The Idea - Preliminary Concept

What is the idea:

Figures to refer to: (1.0,1.1,1.2)

The idea is to produce an open source Arduino based device, that functions by following a member of staff on campus and assists in moving cargo from point A to point B. The precedent research and further research on the actual functioning of C.A.R.L is provided in the research section. C.A.R.L is the computer aided relay liaison. Which essentially means that he accompanies a member of staff or a student with cargo, so that they can deliver it to any place on campus. This also promotes walking on campus hence generating more electricity and less reliance on the grid.

What was the feedback:

Figures to refer to: (1.0,1.1)

The feedback from class was purely based on the aesthetic of C.A.R.L and this was expected as there was no effort into the actual design. The concept of how C.A.R.L works was well appreciated and was said to be a strong and viable concept. From an Industrial design perspective, there is massive room for ergonomic considerate, a better form language and overall understanding of proportion.

What did I learn:

I learned that through concept development, sketching, prototyping, body bodystorming and further research I will be able to manipulate C.A.R.L's functionality until it is the most efficient that it can be.

Where do I go from here:

In the section labeled Concept Development - Sketches you will see:

Sketching of possible form and function X 4 Pages - assists in understanding the form language better.

Digital Sketching of concepts that have more viability X 2 Pages - assists in consolidating ideas and micro analysing form and scale.

C.A.R.L: About

Concept Development - Sketches

In this section:

Figures to refer to: (2.0 - 2.5)

It is a purely gallery based section that focuses on functionality through form exploration. Refer to the images below for a deep understanding of the thought process.

Figure 2.0: These initial sketches were a type of sketching, where I tried to relay ideas as soon as I could. I think the take out from this sketch that could be further considered is the usage of a 4 wheel, 2 motor system that has robust and large wheels. We can also mitigate energy wastage by making it more streamline and perhaps even adding a roof like a golf cart. I also needed to explore more form as these sketches minimise cargo space available.

Figure 2.1: This set of sketches has a-lot off consideration for ergonomics, and anthropology. Yes C.A.R.L moving and functioning is important, but it is also just as important. In this set of sketches I mainly focused on the height and width of the device along with water proofing the roof. I think it is a must for C.A.R.L to have a roof as it provides a barrier between natural forces and the cargo C.A.R.L carries.

The takeout for further sketches is the addition of a roof, perhaps more mobile movement off the boxes and the consideration of humans and their anthropology.

Figure 2.2: In this sketch section I have mainly considered what kind of material handling equipment could go on C.A.R.L. From the previous sketch we can see that the optimal reach zone is between 800cm and 1500cm so I have considered having a pulley system, scissor rise system or a conveyer system.

But isn't the addition of material handling equipment, just going to make C.A.R.L ugly?

This is very true, I am hence considering using either the scissor rise system or the conveyor system as they can be more easily concealed in C.A.R.L than the pulley system. It is also a must to consider CMF.

Figure 2.3: This figure considers the material handling from figure 2.2, the ergonomic considerations from figure 2.1 and the overall form consideration from figure 2.0. I have landed on a concept that utilises a moving storage compartment that C.A.R.L has internally.

I will now be using the next page of sketches to purely explore form and then I will pick 2 to start to CAD model and Clay model.

Favourites:

Figures to refer to: (2.4-2.5)

Figure 2.4: This is concept one of three. This concept was designed with a LED lighting system.
The material considerations are: recycled aluminium sheet metal for the body. The interface will change depending on the task and time of day. The final interface will be available in the finished product.

The design considerations are as follows. It has a curvilinear facade making C.A.R.L look more approachable and friendly. The colour scheme includes greys, blues and whites to represent Monash. The containment unit extrudes from the back and boxes can be placed in them. C.A.R.L is also ergonomically considered so that the reach height is in concurrence with Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.5: This is C.A.R.L J.R; drawing from feedback last week it was important to integrate a people oriented focus on C.A.R.L. This render of C.A.R.L is for staff and students to use on command. This C.A.R.L with his smooth rectilinear curves and approachable facade is available to book for use. It can be used to carry large folios, books from the library etc.

Where do I go from here: From here I will be developing in-context CAD Models, for C.A.R.L and C.A.R.L Jr. I will also be developing clay models to explore form and will be 3D printing and body storming to understand the size and intimidation factors of C.A.R.L.

I will develop a more robust C.A.R.L and a more soft and curvilinear C.A.R.L Jr. This is to reflect the environments and the services that they will be providing.

C.A.R.L: About

Concept Consolidation - 3D Prints, Clay Models.

In this section:

Figures to refer to: (3.0 - 3.8)

Figure (3.0-3.4): These are the initial concepts of C.A.R.L. The 3 forms of development, CAD, 3D print and clay modelling allowed me to gain access into the persona of the design.

Conclusion: I had a major epiphany through these forms of fabrication. I figured that he looks very robust and in fact looks kind of intimidating and this means that he must be used only for delivery.

Figure (3.5): This is a render of the representation of C.A.R.L. I am planning on creating a set of sub routes that avoid the integration of this C.A.R.L into the general population based on the conclusion above.

Figure (3.6 -3.8): This is C.A.R.L Jr, a softer and more curvilinear form with a friendlier persona. The images refer to how items would look inside C.A.R.L Jr, creating a nature if inconspicuousness. It is important that he looks like he is a part of the environment.

Conclusion:I will now be further developing C.A.R.L and C.A.R.L Jr, I will be creating more human centred interactions, I will be working on C.A.R.L's emotive responses and also will be working on the app that goes with them.

C.A.R.L: About

Body Storming

In this section: Videos to refer to: (1.0)

Video (1.0): This body storming exercise was an exceptional way to understand form and also understand key concepts. I have understood that C.A.R.L can carry 4 regular dimension cardboard boxes.

I also understand that C.A.R.L was not very intimidating, in fact he created a sense of security along with the fact that he is kind of cute.

C.A.R.L: About