ELIZABETH CLARK

Welcome to my portfolio, please take a look and let me know what you think!

I love objects, especially ones that make people smile or provide a simpler solution to an everyday task.

Sketching, painting, baking, eating, exploring, and traveling are some of my favorite things to do. I feel that through experiencing different cities and cultures I can better understand how people interact with objects.

Thank you for your interest and hope to talk to you soon!

Hello !

L I G H T

E-SYSTEM

la pera que limpia

Mini Wita M i n i m p3 p lay er

L I G H T

OBJECTIVE

Proposal Create a light that serves two functions

Light both a work area as well as a room

Save energy by using LED technology

Design a light for a small space

Market Research

Materials greatly affect quality of light

Flexible materials allow for interesting interactions with the lamp

Typical forms of base, light bulb, lamp shade are still widely implemented

VersatileMalleablePlayful Functional

Key words

Ideation

Many forms were explored to see what shapes could work to initiate user interaction

The final form is simple yet the asymmetry adds interest and character

the technical details

32

2

18

Two different heights allow the light to travel to different areas of the room

49 cm

The lamp shade is made out offlexible silicone with a white mattecoating on the outside

The interior of the lamp shade is lined with a grid of 25 LED bulbs

The base is made of aluminum and coated in soft touch rubber in one of the four color options:

To turn your NU lamp on and off squeeze the slightly raised button on the surface of shade

By merging the switch with the flexible shade this button adds to the playful aspect of the lamp

in Use

The NU lamp is an attractive addition to any room and its multi functionality is a key feature to anyone living in a smaller space.

The user only needs to have a single lamp that can work as both a task lamp or a lamp for ambient light.

The simple and playful feeling of this light also helps to truly make it a lamp for anyone and everyone.

OBJECTIVE

Proposal Create a compact mixer that can be both handheld and hands free

Provide a new form that is easy as well as store

Improve maneuverability by powering the mixer with a rechargeable battery

Rethink the traditional mixer attachments to allow for easier cleaning

Redesign the handheld mixer

Problem

Key words

Baking is always a special occasion and having the perfect mixer just adds to the joy.

adaptablehandyefficientcompact mod

The goal of this project was to solve the essential needs of the user particularly one who has a small kitchen with little counter space and still wants the ability to use a hands free mixer.

A gap in the market revealed the need for a new type of mixer, one that merged the stand mixer with the compact hand held mixer. This hybrid mixer would have to offer the power and ease of a stand mixer without sacrificing maneuverability of a hand mixer.

Market Research

In the current handheld mixer market, theoverall forms are all fairly similar. The generally organic forms all force the user’s hand into the same fixed position.

The prices range from extremely affordable $6.99 Chefmate to the more expensive name brand mixers and move up significantly in the stand mixer market. The price reflects number of attachments, quality, and speed options.

1955 Sunbeam mixer 2009 Sunbeam mixer

1908 Herbert Johnson an engineer saw the need for a industrial mechanized food mixer

1915 Hobart Industrial strength food processors were standard in many commercial bakeries

1918 Home prototype models were being introduced, the first home Kitchenaid mixer was very expensive, costing almost $2,200 in today’s market

1930 Sunbeam introduces a competing stand mixer, the Mixmaster, which became a household name even throughout the depression because of its cheaper price

1936 Kitchenaid hires Egmont Arens to redesign their mixer, creating the design we see today

1936 Kitchenaid 2009 Kitchenaid

Home and Building Magazine“The Quest for a Good Mixer”June 1955

Sunbeam introduces attachments of all sorts, allowing people to see this appliance as more than just a mixer

Mixers were one of the first electric home kitchen appliances. These fixtures of the modern kitchen were originated for industrial use and naturally migrated into the home. The designs still remain relatively unchanged.

HIstory of automated mixing

There were many ideas for how the mixer would sit on a bowl.

One had three retractable legs the resulting tension from the recoil springs inside the center housing would keep the mixer afloat. The mechanism was deemed too complicated and expensive to pursue.

ideation

The resulting ideation was a split handle that would part and rotate horizontally from a center point.

A simple 180 degree turn of the handle would rest the mixer on the sidewalls of the bowl, the handles acting as a bridge.

