Context: Key words

Minimalism Design Features

The work of a specific artist/designer/chef or The use of modern construction Design Movement: when certain trends,
Art/Design Movement could be the source of materials like steel and plate glass
ideas for a new range of products aimed at a
social/political happenings influence the
design-conscious consumer market. When
The reduction of structural work of artists living in that period
completing the task you should ensure that frameworks to a minimum
the designs developed into prototypes are The inclusion of lots of open space Speaker: a device that converts electric
not copies of existing work but reflect the signals to audible sound
Extreme simplification of form
general style of the chosen source and might
be viewed as in the style of.... Basic shapes Target market: atarget marketis a group
Monochromatic palettes or limited ofcustomersa business has decided to
colours aim itsmarketing efforts and ultimately
its merchandise towards. A well-
Design Task: definedtarget marketis the first
Research Topics:
element of amarketingstrategy.
Amazon wishes to offer a range of
th
products based upon 20 century Product Analysis: to review existing Design conscious: for consumers who
design movements. I will base my products, and consider commonalities find aesthetics and design a key feature
product design on the Art Deco and in manufacturing, pricing, aesthetics in their products
Minimalism design movements and will and other design features. Prototypes: a first or preliminary version
design and make a speaker which
of a device or vehicle from which other
reflect the essential features of the Material Study: investigate the forms are developed.
movement. I will need to investigate a properties of material which may help
specific
Art Decotarget market.
Features: th
20 century: 1900-1999
me make decisions on materials I
geometric and angular shapes could use and for the different Product: an article or substance that is
aspects of my products. manufactured or refined for sale
chrome, glass, shiny fabrics, mirrors
and mirror tiles Minimalist: a school of abstract painting
Ergonomic Study: so that I
stylised images of aeroplanes, cars, understand the relationship between and sculpture that emphasizes extreme
cruise liners, skyscrapers materials and their properties as well simplification of form, as by the use of
basic shapes and monochromatic
as how well they suit the human body. palettes of primary colours, objectivity,
nature motifs - shells, sunrises, flowers
This, coincided with anthropometric and anonymity of style.
theatrical contrasts - highly polished data, will allow for ideal
wood and glossy black lacquer mixed measurements and figures to be Art Deco: the predominant decorative
with satin and furs calculated. As a result, the product art style of the 1920s and 1930s,
will be adapted to enhance the user characterized by precise and boldly
delineated geometric shapes and strong
experience.
colours and used most notably in
household objects and in architecture.
Justification: This helped to understand the context of the task, brief, criteria and key factors of this project. The context analysis
also provided a helpful key word bank which help broadened my knowledge on important factors in my design task. Therefore I was
able to consider them more appropriately. I was able to start to understand general features of the chosen design movement and
then use them to add practicality and personalisation to the research I did in the in the future.
Justification: By looking at the links I made from a to b, I stated looking at the bigger picture and how the project would
come together in terms of designing and making. This was valuable as it gave me a base to solve issues and find new
information I may have otherwise not noticed or recalled. The connections that were brought up initiated an innovative
and creative atmosphere.
 Splashes of
Curves vs. colour
Streamlined Straight Subtle base
Silver one
User- friendly Shades of Curved
colour wood
Geometric shapes Sinuous shape Geometric
Subtle lighting shapes
Modern look Unadorned yet Irregular shape repeated
modern
Suave
Simple shapes Dull colours
Simple from Contrasting Linear design
Irregular modular
with complex colours Varying shape
hexagonal
internals Zig zag size
Repetition
Large section Symmetrical Symmetrical
Multiple
of material Design over
compositions
Modern function
Simplistic
interpretation Intricate
Opposite
colours Straight
Simple and subtle connecting lines
Shiny metallic Curved yet bold
Raw modern Contrast in colour
feel and flat
materials and width
Curvaceous Symmetrical
Effortless Different yet
Smooth and Bold
transition to similar
components elegant

Simplicity Audacious Simple Symmetry

Monotone palette Straightforwardne Curved and sleek Small basic
Emphasis on ss shape shapes repeated
negative space Hexagon Vibrancy of colour Spike in curve
Minimal features Tilted up reduced Aerodynamic
aesthetically Few colours shape

Plain black Walnut Linear design

Multiple texture grain Lacquered
Decipherable
including matt Perfect fit Glossy
and unique
and gloss Seem less Curved
Bold with subtle
Minimal white on Bare shape Slim
all black Streamline
d

Pop of vibrant Ergonomic Tessellation Symmetry

colour Modest Hexagonal Subtle and
Pale Minimal colours bold colours
Limited
Limited features Gold and Brown- Flair
features Linear
common theme
Smooth and outline
elegant

Continued on next page..

