• Introduction

    In "Object/Experience" course, we will explore how the choices of form and material affect our interactions with the physical world. Perceptual approaches to design consider form as something that affords a sensory-motor experience. We combine such approaches with traditional product design methods such as sketching of the object's geometrical form. We use simple materials such as paper and foam to explore the potential of the three-dimensional forms. You will learn how to study and to design physical objects so that they trigger a sensory experience you wish to create.

    Key Topics:

    • Design Affordances
    • Sketching for Interaction Designers: Objects and their Use, Storytelling and Storyboards, Technical Drawing ( Section, Plan, Axonometric drawing, Perspective)
    • Modular Thinking, Patterns, Paper Modelling
    • Additive and Subtractive Form Making
    • Product Design Werkstatt Introduction, Z-Tech course ( laser-cutting etc.)
    • Concept and design of tangible interactive prototype ( Sketching, Photo Series, Text )


    Lecturers
    • Florian Wille
    • Verena Ziegler

    Trainer/innen

  • Preparation


    • On your first day (Wednesday 4th of Oct), bring an object with you that has the following qualities:

      • you have a personal connection to it and you tell a short story about it
      • it is disposable enough so your parents won't disinherit you if you loose it
      • it is geometrically complex and is comprised of different or interesting materials – the weirder the better

      Also, bring drawing tools that you feel comfortable with. We recommend using an HB grade pencil, but you may bring additional gear if you prefer.

      Connect with the filer server: smb://fileredu.ad.zhdk.ch/DDE and use your itz login

      Place your Documentation in your Folder on the filer server
      Guidelines on how to document (IAD wiki)

      image showing the folderstructure on the filer server




  • Calendar

    • Exercise 1. Sketching Sensory Experience

      The goal of this exercise is to study an object through tactile, kinaesthetic, olfactory and sonic experience it enables. The challenge is to sketch the sensory experience as it emerges: to put the sensations into words and into drawings. You work in couples. One of you blindfolded. The blindfolded person receives an object to be explored through senses other than vision. Without saying the name of the object, the blidnfolded person describes the sensations (soft, curved, warm, loud etc) caused through manipulation of the artifact. The person who listens tries to put these words into sketches without drawing the object. The goal is to sketch create sensory stories, representing a sensory experience of a person interacting with an object.

      • Exercise 2. Sketching Form

        Sketch an objects using in the following techniques:

        • Orthagonal views (top / side)
        • Isometric views
        • 1-Point perspective
        • 2-Point perspitive
        • 3-Point perspective
        • Applying shadows in perspective

        • Exercise 3. Sketching Function

          Sketch the use of an object in a functional way. The human body or its parts (hand or foot) have to be represented. The result should be a drawn user manual.

          • Exercise 4. Sketching Use- / Misuse

            Students invent stories of the use and misuse of an object. The temporal aspect of the story comes into play - How does one represent cause-effect loops, emotional states etc. A results is a cartoon like story showing the misuse of an object.

            • Exercise 5. Cut&Paste

              This exercise is an exploration of patterns, scale, repetition and connection. It is composed of four steps:

              1. From a flat paper create a form by cutting, folding, or weaving it
              2. Using a repetition of the same element create a pattern or a new object
              3. Scale the same element into different sizes
              4. Create different ways of connecting the modules to create a new structures.

            • Excursion

            • Low Level Introduction

              On 12th of October you'll have an introduction to the low level workshop with Thomas Tobler at the workshop gallery (ZT 3.E07-B Projektraum Low Level).  Thomas will pick you up, in front of the low level workshop. Those who already did the low level workshop & laser introduction, can skip the introduction. You are very welcome though to take part in the workshop introduction, as a refresher is always helpful.

              Be prepared to get dirty and dusty - so dress accordingly. Also, avoid baggy clothes and tie up your hair, if you have long hair.

              • Exercise 6. Cube Expresssions

                Build 3 objects out of foam cubes [10x10x10cm]. Each must invite one of the following actions through form:

                • spin me
                • leave me alone
                • shake me
                • stretch me
                • complete me
                • inhale me
                • break me

                • Excursion Farb-Licht-Zentrum

                  • Excursion to the "Farblicht Labor" | 20.10.2023 - 09.00
                    We will meet at 9:00 at 4.K15 to then head to Room 7.E10

                    Contact: marcus.pericin@zhdk.ch


                • Exercise 8. Light as Matter

                  Create a concept for an interactive lamp. Adapt interactions and/or affordances from other contexts. One way of achieving that can be by giving existing objects a new function (ready mades). Build an experience prototype.

