Dysfunctional definition: a disturbance in normal function
Think IKEA... functional furniture that comes in a flat pack. It is easy... follow the instructions and you quickly have a perfectly functional. Let's take a twist on that and consider what happens when a object no longer is functional for it's original purpose? When an object becomes 'dysfunctional"?
In many circles this is called 'up-cycling" and is when designers change the function of an objects original purpose.
Let's go and investigate that a little further. Some starting points to get your mind questioning.
In many circles this is called 'up-cycling" and is when designers change the function of an objects original purpose.
Let's go and investigate that a little further. Some starting points to get your mind questioning.
Statement of Inquiry: to create a functional object from materials that have become dysfunctional
What makes something functional?
What makes something dysfunctional?
What needs to happen to it to change it... ?
Why make something dysfunctional?
How do we change an item's original function into something new?
TASK ONE - Week 2 to Week 4 "Analyzing and Inquiring"
Companies such as "Upcycle Studio" in Melbourne are constantly on the search for innovative products that that use or reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. Often referred to as "Upcycling", it is the idea that we can take an item that is no longer needed or wanted and giving it new life as something that is either useful or creative. Is essence we change the "function" of it's original intended use and through innovative design, re purpose into a new function.
Your task as a designer is to look at a range of existing products that have inspired a solution to the problem of having excess waste. You will then be given some objects that are no longer have a 'function' and explore possible ways these could be upcycled. You will need to:
- Create a series of three "sketch" drawing ideas from the objects presented of your ideas how these could be upcycled
- Chose one they decided was the most interesting/successful/ original idea to develop into a more accurate diagrammatic drawing. (around 5-10mins)
- In pairs discuss their objects and discuss purposeful up-cycling ideas - present your ideas to the class
You need to present your findings and call this "TASK ONE - Inquiring and Analyzing". As always, you are challenged with finding alternative ways to present your findings. Good luck!
TASK TWO - Week 4 "THE FLAT PACK CHALLENGE"
Are you ready for the ultimate "flat pack" challenge?
Four pieces of furniture to be made.
No instructions... can you figure out what needs to be made?
TASK THREE - Week 5 to Week 8 "Creating the Solution"
BIKES BIKES BIKES!
Time to get busy creating, experimenting, and making. You have a total of 8 hours of class time (and unlimited time at home) to creating something new from the bikes that have been donated to Preshil.
We will video you working and put together a class video
TASK FOUR - Week 9 & Week 10 "Evaluating"
Time to present your work. You have a lesson in Week 9 to prepare your presentation and in Week 10 you will be presenting to your class and invited guests. The form of your presentation is up to you, however don't forget a good designer will talk about the following:
- where they got their inspiration
- other designers who upcycle
- why you decided this would be a good product
- who your target audience is