Project 2: Postal Presents

For this project I have designed a flat pack photo album designed to hold a dozen or so photos. I wanted to make this as simple as possible for the user to interpret on delivery, but I also wanted to create something that was different to ordinary albums already on the market.

Essentially this album is designed as a free standing and self supporting piece that can hold two photos per A5 page; one on each side of each sheet. This allows the album to be opened like a book but in two different directions, and also reduced the overall size and volume of the product. The two colours were chosen for different reasons; the matte black for the main section as it makes the photos stand out against it, while the silver creates a contrast to the black and also draws peoples attention to the product.

The album is made from only 3 pieces; making it fairly simple and quick to assemble, and means the receiver isn't overloaded with complicated bits and pieces on delivery. It uses a simple tab system to keep the photos in place and doesn't add undue pressure to the pictures to reduce risk of damage.

Task 5: Video reflections (Annie Leonard)

This video/animation by Annie Leonard deals with the 'true story' behind production of products and their eventual consumption by us; the users.
This video confused me slightly, as although its obviously trying to reach out to the general public and share a message about how we buy too much and we're destroying the planet, she doesn't really offer any alternatives until the latter parts of the video. Instead, she just seems to focus on what we're doing wrong in the world, and how we're all meant to be contributing to the big golden arrow of consumerism.
Whether this video can be related directly into Industrial Design I'm unsure about, as it seems that us as designers are on the wrong side of the argument, as we are the ones creating the products for overnight obsolescence. Although we can argue we are creating for the long term, in the end a product can almost always be improved upon in some way shape or form.

Poster

What is it?

A milk jug in the form of a small milk carton; features a detachable top

What it does:

Stores milk for a limited period.
Pours milk.
Ideally this product is brought out when having guests over fo tea/coffee. Instead of getting milk out from the fridge every time someone wants it for a top-up, milk can be poured into this jug and left on the table.

Who is it for?

Suited for adults of any age who frequently socialise with friends and relatives. Ideal for people who love to drink a cup of coffee or tea at home with guests.

Design features:

Shaped as a small milk carton (metaphorical design)
Detachable top to allow easy pouring of milk into jug
Smooth and neat design
Simplistic in appearance
'Cute' design
Lightweight
Design can be a talking point among guests