2021 - Rory McLynskey
02
qube.
a third year project targeting culture sensitive and symbolic design
Gifts giving is a complex ritual carried out by almost every culture. This project tasked us to create a meaningful and symbolic product which would be both appropriate and valuable to the receiver, whether they be Australian or foreign. The emphasis was to provide a form which symbolised an aspect of QUT in a unique way, and would remind the receiver of their connection to our campus in Brisbane.
contextual research
positive user experience. cultural etiquette. enhancing.
The first consideration for this project was the user, a university executive which allowed for a budget ranging between $15-30 per gift. The aim was that this gift would be retained in the users office due to reflecting well upon the gift giver. This challenge was highlighted specifically by tutors as a common problem facing all corporate gifts, as the sheer volume given demands only a select few being displayed in the users office. From the research gathered, the tight budget would need to encompass multiple objectives, the most difficult amongst them being a gift suitable for multiple cultures. Another primary objective was that of QUT representation, where the gift would have to embody either physical or symbolic values of QUT within the product.
market research
no perishables. avoid generic. budget sets are cheap. unique provides value.
Many gifts fit the requirements for my gift tier including boutique perishable arrangements (eg. wines + local jams/spreads + disposable wooden utensils etc.) and branded travel stationary sets (eg. branded leather keychain + leather notebook + mini pen). Issues existed with both of these common gifts, transporting perishables through customs is difficult and stationary sets generally depreciate in quality when limited to a strict budget. Therefore it was evident that a singular, non-perishable product would maximise the budget. As with every project, I strived to provide a novel solution.
symbolism research
colour as a form of symbolism. clear message?
I catch the train up from the Gold Coast to South Bank station, which requires me to walk across the Goodwill Bridge to get to university. Any time I have a late lecture I am always greeted by the fairy lights on the fig trees on the QUT side of the bridge. These lights are advertised online as an iconic destination for those visiting the Botanic Gardens, however when I think of those coloured lights, I think of my journey at QUT.
The second component was the form. This was surprisingly difficult to arrive at, but after taking UX elective in P-Block, the tutor mentioned that the original giant screens in the lobby were intended to be shaped like a cube had crashed into the building (but were changed). This gave me the idea for the form. The final component was communicating the combination of symbolic elements.
Introduce ideation.
ideation
layers of meaning. clearly communicated. QUT cube = Qube.
fusion 360 product details
interior components zoomed. on/off functionality. personal message on paper. interior components all 3D printed.
All materials (except the socket, bulb, batteries and battery compartment) are 3D printed on-campus (at QUT). If the product was to symbolise QUT, it needed to originate from QUT. The low volume and basic assembly reduced labour and manufacturing costs.
exploded
acrylic. paper. abs plastic. simple.
(made in Keyshot)
Acrylic Case
Orange Paper
Inner Assembled Acrylic Support
Bulb
Screws
Rubber Fastener
Battery Compartment
Base
