Week 02: computer-aided design

This week we were introduced (or reintroduced) to working with CAD software in both 2D and 3D. I started using Google SketchUp in high school for personal projects. I then used Rhino throughout my architecture studies, along with AutoCAD and Vectorworks (unfortunately). In recent years, I've moved over to Fusion for personal projects and occasional 3D printing. In the 2D space, I use Illustrator for my graphic design work and have never used anything else (and likely won't).

Designing a braille kitchen “timer” as an exploration for my final project

I wanted to use this opportunity to continue exploring my final project's conceptual direction. I continued investigating themes of ADHD, smoking addiction, and differences in time perception, which will inform my final project.

For this design exercise, I decided to create a braille kitchen “timer”. However, to reinforce the idea of avoiding precise time in my final project, I used the braille alphabet on the dial instead of braille numbers. The goal was to design a relative-time object that communicates a finite experience without relying on numbers.

WANT me

The base is inspired by vintage ashtray designs. The diameter of the timer body is informed by the dimensions of a tin of nicotine pouches. It's the perfect size for comfortably wrapping your fingers around the edges. Any larger or smaller would feel uncomfortable.

GRAB me

The handle is inspired by coffee mugs and the Alessi 9090 Moka Pot.

TWIST me

The dial used to start the timer is large, but gentle, with a palm-fitting shape. It invites you to turn it and feels comfortable in the hand.

Physical design and operation

• You walk up to the braille “timer” sitting on its base
• You grab the handle with your lower three fingers (middle, ring, pinky)
• You place your index finger on the braille port
• You place your thumb on the thumb rest
• Your other hand settles on the rotary knob
• You twist it to begin the experience
• You feel the movement of the mechanism as it recites the alphabet to you
• The experience ends
• You place it back down on the base

(A mirrored version of the braille “timer” could be created for left-handed users.)

Attempted Blender rendering

Dangerous time sink.

Under construction

Just keep hitting

Cmd + Shift + R

over and over again.

Process of creating the braille "timer"

Rediscovering Rhino

Trying out Blender

Going back to Fusion

First parametric design in Fusion

Trying Inkscape