Market Day, Kwan Ho Chan Post 6

For the set up a large black cloth covered the whole table in which everyone had their store on. I bought int a green patterned cloth that complement nicely with my fruit bowl and placed that on top. I then place the box, bags and stand slightly slanted on the cloth to create a layered effect. I then placed a small notebook underneath the green cloth and place the fruit bowl on top to give it a little elevation. It was then that i realized i forgot to bring fruit and went to Woolworth to quickly buy some fruit to put on my fruit bowl. Everything was set up and ready at 9 am as the day began.

Bag Production, Kwan Ho Chan Post 5

A template is first drawn up on A1 120 gsm paper as it was readily available at the workshop. Following the measurements of the template, the graphics were glued on for a final check before production begins. Then 300 gsm textured white paper was marked with a 0.3mm marker by using the template. It was then cut out using a Stanley knife. The graphics were then placed onto the bag and with a pencil small marking were made 10mm from the inside of the graphics so that it is not visible when it is glued . The lines were all folded to prepare for the next step. Then 1400 gsm thick cardboard was measured and cut with a Stanley knife to use as a back board for the handle. Finally the back board is pasted onto the top of the bag using UHU Glue with the tab folding over it, as shown. With the back board for the handle finally being glued, the next step is to glue the graphics onto the bag permanently. Similar to the box graphics, a fresh sheet of paper is used to apply the glue onto the graphics every single time with clean hands to avoid glue marks. The graphics is glued onto the bag with care. Following that, the bag is glued together with UHU glue, with clean hands for every single tab. With the bag being glued together and the graphics stuck on it, the handles need to be tied onto the bag. The distance between each hole is marked and was used along with a 30mm distance from the top edge of the bag as the center mark of the hole punch. A 12 mm metal hole puncher is then used along with a mallet to punch a clean hole through the bag and the back board. The fabric is fed through both holes and double knotted to prevent it from coming loose.

Manufacturing the Bowls 2, Kwan Ho Chan Post 4

The second part of the production process for the fruit bowl consist of first sanding the fruit bowl’s edges. The production of 10 fruit bowls requires a much bigger set up in order to work efficiently. A large table with a double folded cloth is set up in which rolls of sandpaper is readily available on the table. First 180 grade sandpaper is used to round the edges of the bowl. Then 240 and 320 grade sandpaper is used to smooth out and to removes the scratches from previous grade sandpapers. Finally 600 and 1200 grade wet sandpaper is used with dipping it into water for a smooth, clear finish. However, one of the bowls did not cut properly on the laser cutter and some of the ovals were chipped. Therefore for that specific bowl, 600 and 1200 grade wet sandpaper was also used to smooth out it’s front and back surface. Then polish was used to remove the scratches from the 1200 grade sandpaper. The bowls were then water blasted and clean with turps before the bending process. Finally, the bowls were put into the oven fro 8 minutes and taken down, placed onto the new mold and pressed down on for  a minute or so before letting it cool.

Manufacturing the Bowls, Kwan Ho Chan Post 3

The bowl production process can be split into two major parts. The first part is to recreate the mold due to the fruit bowl being downsized as it’s original form was too large. After a quick testing of bending the re sized, smaller bowl on the old plaster mold, the result was less than stellar as along of the curvature was lost due to downsizing. First the new, smaller fruit ball was placed onto a thick piece of wood and the outline was drawn onto it. Then the outline of the bowl was cut out using a large band-saw. Since the piece of wood was not thick enough, a second piece was drawn and cut out. Then both pieces were glued together using PVA glue and was left to dry with weights on top of it. Once it’s dried, the piece was then band-sawed again and sanded on a disc sander, followed by hand sanding of 180 grade sandpaper.

Box Production, Kwan Ho Chan Post 2

The second stage of the box production is to use a hot glue gun to glue all the tabs neatly. A quality glue gun was bought especially for this process to ensure a steady output of hot glue. The gluing process, itself had to be quite quick as if the hot glue was left on the tab for too long it would dry out.  In order to glue quickly and effectively, a second person was needed to hold onto the section that is glued so that it would not flex forward or backwards.

