Diana Lien's Design Blog

Sunshine and job hunting…

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:57:40 +0000

Yes, I know. It’s been a while! Summer is over half way through and I’m still on the job hunt. :/ Yeah, it’s tough out there and we’ve all heard it, so won’t rant too much about that…

But on a happier note, I’ve been getting some freelance work here and there, so it’s better than nothing. I really do enjoy brand development, so I shouldn’t complain too much!

During the last few weeks, I’ve worked on a logo for a general contractor, paint your own pottery studio, investment management group, and natural sugars. More blog posts to come with the final designs! So stay tuned for those!

Since I started this blog, it’s been mainly a design blog. I may start adding some more things related to what’s happening in my life. I suppose it’ll be more for me than anything else. Writing will just keep me a bit more sane!

So, I’ve been in Newport for the past few days; my grandma and aunt from San Diego are here to visit. It’s been fun and I’ve been eating WAY TOO MUCH. My dad loves to BBQ and we had a feast last night. We’ve been getting sunshine on the coast, mid to high 60s. But it beats the heat wave rolling through Portland the valley!

Hope everyone else is having a great week so far. It’s Wednesday, so over the hump we go!

Another Step

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:29:16 +0000

The year has come and gone and I’ll be leaving Eugene in a few weeks. Time to start anew in Portland! There’s still a lot to do — like finding a place to live! And hopefully a job will come soon after.

I can’t believe that it’s already been 2 years. Time flies, but I’ve learned so much, especially from my classmates and peers. It’s been a blast… but this is only the beginning. Again.

TC1000: Moby 2.0

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:47:18 +0000

We presented Moby 2.0 at Modo and everything went very well. Our presentation reflected the friendly and playful aspects of our cart. Thanks to Modo for sponsoring our senior design studio project, and for giving great feedback in both conceptual development, as well as design direction.

Moby 2.0!

TC1000: Moby 2.0

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 21:03:13 +0000

After our final review, we realized that Moby could be smoother and livelier. So we’ve been spending time creating Moby 2.0.

Moby has been stripped, sanded, replastered, and sanded some more. The arm was also fixed because it developed a crack on the way over to the presentation room. We’ve also resolved the joint issue and refined the overall shape a little bit more. The docking station was also refined to make the visual language blend all together into a cohesive product.

Lots of work, but we’re happy with where we’re heading now and the process is easier the second time around!

We still need to paint, add the dots, and finalize our presentation to Modo. More images to come!

TOOLS: Final Review

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:18:01 +0000

Today was my final review for TOOLS class – presenting the last terms worth of products! As you know, I’ve been working on ceramic candlesticks, a furniture piece to display the work, and also a sheet metal lamp.

Here are the final pieces!

Piggy Toy Chest at MODERN

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:27:18 +0000

Piggy toy chest will be featured at Modern in Eugene, Oregon for the Artwalk! It’s taking place on Friday, June 4th at 5:30PM.

New to the School of Architecture and Allied Arts, the Product Design Program has joined forces with MODERN to introduce design in various forms. The Product Design Program provides a thorough grounding in the use, invention, and production of manufactured goods and is based in the history and practice of interior architecture, design, and visual arts disciplines. Students study both material and theoretical aspects of product design, manufacturing, and design research. In this exhibit, students focus on “flat pack” design in which marketable products are presented in flat or modular formats. The designs presented include lighting, furniture, and even toys. Student designers and university faculty will be present to introduce and explain the designs.

Modern design boutique featuring furniture, housewares, light fixtures, modern art, gifts, jewelry, watches, kids’ gifts, and interior design consultation.

Hope you can make it and check out the work of the Product Design students and enjoy the creative works in this amazing design boutique!

TC1000: Reveal of Moby!

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:06:58 +0000

Introducing Moby!

Moby is a playful bedside companion that helps you stay connected with your family and friends, as well as keeping you entertained while you are recovering or receiving treatment in a hospital. The form is friendly, easy to maneuver, easy to clean, and the mobility of the arm allows for easy viewing, playing, and using of the iPad. The three ball & joint systems allow the docking station to be positioned in the most comfortable way for the child patient.

TC1000: Building Prototype

admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:45:55 +0000

With a layer of the plaster cloth/gauze on the final form, we proceeded to add another layer of plaster to the exterior. This provided a surface that we could form, as well as allowing for a smoother surface to take on paint.

While that was drying, we worked on the moving arm to form it into the perfect angle that would best convey it’s movement and rotational features. Of course, when we thought everything was good to go, a disaster happened and our arm started to crack from the weight. Thinking quickly, we reinforced the arm.

Looking at the arm again, we realized that the proportions were not correct. We then decided to cut off about 6 inches from the first arm, making it shorter to match the 2nd joint. This made all the difference and we were very happy with the results.

There were more things we had to finish and prep before we could apply the final layer of paint.

The color and main texture of the cart was inspired by the underside and suction cups of starfish & octopus’ tentacles. We came up with a dot pattern and wanted “controlled chaos” as part of the design. This dot pattern would also become the texture on the back of the docking station, creating a grip-able, non-slip surface.

To make these dots, craft foam was laser cut in a variety of circles sizes, and then spray painted with our two accent colors using Montana Gold spray paints.

It was now time to paint. After a few coats of primer, we spray painted the body with a glossy white finish. While that was drying, we proceeded to place the dots on. Our design concept and cart vision had come to life!

And of course, everything that went into creating Moby was well worth it. The outcome was much better than we had anticipated, and it also communicates all the features we designed into the cart in a very visual and aesthetically pleasing way.

To see more photos of the construction, check out my Flickr photostream.

Keep checking back for the reveal of Moby!

TC1000: Logo Design

admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:45:23 +0000

After much thought about what to call our cart, we finally landed on something that was both gender neutral and friendly: Moby.

We wanted the logo to be friendly & playful, robotic/tech, and clean & simple. Below a few variations for the logo.

TOOLS: Making the Sheet Metal Lamp

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 22:03:09 +0000

I’ve never worked with sheet metal before, so this was something completely new to me. It wasn’t as difficult as I imagined, but after a few cuts, scraps, and the help of some tools, this is the result!

I am still determining where I want the light bulb, since it works better as a sculpture piece. I’ll also be painting the interior white to contrast with the steel.