 Monotone Overlapping shapes Round
Complex Hologram
Bold Bright accent
compositions Eccentric
contrast colour
Bold accent colour colour
colour Metallic middle
on black Futuristic
Contempora Black border
Hexagonal Lighting
ry All around sound
Simple shape Square and
Expanding
smooth
Circular
Minimalist Household
Rugged Sleek
Cylindrical materials
Durable Metallic
shape Niche
Elegant Expensive
Bright lights Transparency
Vibrant and Symmetry
Visual Wood glass
young Simply
equaliser metal
Dark base sinuous
Unique
Triangular
Eccentric prism base Lamp like
Pop of colour Neon Flexibility
Minimalist highlight Rubber
font Right mesh Increased
Circular with versatility
features hexagonal Bold colour
casing Transforming
Unique shape shape
Wooden
Minimal
gradient Lamp like
Clashing colours
Light colours Flexibility
Modern and simple
Large frame Rubber
Universal symbol
small speaker Increased
Cylindrical
Hip versatility
Bold colour
Transforming
Naturalist shape
Surrealism Premium
Dock quality Natural material
Bold and raw Expensive Elegant and
Manly Monotone smooth
Elegant Minimal
Sophisticated Contemporary
Niche
Modern Aircraft
Large field of Oblong
theme
sound Minimal
Bright colour
High functionality Neon contrast
Symmetry
Glossy black Smooth shape
Striking
Simple curved
wings
shapes Aggressive

Justification: The mood board helped to better understand the design movement which will allow for me to take create a well
rounded and truly Art Deco product. I now understand the main features of the movement as well as understanding what is already
available of the market. Such information is vital to creating a product which is appropriate for mass production.
 Justification: My Product Analysis helped for me to get an in depth understanding of successful products on the market,
understand their pros and cons and evaluate the effectiveness of the products. I will be able to incorporate some features and
methods into my design to make sure my product is successful
 Art Deco Through the
All About the Movement
Ages
Art deco is an influential visual arts design style
that first appeared in France after World War 1
Key Events in the World
and began flourishing internationally in the of Art Deco
1920s, 1930s and 1940s before its popularity
decreased after World War 2. 1925
It is an eclectic style that combines traditional The Great Gatsby was written by
craft motifs with Machine Age, imagery and F Scott Fitzgerald
materials. The style is often characterized by rich 1926
colours, bold geometric shapes and lavish
The term Art Deco was coined
ornamentation. It was very popular in various
parts of the USA, especially towards the affluent following an exhibition in Paris
as it was considered a luxury. 1931
Its main characteristics were derived from Josephine baker, Art Deco icon
various avant-garde painting styles of the early and muse song Jai deux
twentieth century.
The name came from the 1925 Exposition
amours
Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et 1930s
Modernes, held in Paris, which celebrated living in Architect Oswalde Milne brought
the modern world. Art Deco to Claridges
My Deductions
The growing impact of the machine can 1931
Napler, New Zealand destroyed
be seen in repeating and overlapping
by an earthquake- rebuilt in an Art
images from 1925; and in the 1930s, in
Deco Style
streamlined forms derived from the
principles of aerodynamics. 1950s
It was popularly considered to be an Cunard bring Art Deco style into
elegant style of cool sophistication in the world of advertising
architecture and applied arts which range 1980
from luxurious objects made from exotic Conventional Colour Palette Celebrated Art Deco artist Tamara
material to mass produced, streamlined de Lempicka dies
items available to a growing middle class. 2003
Art deco works parade aspects of The V&A Museum holds a major
Cubism, Russian Constructivism and Art Deco retrospective exhibition
Italian Futurism- with abstraction, 2007
distortion, and simplification, particularly The Delano iconic Miami Hotel is
Source:
geometric shapes and highly intense http://www.nerdgraph.com/category/general/pa voted Americas Favourite
ge/17/
colours- celebrating
Source: the rise of commerce, Architecture
technology, and speed.
http://www.artmovements.co.uk/Qartdeco.htm 2013
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco
Baz Luhrmann sparks a new
generations interest in art Deco
Justification: The design movement study is a vital asset to research as in creates a solid and accurate understanding of the
with The Great Gatsby
design movement, its features, successes and flaws. The colour schemes, materials and construction methods can all be applied.
Integration of these will create a well based and unique product.
Question Why did you ask this question? Results What do these mean for your
task?