MODEL MAKINg

Working with different angles that could function to keep the Mixe parallel to the work surface

Experimenting with various ideas about how to suspend the mixer from the bowl. Tension from three measuring tapes allowed it to stand up but was difficult to get

Final model in action.

This design would allow the motor to sit inside the center axis of rotation balancing the cylindrical force of 600 rpm

Hands free: The main feature of the Mixe allows it to transform from a normal hand mixer to a mixer that can stand alone on a variety of bowl sizes.

Easy clean Whisk: New shape allows the finished dough to be easily removed from blades.

Compact: The shape is simple and compact and allows the user to store the Mixe anywhere, even in a drawer!

Rechargeable: The lithium ion battery within the Mixe remains charged for over 4 hours of consecutive use. The charging base included with the Mixe mixer is small and can be also be easily stored.

Key Features

The Mixe can be used as a normal hand mixer but when needed the top half can be rotated to hold itself on the bowl and allow the user to use the Mixe hands free.

Just twist open, set on bowl, and turn on to watch your mixing be done in no time.

While in use on a bowl the Mixe allows the user to continue prepping other ingredients for the recipe or tend to anything else that may need more attention.

how it works

tw i st

The Mixe controls are simple to use just turn the top dial from the neutral position to the plus sign until you reach your desired speed.

Silicone grips on the underside of the mixer handles secure it onto the sides of a great variety of bowl sizes.m i x

& ba k e!

This center balanced weightless mixer is a new type of mixer, a hybrid born from the benefits of the hand held and stand alone mixer.

Grips: The undersides of each handle have silicone grooves that hold the Mixe in place on the sides of the bowl.

Silicone was the material of choice for this situation because it has a substantial grip and is also easy to clean.

grips and whisk

Whisk: The whisk attachment was rethought and designed to prevent the dough from getting caught in the overlapping whisks.

The bottom of the whisk was left open to allow the sometimes relentless dough to be removed more easily from the attachment.

The wider diameter of the whisk attachment also allows the mixer to reach all sides of the bowl including the bottom corners.

E-SYSTEMo ld h ea rt, d i g i ta l b r a i n s

OBJECTIVE

Proposal

Redesign the traditional SLR form to add functionality and innovation

old heart, digital brains

Find a form that appeals to the technically advanced younger generations as well as the older generations that are seeking to become more in touch with technology

Merging the generational gap with visual cues that appeal to a variety of age groups

Incorporate materials that enhance user experience and interaction

The SLRs on the market all have similar forms. It is hard to distinguish one brand from another. However, Leica stands out in this crowd. They have taken simple shapes and quality materials to construct beautifully crafted cameras. There is also an air of staying true to the older style cameras which is the exact direction I pursued with my rendition of the SLR.

o ld n ew

Market Research

The inspiration for this digital SLR came from the increasing number of retro inspired modern goods. I was drawn to explore how the past can be merged with the future.

I was also interested in exploring how quality products create a relationship with the user.

ideation

Through this design I tried to create a camera that would have an appeal to the young generation of vintage seekers, as well as the older generation that is seeking to become more in touch with technology. I was intrigued by new products that have given new life to vintage goods.

In the design process many forms were explored in a variety of ways. Existing shapes were pieced together, photographed and new designs were taken from there.

Through this process the familiar shapes of the typical camera were given a modern twist that the user could still be comfortable with.

La rg e P r ev i ew S c r een: Large preview screen allows for easy adjustments as well as picture flaunting.

M i n i M en u S c r een: A preview of your options show up on a small menu screen that is angled toward you for easy access to all the information you need.

I n t eg r at ed Flas h : The decision to keep the flash visible instead of making it pop up when needed was to keep the subject at ease. If a flash pops up the subject become distracted by this feature.

V ert i ca lly H a n g: To provide a less obtrusive way of hanging your SLR around your neck the E-System hangs vertically from the side away from

Key Features

E - Syst em: The Leica SLR was named the E-System referring to the ease of use of this camera and the system of lenses that will follow.

Qua li ty M at er i a ls: With warm leather and wood accents you can see and feel the continuing quality Leica provides.

S li m b o dy: The Leica E- System features a slim body to fit into everyone’s lifestyle and make it more convenient to take it with you on any adventure.

