturally recognizable as a signifi er of value and importance. the characteristic elaborateness of these frames has been simplifi ed.

the gold frame allows for the interchangeability of the miniature paintings that the wearer wishes to exhibit.

Ideation sketches and form refi nement.

Materials: brass

canvasbasswood

project no. //

//after a tree fell onto the University of

oregon provost’s car, the wood was milled

down and used to create a series of furniture for the University campus.

// I contributed to the creation of a bench to be placed in a waiting area in johnson hall and

a logo that would be laser etched onto each

piece in the series.

a tree falls benchsUmmer // 201003.1

Materials: oak

danish cord

probleMs:

//existing seating does not facilitate temporality of use

//existing seating does not encourage social interactions

between users

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001001proof that the tree did, in fact, fall on the provost’s car.

002early stage of milling as the wood dried out for use.

003scale models for bench profi le.

004refi ning dimensions.

005construction of profi le pieces.

006prototype to determine ideal length for the bench.

007weaving the seat by hand using traditional methods.

solutions:

//bench length specifi ed for 3 people to sit closely or 2 people to sit with comfortable personal space

//back at comfortable armrest height, also acting

project no. //

a tree falls logosUmmer // 201003.2

// In order to inform people of the story behind the furniture made from the fallen trees when interacting with it, we decided as a class that a trademark informative logo should be visible on each piece in the series.

//the intent of the logo was to add narrativeto the furniture and invoke interest in users to inquire about the story.

//the fi nal informative logo was laser-etched onto each piece.

001 the Image of the tree

//a standing tree tips over and falls to transform into a piece of furniture, signifying the transformation of a local tree falling and evolving into unique furniture created through sustainable means for the University campus.

002 the tree nUmber

//many trees around campus are numbered and kept on record at the University. the red oak that was used for these furniture pieces.

003 the serIes nUmber

//each piece made from this particular tree has been numbered in the order of its production. by marking individual pieces with their own designated series number, they become as unique as the tree from which they were made.

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IdeatIon and concept deVelopment

project no. //

facetablesprIng // 201004

//as an introduction to woodworking, this table was created to display and complement slip cast candlestick holders.

//drawing from the shape of an accompanying candle stick holders, this table has alternating faceted sides that create points of visual interest from different perspectives.

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Inspiration for the shape came from the complex octagonal form of the candlestick holder, which was simplifi ed into a hexagonal form.

the recurrent curves in the form inspired the curves of the legs, which alternate in width of the opening between sides.

the intricate faceted form was further mimicked through the angled cut of the legs.

ideation and concept development

project no. //

candlestick holderssprIng // 201005

// this project began as a form study in creating a compelling shape through the combination of found objects.

//the composite form was then cast in plaster to create a mold. the mold was used to reproduce the form in slip, which was fired and glazed.

// the process was a study in the production and manufacturing of a product.

// a three-part mold was created to serve as a means of fabricating a product in multiples.

project no. //

packaging re-designwInter // 201106

//most art supply packaging provides storage for the product, but does not encourage creativity or use of the product. It also quickly turns into waste.

//In order to change the relationship between package and product, this colored pencil box incorporates an interactive element into the design.

//by incorporating stencils into the case it facilitates the user’s ability to draw, write, practice, and learn. the stencil encourages the use of the pencils, as well as imagination. It gives the package value so that even once the pencils are discarded, the stencil can live on.

//file created in rhincocam4 and laser cut.

a series of stencils encases an inner pencil holder and stand, which slides out easily.

a durable nylon cord ties around the outside to quickly open and securely close the case.

a small tab cut out from the back of the stand slips into a slot on the other side so that it can stand alone and provide the user with quick and easy accessibility to all of the pencils.

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IdeatIon and concept deVelopment

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project no. //

taia rooM dividercollaborative project with tori russo and Kara williamswInter // 2011

07

//project requirements: Use 3 sheets of 4’ x 8’ plywood of 1/4” thickness, use rhinocad/cam to create a modular room divider to be cnc milled, and assembled without hardware or adhesives.

//hexagon clusters allow for modular confi gurations to customly divide a space as needed. the pieces stack vertically and horizontally to build both up and out.

//rows of notches increase stability while simultaneously allowing for internal closed spaces for storing items. the crossing of planes created by the main structural pieces gives dimensionality to the divider from every viewing direction, creating a visually interesting space that divides a larger space.

possible configurations:

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001after cnc routing each sheet of plywood, the pieces are removed by hand

002joint pieces

003hand fi nishing of fi nal pieces

004joint connections allow for the construction of the room divider without the use of hardware

005form exploration

006final form and joints

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project no. //

relevant radiofall // 201108

//approaching the radio as an object that is becoming obsolete, it became clear that there still are places where it is either necessary or complimentary to activities.

//these locations tend to be in work areas or on the move, so the accommodating features of the radio were expanded to include an adjustable strap that is also a measuring tape so that the radio can be a helpful tool or just an easily adaptable source of music.

Working prototypefile created in adobe Illustrator

laser cut

Materials:matte acrylic

magnetic closure

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ideation and concept development

project no. //

lookout light sWitch coversfall // 201009//an overlooked, yet frequent

point of interaction, the light switch cover serves as a

protection from what it conceals, but holds potential for higher

functionality.

//these light switch covers offer a number of fl exible

courtesy functions including key hooks, an inconspicuous mail slot

and chalkboard or whiteboard surfaces for leaving reminders.

//playing on the critical locations at which light switches

are located— next to passageways, at arm level and in plain view—

the lookout light switch covers provide subtle features to keep

organized.

