Rationale (Candy factory)
Project 2, postal presents.
The brief was given to create a prototype gift that could be collapsed and sent through the mail in an ordinary c4 envelope. After receiving the brief different types of product that could be flat packed were explored throughout my research. This lead to objects that mainly folded into something of 3dimensional form from a 2d structure. I took this into consideration and after consultation I decided to do a candy dispenser.
The candy dispenser was a task which had be to redesigned as a whole as conventional candy dispensers which dispensed gobstoppers have not been distributed as flat packed before. The first thing taken into consideration when deigning the dispenser was what was the type of candy I was to be dispensing and the actual dimensions. After research and investigation, gobstoppers were the main candy the dispenser was to dispense due to the fact that they came in a conventional size; the dispenser could also dispense candy up to 17mm in diameter.
The form of the candy dispenser was inspired by the machines which were used in Willy Wonka’s epic movie with Gene wilder, how ever there were problems which had to be overcome in taking these forms into a flat packed item. There were many idea’s for the dispenser, from a rubber band belt driven dispenser, push type (where you push a button and a candy pops out), and twist type dispenser. Many types of mechanisms were tested out to ensure candy was dispensed at a 90% rate each time the device was used. After much refinement, research and actually using the candy dispensers in the shopping mall, the correct mechanism was applied to the dispenser.
The material of choice for the body of the candy dispenser was PVC foam, as PVC is widely used as containers and is also food safe, and the hopper was made from polypropylene. Clear acrylic washers were and pine wood was also used in the dispenser, as they are all food safe. Adding to that, as the rigid PVC foam was painted with a coat of red acrylic urethane coat and ecotuff clear coat, this added to the further compliance to food safety.
Sending a flat packed present to someone which would bring a pleasant surprise to them I though would be a candy dispenser, as this would be used over and over again, it would also be placed where it would remind the user/owner of the sender and the sweet gift they sent them.
3 comments:
wow what a wonderful idea. Very creative and obviously thoroughly researched. I especially like how you have taken the time to research inspirational media in order to determine the products final form.
I'm just wondering whether the contrasting yellow and red handles are meant to visually illustrate or help navigate the user into using the product? Or whether that was purely for aesthetics? I imagine the model is slightly delicate so maybe if it was made more obvious as to which way the handles were to be turned and whether you had to use both at once or just one in order for the product to function.. kids are usually pretty impatient when there's lollies in front of them an if the use is unclear to them, they could just take them out of the top compartment.
Not a listed commenter, but i witnessed the toiling and effort that went into the product's birth. It is strikingly playful with a functionality that has a satisfactorily resolved mechanism. It gives a great tactile that adds to the character of the candy it dispenses. Playing around with it, i take away a sense of satisfaction in the clinking of the candy through the system and I'd imagine this to be similar with the intended target. Good things take time, and however resolved the product is at the moment it can be pushed even further with custom fittings for holes to give a quality heft and aesthetic to openings as well as the turning mechanism.
Notable "upgrades" in your design decisions from the first concept to final prototype. Well done.
A great idea indeed. i like how you took something so conventially solid and was able to turn it into a flat-packed object. a lot of research and thought was put into this project which is very good for a designer. the aesthetics are good and obviously it is functional.
i really like this design and im sure it would make a great gift
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