Market day _Matt Clarke_2014_Fruit bowl_6

Finished boxes ready to go

Market day area level 3 DAB building

Bowl setup for market day 

The market day took place on Saturday the 30th of August 2014 on UTS open day and was the most anticipated part of the course as we got to see how people outside our bubble view our designs ,unfortunately the weather was bad and we were moved inside the DAB building on level 3 into a low traffic area so less than anticipated interaction occurred. The bowls were set up with one on presentation with fruit a box standing up, several more boxes on the table plus a A4  page with information about inspiration for the design. The day was completed with one bowl being sold. It would of been more effective if we had been in a higher traffic area or at the markets where peoples mindset is to spend money.

Sales/Swing _tags_Matt Clarke_2014_Fruit bowl_5

Sales ticket

Swing tag

The sales and swing tags were created to replicate the outside shape of the bowl to give them identity the color scheme also matched both the bowl and the packaging graphics. The swing tag had the care instructions and designer and bowls name it was tied on with string. The sales ticket had the name of the bowl a stamp section the price and on the back side the pattern of the bowl. Both tags were printed on A3 sheets so that they all fitted saving money.

Packaging _Graphics_Matt Clarke_2014_Fruit bowl_4

Different ripple shapes

Ripple chosen to go with 

Back graphics

The graphics for the packaging started off originally with the idea of vinyl cutting them and sticking them onto the boxes although the machine had broken the next idea was to print them on a brown paper to look for natural although this would mean expensive paper and custom orders which wasn't justified with only 10 boxes, so a contrast approach was taken which was black and white not only was it easy to get appear it was also far cheaper to print, for the graphics themselves the banner took different shapes and forms but was finally made into a ripple shape to match the bowl while the back information was rounded corners to make it a softer appearance yet still standing out.

Packaging_Matt Clarke_2014_Fruit bowl_3

Prototype

cutting out windows for the box with acrylic template

The packaging for this was bowl was to create a minimalist and cost effective product yet still showing off the bowl . The process began with prototype and mock-ups to make sure everything fitted and worked well. Once the template and measurements were decided on the boxes were constructed by using the template as an outline using a ruler for the inside measurements. The outside shape was then cut out and then the inside lines bent and unbent so the window could be cut out with templates created. Once this was done the boxes were again bent and hot glued together, the graphics and handle was then glued before the bowls could be put in with tissue paper.

Finished box with a bowl in it

Kezia De Costa 2014 - Market Day (Blog post 06)

Image 1: Stall set up for Market Day

Our market day was scheduled for August 30, the same day as UTS Open Day. 

I was slightly nervous for the day ahead since trying to convince people to purchase your product isn’t something I’d done before. But I was looking forward to the experience. 5 of my bowls had already been purchased by UTS Marketing so that left me with just the one bowl to sell on the day. 

We were each given about 1m of space to set up our displays however we liked. I chose to place black satin cloth on top of a stand and place the fruit bowl on top so it was elevated off the table. I also placed my poster on an easel so it had more of a country feel. I also choice to display green apples on and around the bowl for extra colour. My business cards were placed along side the poster.

All the customers were really encouraging which was nice after spending so long putting everything together. I received lots of feedback from customers who commented on the bowl itself and the illustrations for the packaging which was re-affirming.

Overall, the experience of setting up and selling at stall was really good. I learnt a lot from the experience and know what I can do better in the future. 

- The market day - Post 6 - Sean Lurie

The day had finally arrived. We assembled outside the workshop at 8am, ready and eager to sell our bowls to the public.

Although it was a wet and windy day we persevered. We were forced to move our stall from its intended location in building 2 to building 6. Unphased we continued with our set up as we knew that thousands of people would be passing through the doors of UTS to see what was on offer at the university and we all felt like we were contributing!

The set up went to plan as we covered the tables with black cloth and displayed our A4 information stands and prepared all our boxes for sale.

Once people started flowing through it was very exiitng. We were all talking to people and letting them know what inspired our bowls and the possibilities of coming to UTS and doing a design course. however, we didn't have the traffic we may have had if we were in building 2 on a nice day.

Nevertheless, all in all I managed to sell six bowls and learnt a huge amount. The project was a great learning experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering it. It is a great opportunity to make new friends, learn about packaging, branding and mass manufacture as well as being able to sell your own work to the public!