//walking through the door with mail in hand

//mail ends up tossed somewhere near the entryway

//a small slot incorporated in the top of the light switch cover to slide mail into

//turning on the lights is likely the fi rst action walking through the door, so incorporating mail placement into one action aids in ease of motion and organization

//where to put keys after unlocking the door

//tendencies to haphazardly toss keys somewhere

//create a designated spot for keys to be hung

//Instead of creating a separate key holder, incorporate hooks into the light switch cover, which is located next to the entrance

//people need to write them-selves important reminders

//these need to be posted where they will be seen

//designate a spot to write and erase notes or reminders.

//light switches are visible and must be interacted with when leaving a room, making them a prime spot for leaving notes

u s e r r e s e a r c h a n d p r o b l e M i d e n t i f i c a t i o n

p r o b l e M :

s o l u t i o n :

//original inspiration came from a card stuck into a light switch cover in order for it to be seen.

//It is a natural human behavior to place something that needs to be seen next to something that is used and seen on a frequent basis.

//goal: to push this behavior even further to work to the advantage of the user by keeping important things visible and accessible.

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001 002 003-005Ideation sketches

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Quick reminders written in plain view

hooks for holding chalk and/or writing utensils

mail/note slot

project no. //

//will leather goods is a small high-end leather accessories company based in eugene, or and nyc, ny.

//during my internship at will, the company was introducing and continuing to develop their Found Collection.

//the Found Collection is designed around an appreciation for tradition, and nods to both vintage and modern craftsmanship methods.

//I worked on a series of accessories that complemented these larger projects and referenced their forms and details.

selected design Work for Will leather goods eUgene, orsUmmer // 2011

10

//above is a sample of the actual dhurrie blankets used to create the Found Collection of bags (examples below) from which the smaller accessories would be complementing in style and referencing in form. style and referencing in form.

//patterns to be laser-etched onto ipad2 cases.

oo1

oo2

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oo1

Inspired by patterns from traditional and vintage tooled leather accessories.

Inspired by patterns found in the various dhurrie rugs used in the Found Collection.

project no. //

sustainable street lighting for saleM, orcollaboratIon between the UnIVersIty of oregon and the sUstaInable cItIes InItIatIVeproject collaboration with Kristopher schaefer and nathan eschleman

wInter // 2011

1 1

// a lighting concept created in order to maximize user considerations and minimize environmental impact, this light fixture would replace existing light fixtures and technology, while utilizing existing poles.

// the project was completed as part of a collaboration with the product design program and the sustainable cities Initiative at the University of oregon— a cross-disciplinary attempt at improving the overall sustainability of a city. the project focused on the issues specific to salem, or.

// *this project corresponds with a personal honors thesis entitled Sustainability Through Design: The Economic, Environmental, and Social Contributions of Design in Collaboration With Businesses, which further explores the implications of the project.

001

001 :: research

userstechnology Market

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ABILITY TO BE SEEN

ABILITY TO SEE OTHERS

SAFETY

NAVIGATION

USER CONCERNS

LIGHT COLOR PREFERENCE

WHITE

YELLOW

// Why leds?• long lifetime• recyclable• Improved visibility• efficient energy usage• reduced carbon emissions

//case studies• oregon cities• Us cities of comparable scale• International

// opportunity for iMproveMent:• a light that reduces its impact while improving the user’s experience

// Methods:• Intercept interviews• surveys• direct observation

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survey results showing user groups and their respective concerns

User groups as determined through research: motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians

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rendering of fixture and light distribution on site

002:: observation & probleM identif ication

003:: user need identif ication

3 ft. increments

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//existing light distributions were determined and analyzed using a light meter at several locations in salem

//the following site-specifi c problems were determined to be most important to address:

• light in the wrong places (001-002)

• not enough light (003)

• too much light (004)

• costs and inconvenience of maintenance (based on feedback from city representatives and maintenance workers)

//an individual ideal light distribution was created for each user group based on observations and user survey results

//a composite light distribution was formed to meet the needs of all user groups

//this was used as the ideal distribution for our light fi xture

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bike lanes sidewalks streets

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bike lane sidewalk street

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004:: ideation and concept ref ineMent

light fi xture form refi nement for sidewalk-facing streetlight

rough scale models for testing light distribution

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Initial ideation sketches decision to turn light around onto the sidewalk and distribute light out to the street

005:: f inal concept developMent

15’’

// height lowered to achieve ideal light

distribution and facilitate maintenance

armature

housing

mounting bolts

heat sink

led array

lens

eXploded vieW

considerationslight distribution and consistency

Maintenance

sustainability

Final concept

eXisting light

Final concept eXiStinG liGHt

all user groups are accommodated by the

improved light distribution

rather than requiring muliple maintenance

workers, a cherry picker, and blocking a lane of

traffi c, the lowered light can be reached by one

worker on a ladder on the sidewalk

// enVIronmental

• reduced energy usage and carbon emissions from the use of lowered wattage led light bulbs

• minimized number of components and use of recycleable steel for fi xture and armature reduces the impact of the manufacturing of the implementation of the new lights

eXiStinG liGHt

// socIal

• higher level of user consideration creates a more socially sustainable product

• higher level of visibility of all user groups without a higher wattage light bulb increases perceived safety (a concern expressed by all user groups in the survey)

// economIc

• the cost of lighting was a primary concern for the city of salem

• lowered energy expenses from lowered wattage led light bulbs

• high quality product with high level of considerations wards off obsolescence (i.e. the need to replace after a relatively short period of time)

[email protected]

(541) 778.4416

@sarahaleise

http://issuu.com/sarahmorgan/docs/designportfolio

contact:

sarah a. morgan

[email protected]

(541) 778.4416

@sarahaleise

http://issuu.com/sarahmorgan/docs/designportfolio