Which colour This will provide me with the necessary My interviewees all brought up the use of natural materials- primarily I am going to use premium quality
scheme would you information to create a colour scheme which will types of wood. Oak and walnut were both mentioned as wood or veneers for the frame of
find most run throughout my product and be prominent in colours/materials which would be a suitable material to use as the my product and attempt to have
aesthetically the design of the frame for my speaker. Aesthetics frame for the product. Two of the three also wanted steel or some some metallic features as an
pleasing? are the most significant factor in purchasing a type of metal as they felt a shiny and reflective material was accent in the design.
product for most people so must suit the clients necessary to make the product look robust and have a satisfying
wants. heft.

Where will you By creating a product which seamlessly fits into The location of the products placement was described as indoors and My speaker is going to be
place the product its environment, users will feel more comfortable in large rooms such as the living or bedroom on tables or shelves. available on many colours so that
if bought? with the product and therefore be more likely to it fits into any home. The product is
make a purchase . also going to have a minimalist
design so will fit into its
surroundings and not look out of
place.

Do you need the Finding out the required durability and portability Portability was not seen as an integral part of the design by two of Although portability won't be a
product to be are necessary as this will both influence the the three as they said it would be indoors. One interviewee said they primary focus the product, it is still
portable? If yes, aesthetics, size and build materials which are all were likely to take the product outside to the beach or by a pool. going to have some water
will it need to be significant aspects of the product. resistance with a tight grill to
portable around protect it from the elements.
the house or will
you travel with the
item?

How much are you A price range provides the limitation for the
willing to spend on production cost of the material as well as creating
the product? a standard of quality which can be visualized in
products which are on the market for a similar
price. Their features can be assessed and kept in
mind when designing speakers to keep mine a
similar or higher standard but one where I can
keep the price reasonable.
The price range was averaged out to around the 50 mark with one I am now going to research other
person stating they'd spend no more than 60 and the others going products in a similar price range to
to higher than 50; showing the high expectations get a greater understanding of
what product in this range feature,
look like and perform. It also
allows for me to make more
appropriate decisions on materials
and production methods.

What genres of The design of many speakers can be related to a
music do you specific genre of music. To make sure that the
generally listen to? appearance of the product suits the preferences of
the user, I will need to find out the genre of music
they generally listen to and create designs which
fit the genre.
Generally, modern genres of music were favoured with hip hop, rap My speaker will have some modern
and pop all being mentioned. When asked about artists, all influences due to the main genres
mentioned Eminem and Drake with Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran also of music that are listened to being
being some popular singers too. hip hop, rap and pop. Bold shapes
link to the brave nature of these
genres so should be used.

Does the product The type of device the product will be used with is The devices that were used by the interviewees were either Android I am going to attempt to have a
need to be a valuable piece of information as it will increase or Apple with one iPhone, HTC and a Samsung phone being their Bluetooth feature in the product
compatible with its functionality and make it more useful. I need to daily drivers. All stated that they would ideally connect via a wireless but will definitely have a 3.5mm
any specific know which type of device the users generally connection but would not mind using the 3.5mm auxiliary cable. input as it is the most reliable and
phones? If yes, have and create an understanding of how they can conventional method of connecting
which? be connected to the speaker. to the speaker.

