Conceptual Design and Research

During this assignment, there were major outside challenges to overcome related to family and technical issues that have resulted in a complete change in the final direction of this assignment, which will be explained throughout. The original idea featured a transforming post box that would package and deliver parcels for the user, due to a loss in all files, with no recoverable method. A new idea was made, modelled and rendered in the 4 days before the final deadline. As a reflective note this provides a cemented importance of backing up your files and important documents in multiple ways across multiple machines or utilising cloud software. With that in mind the original information, research and story board have been left included as a way to view the author’s thought processes and thinking.

In this assignment it was tasked to create a 3D metamorphosis animation, in which there is the option to choose from a different theme to take in approach. In this instance, the idea of an industrial machine that has been designed for a specific purpose is the option of choice. To begin, it is imperative to undertake some research into the topic and subject. The term ‘Metamorphosis’ comes from the attribute given to insects and certain creatures that undergo a change to their physiology, the most notable of which would be the life cycle of a caterpillar. Although the specifics are still debated, Bishop et al (2006) collaborated to discuss a potential reference for the term. This reflects how its use in language has adapted to represent something going through a change. To help visualise this concept there are two examples provided of existing 3D animation pieces that encapsulate the metamorphosis aspect. The most significant of the two is the advert for the beer, in this is a classic example of how conceptual design can encompass this metamorphosis theme, shown by the fruit being replaced by the glass bottles of the beverage, the implication is that it provides a fresh organic drink to the consumer. This implication is a heavy basis of the conceptual design aspect that comes with a metamorphosis topic. Focusing on an industrial design influence and inspiration there needs to be an acknowledgement of the corresponding relationship between the two subjects. Tjalve (2015) states in their book “A short course in industrial design” after analysis of various products and their functionalities and the reasoning behind the design. That the final product depends on different factors; the idea and the criteria that decides that idea. In this they write about a design and how it aims to achieve a solution, the result becoming the journey of navigating those solutions. With this acknowledgement the initial idea that transposed is a conceivable upgrade to the post box. A standard post box within the United Kingdom is only capable of taking letters, with this idea it would be upgraded to not only be capable of taking parcels as well, but is suited for the subsequent analysis and packaging of the item before taking the parcel. To further explain it would aim to solve the problem and become a quality of life solution to the ever growing mail and delivery service, by offering a friendly and easy to use system. It will take an item, package it, label it, and post it through an efficient sorting system.

References

C. D. Bishop, D. F. Erezyilmaz, T. Flatt, C. D. Georgiou, M. G. Hadfield, A. Heyland, J. Hodin, M. W. Jacobs, S. A. Maslakova, A. Pires, A. M. Reitzel, S. Santagata, K. Tanaka, J. H. Youson, What is metamorphosis?, Integrative and Comparative Biology, Volume 46, Issue 6, December 2006, Pages 655–661, https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icl004

 

Niels Prayer (n.d) original metamorphosis – the loop Available Online https://www.nielsprayer.com/#/metamorphosis/

 

Unknown author (n.d) Metamorphosis Available Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v3wmsylEic Logic motion graphics 2017

 

Psyop Studios Metamorphosis Available Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpbw82uS0xI TheCGBros youtube 2014

 

Tjalve, E., 2015. A short course in industrial design. Elsevier.

 

Unknown author (n.d) Metamorphosis Available Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v3wmsylEic Logic motion graphics 2017