- Advertising - Post 5 - Sean Lurie

Although we had faith that our bowls would be enough to draw people in, we thought it may be a good idea to do some extra advertising to promote the open day as well as our stall.

In order to do so the team of students doing the subject worked together to produce an advertisement that would let people know it was happening. We could only do this once the date had been set. And it had, UTS open day!

We were all so exited as this wasn't just an opportunity to sell our bowls but promote the subject as a whole to thousands of future students

- Bending the bowls - Post 4 - Sean Lurie

Bending the bowls was the icing on the cake. It was the last step in manufacturing the bowls and marked the end of the 'hands on' part of the project.

After countless hours of sanding I was finally ready to bend my bowls. I came into the workshop, switched on the oven and got everything ready. I ensured that the wok was wrapped correctly so as to not transfer any grit onto the bowls and got out the necessary tools and materials.

One by one we put the bowls in, timed how long they were in for and when ready carefully removed them and bent them over the mould. This process is a critical one as it is when the most can go wrong. It can spell disaster if not done correctly.

However, careful planning and a keen eye meant that all my bowls were correctly bent and where completely finished.

Now to look toward the market day!

- Manufacturing the bowls - Post 3 - Sean Lurie

Now that a brand had been established and packaging had been made I set to the task of manufacturing the bowls.

Half way through my first bowl I realised that I had a huge task ahead of me. My design was immensely time conusming. I sanded each edge of the bowls design three times with three different grades of sandpaper. This alone took approximately 4 hours per bowl. As well as carefully sanding each edge meticulously I buffed the edges of the bowl and then sanded that faces of each bowl.

Although I did get faster as a result of the jig I manufactured the process was still a drain on valuable time and energy. However, once I had finished the sanding I used cut and polish to finish the all the edges and the faces of each bowl. At this point in time the bowls were pretty much finished. the only task left was to bend the bowls over the mould.

- Making the box - Post 2 - Sean Lurie

The definition of the word packaging is: A set of materials used to wrap or protect goods.

Creating successful packaging seems like an easy task. however, the deceptively challenging task of designing and manufacturing packaging that reflects your design ethos as well as doing the fundamental task of protecting the contents was a challenge.

I strived to develop a packaging solution that could be easy transported, gave sufficient protection of the bowls and was engaging for the consumer. After many iterations of possible and also many impossible packaging solutions I ended up on what is a seemingly simple 'box'. 

However, this simple box isn't as simple as it looks. The packaging opens in a dynamic and interesting way that not only presents the bowl when opened but stacks perfectly and give more than enough protection to the bowl during transport.

Once the packaging was finalised we began manufacture. Many days and sticks of glue later I had ten boxes that were both functional and in line with my design ethos.

- Creating a brand - post 1 - Sean Lurie -

In order to design a brand. You must design a logo.

So this is where I started. I had sent my file of in order for the bowls to be laser cut and in the meantime I began to design my brand.

The image above is evidence of one page out of six pages of logo itterations. I completely deconstructed the meaning of the design and in the end found a logo that I was happy with.

When the logo was sorted and the name PHIE was chosen a brand was born. I was then faced with the ominous task of design packaging and product graphics such as swing tags and sale tickets that would fit this new brand...

Reflection_Isabella Rago_Fruit Bowl_6

To reflect on the subject; the process I understand as a designer, with regard to designing and producing a product has changed. I have learned that there is a great deal of marketing and preparation needed to successfully sell your product. There is a necessity to understand the market and the business that comes with it. My time must be spent wisely and planned prior to engaging in the design process/production. I think my biggest improvement needs to be planning the steps/activities I need to take to decide upon and finalise all my designs and design decisions (eg. bag handle colour, graphics for the box etc.) before rushing to the ‘making’ process.

Market Day_Isabella Rago_Fruit Bowl_5

Market Day Stall

I found the market day to be quite intimidating. It was the first time I was able to showcase my work and have consumers look at my product and question it. This was a really important exercise as it allowed me to understand how important it is to have a proudly finished product that is ‘ready’ to be sold. Even though it was very confronting, the market day was engaging, in that it was a physical environment to compete against my peers.

