Diana Lien's Design Blog

Piggy Toy Chest at MODERN

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!

2010: 06/02
CATEGORY: Art
Life
School work
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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

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!

2010: 05/30
CATEGORY: Art
School work
Tech
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TC1000: Logo Design

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.

2010: 05/30
CATEGORY: Art
Notes
School work
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TOOLS: Making the Sheet Metal Lamp

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.