Dismantle and study/

We started this project by looking at existing objects and products in our surroundings to gain a good understanding of how different components work together as a product. Then, study the found objects and think of possible applications beyond their known functions.

Findings/

Plastic mesh:
The basic usability of a product requires a chassis that a hand can grab while holding all the components in place within its body. After rounds of exploration, I found the plastic mesh could be a great material for both grabbing and attaching components. The plastic mesh has uniform square holes which are perfect for fasteners like bolts and nuts, also it is bendable and easy to cut with scissors or pen knives.

Conductive tape:
Most electrical products need a power switch/button. For a lower voltage product, its power control could be replaced by conductive tape as it can be easily trimmed and applied on any surface.

Motor shaft adaptor:
An electrical motor is a super useful component. By using a motor shaft adaptor to it, many tools can be attached and fastened to a motor.

Iterations and refinement/

Clear plastic mesh is trimmed, rolled, and secured with nylon bolts. Other found objects such as metal brackets, brushes, fan grills, and nylon spacers were also used in the tryouts. The goal was to compose handheld battery-powered products which led me to a portable fan and a multi-purpose handle.

Object 1:
Portable Fan/

Object 2:
Multipurpose handle/

Product Recipes/

Forager things Publication/

The Portable Fan and Multipurpose Handle were recorded in the Forager Things book together with 7 other compositional products and 16 experimental mails.

Click here for more info.