As we proceed forward in our Rube Goldberg design, we decided to add thematic elements to bring purpose to the various interactions of our sub-mechanisms. We collectively decided to introduce the action shown in the 2010 summer blockbuster "Inception" to our Rube Goldberg system. Along with gaining inspiration from certain scenes in the movie, we were also energized by the deeper, psychological elements in the movie (dream traveling, falling, reality vs. imagination).

Before creating a more robust study model, we needed to collectively diagram all of our concepts. Below, there are images by each group member detailing the various stages of the system. The redundant system will keep time marks at 30 and 45 seconds, respectively. The intro scene will take 15 seconds as will the final scene. Over the next few days we will determine scale and placement of our mechanisms in an attempt to make a complete, coherent breadboard model.



Intro schematic
designer: Duane Rollins



redundant time sequence: (marks the 30 and 45 second intervals during the 1 minute course)
designer: Kyohei Yoshioka



final scene: the last 15 seconds will consist of a controlled demolition of the entire scene---each piece is symbolic to an ideal or moment from the film
desiger: Donald Burlock Jr.

Below, you will see some of the images from class as our group begins to put together various study models for the Rube Goldberg device. This iteration I am working with designers Duane Rollins and Kyohei Yoshioka.

Just as Rube Goldberg would sketch out cartoons that depicted complex devices performing simple tasks in indirect ways, we began by visual brainstorming mechanisms that would accomplish our timing task. We gave consideration to the overall theme of the Rube Goldberg device we designed and in addition how we accomplish the timing mechanism. Remember, the devices must provide visual and audible feedback at 15 second intervals.

Aside from capturing the technical performance requirements, each device has to be "designed"---there must be consideration to the fabrication of the pieces we use to make our sub-mechanisms and a cohesive and deliberate manner to provide a "characterful aesthetic and compelling mode of operation." So, here we go---check out the initial study models below:



The ramp will be part of the redundant time keeping mechanism within the overall system. We used cardboard, plastic rollercoaster pieces, and lots of duck tape to accomplish the goal. I will post a video link in a bit. The golf ball will be at the top of the ramp and will be initiated by a small collision. As it rolls down the ramp it will snake through a wind chime-like scheme before falling onto a cantilever beam at the bottom of the track.

Welcome back!

Year 2 of the three year industrial design master's program at Georgia Tech is in full effect again!

ID 6200 (Graduate Studio II) promises to be full of many design opportunities and challenges. Follow the blog on a weekly basis to see the progress of group and individual projects. In addition, I will be posting daily sketches and research information regarding various topics. Some other good news: I'm working at the Digital Fabrication Lab at Georgia Tech! This is an excellent opportunity to build my fabrication skills and craftsmanship while understanding industry demands like mass customization! More cool photos to come...for now, check out our first project:

Kinematics Challenge: Design and fabricate a "Rube Goldberg" type device that is a functioning timer. Specifically, the device must employ one or more golf balls, a bell and a mousetrap to accurately time a target timeframe of 1 minute. Devices must provide visual and audible feedback at 15 second intervals. The device cannot exceed 36" in any direction and must employ a variety of sub-mechanisms within the timing process.

The objective of this project is to build upon skills in creative problem solving, physical modeling skills, and the circular process of testing and refinement. If you are not familiar with a Rube Goldberg design---check out a few videos online! There are some creative devices and contraptions that will blow you away with their creativity.

Someone wrote that design never ends...you just hit a deadline. Over the course of my first year of grad school, I have learned many important lessons while trying to champion the design process. One of the most important is to remember that the design process is to remain conscious of continue changes and modifications that must happen to develop the product. Design is dynamic. It morphs and grows based on what's next. And we must do the same.

Thank you for reading my blog through the course of my first year at Tech. Please peek at the results of my Braun project below. This summer, I will be developing my sketching/rendering skills as well as working as an interface designer. You may reach me at: burlock9225@gmail.com.

Also---please keep checking my blog all summer for updates on my furniture design collections...coming soon to a gallery near you!


Desk Fan, Alarm Clock, and Desk Lamp by Donald A. Burlock, Jr.
(Fan: Bladeless Fan---Plastic Body/Buttons and Matte Silicone Base)
(Alarm clock: Touchscreen clock with Matte Silicone Base)
(Desk Lamp: Hollow, Polished Aluminum Body with Matte Silicone Base)


One of the slides from my final presentation. During this project, I was inspired by the iconic Design Director at Braun, Dieter Rams, who led good design there for 40 years. I also created a timeline displaying how the Braun brand has evolved over the decades to where it is at now. I tried to design products that would fit where Braun is at now in their design image:



It is a little small---but no worries, I will post a larger version soon. This summer, I may be re-vamping the website and blog, so stay posted. Also---look out for a video showcasing these products, my final models, and my design process. I will probably post it on facebook later this week.

Exciting, right?!

Cheers

User Studies for Braun products
Layout by Donald A. Burlock, Jr.
Images gathered from online blogs

The text is a little difficult to read. Here is what the "Braun" man sheet says:

“Urban-Dapper,comfortable, and modern. Those are the words that describe the men Braun’s product line appeals to in today’s market.

Thanks to Braun’s history of well-functioning, no-non sense design philosophy, thebrand has
carried it’s neo-functionalistapproach fromone generation to the next. The Braun man appreciates the sleek, coolness of the Braun form which pays attention to the details of a design. No flash here, just authentic
products for the everyday man."

And here is how the "Braun" woman research summary reads:

"Who is the “Braun” woman? She is feminine, metropolitan, and well-groomed. The Braun woman of this millenia is dynamic, but still concerned about beauty and comfort. While she appreciates sleek, cool forms, she loves unobtrusive products that function well. Her purchases are investments because there is no time to waste
on products that have short lives or slow her down. The Braun woman is the woman of “now”---modern and beautiful, ready for anything the daily urban grind may throw at her."