Project 2 - Week 3 & 4

The next project went by the title of The Three R’s, these standing for Record, Respond and Remake. The outcome of this project was to show effective analysis of appropriate form and function of a given object in visual format. The project was set out to enable us to understand an objects form and function so that we could design alternatives which can be both innovative and challenging whilst fulfilling a given purpose. We were given an existing product, mine being a plastic basket tray, which through the recording of its form and function we were to gain an understanding of its application, working in both 2D and 3D forms. From this existing product, we were to make an object/exterior/interior that functions in an entirely different way to the given object but still uses it as the main or a secondary component whilst keeping its structural integrity. During the process of developing this existing product, I was to consider that the contemporary practice of designing for sustainability is becoming more common within the world of design from the use of recycled materials to the increase in biodegradable products. 

Taking all of this on board, I went on to analyse my given product of a plastic basket tray. The tray was divided into two sections and as an object is often used as a storage unit within a household kitchen, looking into the weight of the object I found that the basket tray was very lightweight due to its main material being plastic making its original use easy to adapt to. I came up with various designs based on the basket tray and carried out research using both the internet and my surrounding, I decided to look into making the object into a functional wall lamp and therefore carried out further research into the way in which light is dispersed from different shapes and translucency of materials. The final product I came up with was a very simple concept although followed all design and functional aspects I had planned for it to do. 



The overall product was made to be successful, transforming a plastic basket tray into an indoor wall lamp due to the translucency of the plastic letting light through, which somewhat created a light glow enabling the lamp to be used as a night light. The translucency of the basket tray was helped due to the original lightweight function of the basket and the material it was made out of being a thin plastic, allowing more light to shine through when in use. Other features of the basket added to the final outcome, such as the holes in the side of the basket dispersing light well and giving off an aesthetically pleasing effect. I felt that the shape of the basket tray was perfect for the wall lamp, therefore meaning I didn't need to make any drastic amendments to the original, existing object. Overall I feel I achieved a product which could be used within many households to create a sense of mood lighting, if I was to carry out this project again I would experiment with different colour lighting to add to this.