Do you look for When creating my design, I am going to need to None of the interviewees stated that they thought environmental I am now going to keep the design
environmentally think about the materials and processes which I factors were very important as they would rather have a product of the product environmentally
friendly products? am going to use. With a definite increase in the which looked aesthetically pleasing. They did however say that friendly to some degree by having
Does it affect your awareness of the environment, this could be a they'd rather have a product which was recyclable as disposing of some recyclable materials but this
decision when My customerfactor is
the client and
a young findsprofessional
important and
high should thus
paid who electronic
is interested in goods canappreciates
style and be difficult. quality design and premium materials.- is not fullyProfile
Consumer achievable due to the
purchasing? be relevant in who
I interviewed 2 entrepreneurs the design.
have their own, very different, successful businesses as well as a bank manager . They were aged between 23 chemicals used
and 28 with onein wanting
batteries.
to be a part time DJ.
What would you To separate my product from others on the market, The first response was to have lighting in the speaker to create a My designs will include areas for
like the unique in would like to know the types of features which different atmosphere to most other speakers. potential lighting, charging
selling point to be? are wanted by potential buyers so they can be The second response consisted of the product being able to charge capabilities and a dock however
Justification:incorporated
This was and prerequisite to creating
seen as a unique feature. a suitable product
their phone asfound
as they I was given
this would anmeaninsight into
a portable the needs
charger would and wants
the most of my
suitable target
feature/s will be
no longer be needed. used in the final product if no other
market. From this information, I will be able to take this into consideration and create an appropriate product
The final unique feature was to have a dock and buttons on the
using the newly
unique features are thought of.
acquired
speaker to beinformation.
able to change the track and volume.
 My customer is a young, well paid, professional and
interested in style while appreciating quality design
and premium materials.
The potential age range goes from 18-30 which
includes young adults who have interest in design and
music.
The gender of my customer does not matter as the
design will be unisex however; men have a tendency to
purchase technological goods which is likely to result in
more male customers.
Customers will live in an urban city in a 1st world
country who are able to accommodate for themselves-
in either a flat out house. Although the product will be
manufactured in the UK, the distributer (amazon) is
able to send products to countries world wide.
The most likely occupation of potential customers is a
medium to high paying job in the primary sector such
as an entrepreneur, architect, back manager, actuary,
accountant or other job of a similar calibre.
Some general interests include cars, clothing- like suits,
sports, technology and infrastructure.
Customers will expect good quality music with a stylish
housing which have touches of hand crafting.
My product will be made of high quality materials such
as woods like oak and will have a bold, simplistic and
natural vibe.
Some necessary requirements included having a
physical connection, a strong stand, lighting and
portability.
Customers are likely to consider build quality, longevity
a focus on aesthetics when making a purchase. The
customer service, personal letters and effort put into
designing and manufacture are all valued by
customers.
Justification: The customer profile allow for a wider understanding of the target market and potential consumers. As a result, I will
be able to base my product on theYou can find out
requirements about
necessary to the
fulfil product through
their needs social
and wants. The interests could also be taken into
media pages, to
consideration ads, YouTube
create magazines
an interesting package.and
newspapers. Customers can contact the company
 Research Summary:
By conducting this research I have found
out what my target market would like to
see in a speaker and how I could create a
product to meet their needs and wants.
By assembling my mood board, I better
understood some of the main features of
Art Deco so that when it comes to
designing, I can create relevant designs
which relate to the design movement. It
also gave me inspiration regarding
designs of other products which are
currently available on the market to
show what I can incorporate into my
ideas.
My designer profile highlighted the main
themes/ ethos of the Art Deco movement
which are :

geometric and angular shapes

chrome, glass, shiny fabrics,

mirrors and mirror tiles
theatrical contrasts - highly
polished wood and glossy black
lacquer mixed with satin and furs
I intend to embed these my designs by
using bold shapes, natural textures and
geometric shapes.
In conclusion, my main findings were
features if the design movement and
information on the preferences of the
target market ;therefore, when writing
my specification, I will make sure that I
include all the new information I have
learnt to create an outstanding overall
product.
http://www.vectorian.net/art-deco/art-deco-patterns.html
 Chosen Idea:
Point Idea 1 Idea 2 Idea 3 Idea 4
Bold, simple This design features bold As this speaker is made from Although not simple, the product An effortless intricacy in My final design idea which
and and simple shapes which different sized spheres placed on is geometric, bold and has art this ideas provides a is ready for development
contrasting come together through an top of each other, the design is deco features running through stand out design with a
design interlocking method and extremely simple yet bold and out such as stripes and its variety of shapes and will be idea 1. This is due
creating a have contrasts between has an elegance. shapes. confections. to it meeting almost all of
robust smooth and sharp.
product the required criteria and
anything missing is able
Modern and The design is both modern The design suits the genre of The design has modern touches An effortless intricacy in
genre and suits the genre of music and modern style to some but feels niche and pre 21st this ideas provides a to be included in
suitable
design
music listened to by the
target market being hip
extent although the lack of
materials used seems unfitting.
century so may not be ideal to
suit the genre which is normally
stand out design with a
variety of shapes and
development such as
hop. listened to by users. confections. lighting and USB out. Idea
Safe for In terms of safety, the Safety is no issue as the product Due to the rectangular and The design has sharp 4 would be second so
users product does have some is well balanced and is smooth triangular face of this design, edges around the front features will be combined
sharp edges which may all the way down providing no many sharp edges are imminent panel which can be
need to be changed as hazardous aspects to its design. so may not be extremely safe adjusted. The base is from this to some extent
they could cause scratches for the consumer. The stand however extremely safe as well as design features
to services or be section is also very small in due to its centre of
potentially dangerous. comparison to the main unit so gravity. like the contemporary
provides a risk of falling. tweeter/horn.
Size is The size of the product is The product was designed to be The size is extremely large as it This portable product is
appropriate appropriate at placed on the floor and equal to was designed as a surround of the ideal size and has
allowing for approximately 20 television height and be used as sound unit to be paired with a robust yet lightweight
portability centimetres in height, as it a stereo speaker system but other speakers in a home construction. The curved
is easy to carry and may be resized to be used as a cinema environment. To allow back is ergonomic so is Image of Design:
transport but still feels desktop or table speaker. for portability, the product must easy to hold and move.
robust and premium. be made in a smaller form
factor.

