Alexis Flores Portfolio 2011

Alexis FloresIndustrial Designer

Problem: Ladders are not suitable to be placed on stairs.

Solution: A ladder that sets on top of the average staircase.

Research

Due to concerns in safety in using ladders I decided to research and found that painting around and above stairs proves to be one of the most common and challenging safety hazards for painters. I searched to find ways different people are solving this problem and also looked at existing products in the market. Bench-marking helped me determine the opportunity of the product.

Expensive

Inexpensive

ComplexSimple

Target User and Interviews

Normally we use an A-frame ladder against the wall or use an extension. It would be awesome if the ladder ‘s height can be adjustable.

Has to be easy to use with a simple and unique design that can be placed in my small apartment because I don’t have a lot of storage space or a garage.

Target UserGender: male and femaleAge: 21-25Location: small apartmentOccupation: college graduateIncome level: $32,000Hobbies: painting, designing, and jogging

Professional PainterName: JustinLocation: Chicago, IllinoisWorks at: his dad’s company

EmployeeName: JosephLocation: Chicago, IllinoisWorks at: Home Depot

The most popular ladder is the Werner stepladder F5200 series. It is made out of fiberglass and folds really easy. It is also very light and sturdy.

Sketches

The sketches focus on generating various of ideas, while they all concentrate with the importance of the stairs.

Sketch Model

The design process continued with model making and getting more specific with dimensions. Also, the wood model helped me test the idea on top of a standard stairway.

User Scenario

Snap Fit ButtonRelease button to remove pieces

Light WeightEasy to carry and portable

Heavy Duty Type 1A supports up to 300 lbs.

Modular Construction

The design of the ladder has the opportunity to be stored two different ways. The standard method or it could be disassembled in order to be stacked if space is an issue.

DeconstructedIdentical parts make the ladder easier to manufacture

ConstructedStandard way of putting away ladder

Rubber GripSafety grip will position the ladder on the floor

Triple-Lock Hinge3 locks to prevent the ladder from collapsing

Problem: Difficult to breath and low visibility.

Solution: Having a respirator attached to the helmet.

Group Project with Bobby Ricci

Observation and Empathic Research

We started this project with empathic research. This method helped us get an insight of the issues that come from the helmet. The main problems that we observed were; the viewing window of the helmet is too small, temperature raises inside helmet upon use, and the user is still entirely exposed to dangerous chemicals.

Ideation Sketches

Competitive Products

Brand

Model

Description

Price

3M 3M

Speedglass Helmet 9000

Face protection with a lightweight air purifying respirator

We searched for similar helmets with respirators in the market. We discovered that most of these welding helmets are really expensive and may not be affordable to the standard user.

$1,499.99$1,816.56 $155.70$773.63

Sperian North®

Sperian OS100 PAPR 7600 SeriesFull Facepiece Respirator 6000 Series

Backpack attachment that ventilates air

Conversion kit that adapts to North helmets

Respiratory Protection for mold remediation

Our mission is to develop and execute a combination of ideas in order to produce an innovative, safe, visu-ally appealing, humanized welding helmet. We hope to guide our design to protect against radiation, harmful gases, heat, skin irritation and burn, flying particles, and dirt. Ultimately our goal is to create a product that can be obtained by a multitude of different people and always demonstrates the highest level of protection.

Our Mission

Problems Solutions

VentilationA fan would be provided to have air circulation and easier breathing

Larger VisorA larger viewing window would help the user to be aware of his surroundings

RespiratorThe respirator would be included inside the helmet to protect against harmful gases

VelcroVelcro would be used to attach the respirator with the helmet in order to have an affordable welding helmet

Design Refinement

Final Model Details

Auto-DarkeningWider lens and reliable vision protection

RespiratorProtects user from breathing chemicals

Ventilation SystemDiffuses cool air

FanNew technology to prevent sweltering

Problem: Having comfort and style within the same shoe.

Solution: Inquire a target user to gain knowledge of the current trends and comfort of a shoe.

Target User

Name: NicoleAge: 21Gender: femaleLocation: south side of ChicagoEthnicity: Mexican AmericanOccupation: college studentHobbies: designing, drawing, skateboarding and night lifeMusic : electronica, rock, indie, hip hop and danceApparel: super skinny jeans, graphic tee and high top shoesShops: Vans, Emerica, Converse, Forever21, Urban Outfitters, and thrift stores

Mood Board

A combination of an inspiration board and a mood board. There were many elements that inspired me to design this shoe, whether it was from color, existing products, or emotion. It helped me chose the style of the shoe with ease during ideation.

Sketches

Final Design

No LacesA velcro strap to tighten the shoe

Knitted FabricProvides elasticity and warmth

Softer InsoleSoft material and a greater ability to absorb shock

Wider Toe BoxProvides sufficient space and prevents constriction

Problem: PSP is too bulky and gets distracting during game play.

Solution: Having a more ergonomic game system for the user and expanding the gaming performance.

Product Redesign

Models

Thank You

Alexis Floresflores.alex89@gmail.com