The friendly and intuitive shape allows theuser to comfortably capture the photos theysee in the world.

The use of natural materials,leather and wood, give it a feeling of qualityas well as familiarity.

In action

In designing this camera I explored how a product can appeal to several generations.

A wiser consumer may be drawn to the form that is reminiscent of original film cameras and can feel a nostalgia for these older styles.

While the younger vintage seeking generation would appreciate how the current technology is applied to a camera with a unique look.

OBJECTIVE

Proposal

Design a soap with a specific function in mind

Create a soap for use after a day at the beach

Design the packaging to enable transport as well as storage

Branding should reflect use at the beach

Explore properties of soap and keep usage and wear in mind

Feat u r es: Soap is molded around a small towel that allows it to attach to the lining and outer bag

This towel also allows an elastic band to be secured through it without worrying about it pulling through the soap after usage

Outer bag is water proof and inner lining is perforated which allows air in to dry the soap

Inner lining can also function as a towel to scrub off remaining debris

Research ideation & Creation

I n s p i r at i o n: Beautiful soap packaging as well as images of the ocean helped define the product’s shape and design

P ro c ess: A positive model of the soap was made out of clay and a polyurethane mold was made to mold the glycerin into the soap form

how it works

Beach Clean is simple to use! Just flip the bag inside out, use the soap and flip the soap back in when you are finished.

No need to worry about getting anything wet because the wet saop stays inside.

Mini Wita M i n i m p3 p lay er

OBJECTIVE

Proposal

Create a realistic mp3 player rendering in Photoshop

Make a small portable mp3 player that can be worn as an accessory

Eliminate the problem of tangled ear bud cords

Add a different material to the product to help it stand out in the market

Create a realistic mp3 player rendering in Photoshop

Key Features

R et r acta b le H ea d p h o n es: The main feature of the Wita are the retractable headphones which keep all your cords in place, no more annoying knots!

wo o d ac c en t: A wooden veneer acts as the play and pause button. The texture and beauty of the wood make this mp3 player a unique piece of technology

C Li p O n: The clip on the back helps you keep track of it and keep it where it belongs

Po rta b le: The Wita’s small size allows you to take it with you anywhere!

S i d e w h eel: The small track wheel on the side gives you more options. Not only does it adjust the volume but click it once and you can scroll through different playlists, double click to go back to volume

To use simply pull the headphones apart, place in ears, and clip your Wita to your shirt and be on your way

240 cm

p u ll

74 cm

In use

la pera que limpia

THe pear that cleans

In the ideation process, many handle and pan shapes were ex-plored. The variations led to the conclusion that a simple and con-cise shape would be the appropriate shape for this product.

OBJECTIVE

Proposal

Design a broom and dustpan set that is innovative in form and function

Create a housing for the broom using the dustpan itself

Give the user a variety of bristles for different functions

Make the set fairly portable and for use in an office or studio setting

Market Research

The broom and dust pan market is fairly limited in smaller compact brooms

The shapes are all familiar with no huge distinctions between the way they function

A need was found to push forward with the idea of creating a capsule for the broom as the top left brush has done

ideation

The pear fruit was an inspiration for the shape in which the dust pan could hold the broom

A variety of handle shapes and sizes were explored and a simple tapered handle made of natural wood was chosen as the final solution

The dust pan would be made of plastic with a living hinge whose placement had to be resolved in relation to the way it would be held and opened

The simple triangle shape of the dust pan fits snugly around the brush handle, making them the perfect pair.

t h r ee b ru s h ty p es : The three brush types make it a versatile broom for any situation. The fine bristles catch dust, the coarser bristles pick up other debris and the third brush gives the user a scrubbing option.

c o m pact: As well as being portable La Pera is also compact allowing it to live anywhere from a desk drawer to a backpack.

Po rta b le: By having the dust pan act as a sleeve around the bristles the user does not have to worry about any dirt or dust that may still be on the broom.

how it works

To u s e: Open dustpan, sweep up mess into dustpan, throw trash in garbage or keep in pan until you have a chance to throw it out.

Thank you !

C o n tact

(858) 692-0771

lizclarksemail@gmail.com

San Francisco, California