Extra Although no extra features
functionalit such as lighting or charging
y capabilities have been
added, there is room for
development and could be
implemented.
A dock is it featured on top of
the towered design which can
also charge the device and adds
functionality.
The product has limited features
as the design hosts the majority
of its appeal
LED lighting and charging
capabilities have both
been applied to the
product in the triangular
prism base which has a
large amount of space for
such additions.

High quality The product will be made
materials out of hardwoods such as
and finishes oak, aluminium or stainless
steel, and glass. These
high quality materials show
supremacy and value.
Primary construction materials
will consist of high quality hard
words such as oak, and metals
like aluminium and steel.
The frame will be made of high The products materials
quality hardwoods and black consist of hardwoods
veneers for the striped section. such as walnut, white
An accent with a tinted metal acrylic, steel/ aluminium
will be used for additional and glass or transparent
pieces. clinic.

Type of The product has a Due to its large size, it will get Being extremely large, the Due to its reasonable
connection rechargeable battery which power from a direct current and speaker must have a wall plug size, this will have an
to power means it is extremely be connected to the mains to to supply sufficient power. If the internal rechargeable
convenient and can be play audio and charge devices. size was to be reduced, a battery and a separate
used without a mains However, this could be a battery could be inserted unit for USB output.
current being connected to disadvantage as it restricts instead.
it. portability so may be changed.
Idea 1 Peer Feedback
Positive A variety of positives were expressed
about the design it respect to the quality
of material selection, size andthe ease
of integration into any environment of
situation. This is possible through the
neutral colour scheme. The unified
product looks aesthetically pleasing and
the contrasting shapes suit the design
movement well. The bold shapes were
also seen as attractive and simple.
Negative There were flaws in the design such as
the glass panel as this would add fragility
and make it significantly more
dangerous. Functionality would also be
decreased as the extra precautions taken
may restrict users.There is also limited
functionality as it can only be used as a
speaker. Transporting the product may be
difficult so a handle should be added.
Possible For ease of movement, there should be
an allocated location to lift the speaker
Modificatio which is ergonomic yet fits In with the
ns design. As the glass may not be suitable,
a shatterproof yet transparent material
could take its place such as acrylic. Due
to the cost of hardwoods being high, one
person suggested using veneers which
could be used instead.
One major addition is another speaker as
we are going to be provided with a pair.
Both volume and range of sound would
be increased as a result.
Peer Feedback Idea 2
Uniqueness and originality were Positive
highlighted as key features as well as the
lighting and charging capabilities being
complimented. Some users also found
the neutral and wooden colour scheme
appealing. It uses irregular shapes and
as a result looks decorative. The base
was also seen as very stable and safe
with the expansion near the top being a
creative way to use less space on the
desk.
Form was critiqued as the visual shapes Negative
and configuration lead to a large amount
of negative space. The middle beam is
not needed and can be removed to make
more space for more important
elements. Limited space is also left for
the main speaker compartment which
needs to be addressed.As the top is
small, a reviewer suggested making it
larger to increase strength
To improve this design, I am going to Possible
reduce the amount of negative space by
adjusting/removing the middle beam. Modificatio
Although liked by some, the colour ns
scheme was critiqued by a few who
wanted more colour for such a
flamboyant form. I am going to adjust
the sizing of different aspects to create
space for my speakers.