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DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2015 M2 JOURNAL - Scales

Chuhan (Alex) Yao & Xiao Jing (Maggie) Hu683814 & 640996

Michelle Emma James - Tute 1

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Sketch Design Development

Using the idea orginially developed by Alex by of the overlapping scales we combined it with Alex’s spine idea as well as Maggie’s idea from M1, we combined the three ideas to form a new idea. We used the layering effect from Alex’s sketch model combined with the idea of the spine to form the linear overlapping spine idea. We also incorporated Maggie’s idea of the helment and the protection of the face into the idea. We extended the spine to run down the face of the wearing to create a piece that would deter others from coming close to the wearers face.

We also incorporated Maggie’s idea of the triangluar scale which makes the design look more angular and threatening. these scales will be attached to a central band, which attaches to the body.

Design ideas from M1 as well as representational drawing of overlapping scale effect from Alex’s sketch model

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Refined Sketch Model

We made a linear scale pattern into a “spine”. We attached a string to the tip of the triangles, when pulled the triangles lift up, this means we can make the spine stick up.

Next we made a model out of paper, a four scale. these scales are triangular pyramids that are sketched one direction.

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2nd Skin proposed design V.1

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We decided to make the triangles change in sizes to make a transi-tion and to become more dynamic. The triangle at the neck will be the biggest one. All the wires and control panels would be embeded in this object.

And from this object, other objects go up and down in different directions, and they also become smaller and smaller while they reach the end.

The design is supposed to be attached to human body by strips that connected with the biggest object. Also, this strip also connects with the wire that control the triangles lifting up. So when the shoulders of the user moves, the triangles at the back can be controlled.

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What is the concept of the precedent? [Maximum 5 key words]

Name of precedent and designer

Description of precedent

Precedent Research

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How can you use this precedent to influence your design ?

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Precedent applied to design

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Design development - Version #1

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The developed version of the design extends from spine to the whole body. We also decide to have some lights attached in the inner space of the triangles so that the user appears like a glowing person in the night, and this keeps other people away in the night and protect the personal space of the user. And because if the triangles go through the body they may restrict the movement of the joint of the user, the spaces are left out at knee so the user can move freely.

Also, patterns are added to the triangle in order to archieve a more dynamic outcome with light. Because most part of the triangles would be covered with the previous triangles, so the pattern is arranged at the top.

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Design development - Version #2

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The upgraded version of the design adds shoulder parts to the body. Because shoulder and neck are considered as sensitive spaces where people do not want other people to get close to, this improvement enables the user to protect neck and shoulder.

And again the leg part and arm part of the design is removed because it is actually impratical and only restrict the user’s move-ment.

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Prototype

Three materials tested: Foil card, quill 600gsm paper and paste board.

The paste board is a different co-lour on the inside therefore has a very distinctive cut line. the foil card is too thin and doesnt hold its shape

the 600gsm paper is the best option for us. the 600gsm card looks clean.

Worbla, the thermoplastic sheet used above is a good option to provide a solid base for the scales to attach to. the thermoplastic can be heated and shaped to the body of the wearer.

The reflective material on the inside causes the light to refract in a cool way. makes the design look more

After all the tests were done we began to make the proto-type. We used mountboard as the material and used laser cutting machine in Fablab to make it. We unfold the digital model and sent it to Fablab. Then we glue them together and arrange them in order.

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Testing Effects

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Appendix

Curcuit for wiring the spine. Image and circuit design by John Reading.