                  1 Textseite

                  • LAM - Group Mentoring (20.10.2023)

                    • 13:00 – Team Thinle / Anna / Leroy
                    • 13:25 – Team Nico / Noel / Lola
                    • 13:50 – Team Lea / Iris / Meagan
                    • 14:00 – Team Joel / Nadja / Lorena / Pablo
                    • 14:40 – Team Tommaso / Jonny / Elena Fa. / Elena Fr.

                  • Concept Presentation (25.10.2023)

                    • Duration: 5-7 min
                    • Form: Slides & physical artefacts
                    Content: 
                    • Your idea: What was your focus, why did you choose it?
                    • Your use-case: How is your object used? Visualise your concept through a scenario in the form of a storyboard or reenacted (video)
                    • Your first attempts, first learnings
                    • Next steps

                    Schedule:

                    • 09:00 – Intro
                    • 09:10 –  Team Thinle / Anna / Leroy
                    • 09:25 – Team Nico / Noel / Lola
                    • 09:40 – Team Lea / Iris / Meagan
                    • 09:55 – Team Tommaso / Elena
                    • 10:10 – Team Jonny / Elena
                    • 10:25 – Team Joel / Nadja / Lorena / Pablo

                • Final Presentation

                  1 Textseite
                  • Mind the following requirements for the presentation:
                    • Duration per project: about 10 minutes
                    • Time for questions and discussion: about 5 minutes
                    • Bring all your physical mockups

                    Slides:
                    The title slide should contain the following information
                    • Project title, Object Experience
                    • Names, email addresses
                    • IAD ZHDK 2023

                    Structure:

                    • Discover (research, inspiration )  // 2-4 slides
                    • Design (initial idea, prozess, iterations,…) 2-4 slides
                    • Deliver (final concept) // 4 slides


                    Language:

                    German or English (voluntary)

                    Ideas how to structure your presentation:
                    • Your idea: What was your focus, why did you choose it?
                    • Your process: What where your initial thoughts and how did your ideas change over the course of the project.
                    • Your design: Describe your design decisions.
                    • Your heart: Is there some detail you especially like or what would be the first thing to change?

                    Video:
                    To document the experience of interacting with your light, a short video is the best medium. It should not be longer than 60 seconds and show how and in which context your light object is used.

                    Schedule:
                    08:30 – Set-up of Exibition
                    09:00 – Welcome & Intro

                    09:15 – EMO-LUX (Meagan Crowe, Lea Helbok, Iris Prelorentzou)
                    09:30 – Safe Waters (Leroy Jallow, Anna Senko, Thinle Shitsetsang)
                    09:45  – Breath of Light (Elena Fabrikant, Elena Frei, Jonathan Gartenmann, Tommaso Poggi)
                    //Coffee Break
                    10:15 – Segemented Fire (Pablo Blumer, Lorena Cirincione, Nadja Häfliger, Joel Staub)
                    10:30 – Crystal Cave (Nico Frey, Noel Kampus, Lola Renner)
                    // Break
                    11:00 – Concluding Discussion and Course Feedback

                  • Documentation

                    Document the process and outcome of the following exercises

                    • sketching
                    • modules
                    • cube expressions
                    • material library
                    • light as matter

                • Fine Print on how not to fail this class and get your expenses back


                  • What will be assessed

                    Over all

                    • commitment
                    • progress / improvement

                    Exercises

                    • sketching
                    • modules
                    • cube expressions (foam, clay, cardboard, paper)
                    • light as matter
                      • concept
                      • process
                      • model building
                      • outcome


                    Documentation

                    Please consult the Project documentation guidelines on the IAD Wiki


                    Attendance

                    In order to pass the course, a minimum attendance of 80% in contact hours is required.
                    Contact hours are:

                    • kick-offs
                    • input sessions
                    • mentorings
                    • presentations

                    Two or more unexcused absences will affect the final grade.


                    Grading

                    Grades will be based on the final presentation, final work, and deliverables.
                    • 20% Final presentation
                    • 50% Final work
                    • 30% Deliverables


                    Expenses

                    You can be reimbursed for material costs up to CHF 100,- per team if you submit the required documents within  4 weeks after the end of the module.



                • Resources

                  1 Verzeichnis, 1 Etherpad Lite