The Finale . . .

Final concepts . . . fingers crossed

After alot of roughing out. these were a few i semi-finalised on. still not quite sure of it though.

Finding Contacts and inspiration

VMZinc was really helpful with a call back and info sent to me to see what could really be done with zinc and at what cost.

Another advantage was getting in contact with Craft Metals up in Hornsby.
They talked me through the entire zinc manufacturing process in easy-to-understand-student-language.

These companies manufacture and design for buildings and ornaments all over the world.
Not just forming in sheets but moulds which really gave me more insight into how i could use zinc to make it stand out from its usual form and manner.

Zinc Concepts

Zinc is a very easily worked material meaning it's so easy for it to take any form, shape and size.

To contrast it's already historical background, it should be a centrepiece in the home rather than a subtle standing.

These were my first few concepts (developed from last week) but it's still not the ones i want them to be. `

More Info

I realised zinc is such a difficult material to design with. Maybe it is because of previous influence of the capabilities of the metal - always being an additive to others to protect and serve, rather taking the lead.

Another disadvantage is that there haven't been any developments in producing nor manufacturing with zinc.

Useful site - ZincWorld

Interesting fact one - zinc is a mediocre heat conductor. Would be a disadvantage to it being a light shade.

The design should obviously be something notable and highly noticable - simply to enhance and makeup for the lack of attention the material has received in its lifetime. Although considered being rich man's silver in the old ages, it was never a major contributor to anyone's household.

Interesting fact two - brass is not toxic?
Since zinc alloys aren't toxic, even when zinc is a major component such as in zinc-silver, is it possible to design for zinc as an alloyed matter?

Zinc?

Zinc - interesting material, vast in amount, easy to obtain, yet is going to be very very hard to design for.

Despite all the things its been used for and by - galvanised steel, protective coating, die casting etc etc, it has never stood out on its own before. It's most likely been an element in brass, hot dipped in or simply die casted for car engine parts. It isn't considered naturally toxic, but an excess of it will do so to the human body. So at the time being, it can't be taken as either the best or worst of materials...

It doesn't have any distinct features such as a difference colour or texture to forcefully and simultaneously successfully making a zinc product stand out from other metals such as silver or steel. However, a major stand out its is incredible versatility in manufacturing and production from sheets for roofing to liquid for hotdipping and then to rods and piping.

Putting these aside, because of zinc's minute chance of toxidity, it becomes quite hard to push it as a household product whether itd be a lightshade or a fruitbowl. Because of its eventual corrosive state, and not being able to have a protective coat over it, the chance of corrosion, no matter how long or little it may take, there will be rusting, corrosion and hence toxidity!

• So now to design something that can put aside toxidity, rusting and corrosion. . .

SKETCHED - graphic tablet with LED projector

The main focus behind designing this product was to incorporate new technology into the already existing notion of graphic tablets and adapting it to the target market. In designing for this project, it was quite enjoyable and eye-opening to research and read upon so many new forms of technology emerging right before us especially with that of touch screen and lcd display, along with the development of LED projection.

The shape and form was intended to remain simple - to not encourage a bold statement, allowing the product to merge into an a generation-y's everyday lifestyle. Other than its simple shape, integrating touchscreen into the product prevents having to introduce a new method for the end user to learn. The touchscreen adopts multi-point sensor technology which enhances and quickens the reaction and speed for which the drawings and sketches can be produced on the portable graphic tablet LCD screen.

Another major concern of design was the functioning of the LED projector which was evolved dramatically since the old gear-generated projectors, becoming much smaller in size and simpler in components and functionality.

However, in designing this product, with so many considerations to take into tho, especially those in concern with technology, it became a much more difficult product to completely resolve. In order to complete the entre product, materials and its manufacturing had to be highly considered. Not only because of time, but as of the knowledge and information available, there were many limits to what I could have included. Using aluminium as the main casing material was fairly logical and straight forward because of its highly advantageous properties - stiffness, durability, rigidity, sheet thickness availability, and lastly, its texture and capability of finishes.

Nonetheless, the product had much more room to evolve to become much more feasible in its market and to its targetted consumers.