Production3_Simon Moore_ Fruit Bowl6

Fruit Bowl In-Situ

The whole production process has been a huge learning curve for me. It's not only taken longer than expected but also harder to execute as well. It makes you appreciate the work that private manufacturers and model makers go through to make profit. All in all the project was very interesting and helped develop the skills needed to be an independent industrial designer.

Market Day_Simon Moore_ Fruit Bowl5

Market Day stalls all set up

My stall 1

My stall 2

So market day finally came around and aside from the weather, the day was fun and a great experience. Once we set up the tables, we had to arrange our space to best display our bowls and packaging. We all helped each other and had a good time. If only we hadn't been moved to the DAB due to bad weather we all would have sold more bowls I'm sure of it.

Production2_Simon Moore_ Fruit Bowl4

Cleaning the edged after polishing

Polishing 10 bowls back to back is no easy task. Knowing that even one is hard enough, I needed to come up with some way to increase efficiency before starting. I used a similar method done for sanding, and used a tool to make the process faster. Using a polishing bit and a cordless drill, I managed to get each bowl done in about 10-15 minutes - far better than about 30 by hand.

Bowl Packaging2_Simon Moore_ Fruit Bowl3

Packaging Labels

The branding and print based section of my packaging was done in illustrator. I was trying to go for an organic/nature inspired feel to match the shape and feel of my bowl. The logo was fairly simple and straight-forward, but I wasn't sure how to attach the branding onto the already made boxes. Fortunately, I was able to come up with an idea to print the top and bottom onto transparent film, then mount to double sided tape to create a sticker. It worked out fantastic! The swing tags and purchase tickets were just a simple print onto semi-gloss 160 gsm paper. The swing tags were stuck back to back and cut out.

Production1_Simon Moore_ Fruit Bowl2

How sanding was done previously

New Method: Hand Sander

Wet & Dry Sanding

To make the sanding process more efficient, I bought a hand sander and used it for each grade of sand paper - including wet and dry. We also didn't need to use as many grits of paper, which also helped with shortening the process. I clamped the bowls down to a bend and got to work. It took almost half the time per bowl.

Bowl Packaging1_Simon Moore_ Fruit Bowl1

Concept Templates Cut Out

Base and Cross Section

Packaging Concept Assembled

The concept for my packaging came from something I saw at a market earlier in the semester as market research. I took inspiration from it because I really liked the way you could see the product through the packaging. I wanted to take this idea and create something that was of course functional but also clever in it's simplicity and aesthetics. From here I played around with some handle designs and created my 1:1 templates in preparation to cut the 10 out of card.

Graphic Design_Isabella Rago_Fruit Bowl_4

Bowl sitting on packaging

Box sleeve

Swing tag

As the sleave became the focal point for the package graphics, the design had to reflect the logo as well as the bowl itself. I decided to use the original file for laser cutting, and incorporate the bowls pattern neatly on the packaging. The graphics are black and white which keeps with the minimalist theme.

For the swing tag I decided to use the logo again on a transparent film. The film would overlap a blue tie died canvas. This represented the ocean, waves and the reflection of the sun through the water. The shape was rounded to match the pattern and be aesthetically in sync with the bowl pattern as it sits on top.

Packaging Design_Isabella Rago_2014_Fruit Bowl_3

Design refinement

Final Design

Further refining saw the design take it’s final shape. The net was carefully designed to fit the bowl tightly to ensure there was no movement.

I had to alter the dimensions four times to create a nice fit. The blue is the final design, however, I came across the need for the lid to close and the walls to be more supportive. The final decision was made to incorporate a sleeve rather than a tab in the box and to reduce the walls as it was originally structurally adequate.

The final design is also easier and cleaner to cut out. The walls would fold into each other requiring glue to stick them together and a sleeve to keep the box closed.

Bowl Manufacture_Isabella Rago_2014_Fruit Bowl_2

Sanding the inner edges of my fruit bowl

Out of several learning obstacles I overcame; understanding cost of time or labour costs was most difficult for me. I underestimated the time needed to produce and finish 10 bowls to a high standard. Even though I used my time efficiently, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to produce all the bowls in time, therefore, I sped up my process. The overall aesthetic suffered from this, as well as resulting with 1 cracked bowl.